In February, we celebrate Black History Month to honor the significant achievements of African Americans throughout history. Celebrate with us by expanding your knowledge through our exciting events and incredible resources.
Special All-Ages Performance
Ayodele Drum and Dance
Sunday, February 15, 2–3 p.m.
Welcome the Ayodele Drum and Dance group as they bring a culturally enriching West African dance and live drum experience. All ages welcome. Drop in.
Events For Adults
Reclaiming the Narrative: Restoring Black Voices to the Story of Joliet Special Exhibit
February 2–28
African Americans called the Joliet region home before its incorporation in 1852. They have built up the community, found jobs and enjoyed life in the Des Plaines River Valley. In spite of this long history, the Black community has often been on the periphery of historical narratives. This exhibit highlights four African American organizations that have made significant contributions to the region’s diversity. Drop in.
Drums, Banjos and 808s with Kelly (Zoom)
Thursday, February 4, 7 p.m.
African American music is filled with rhythm, melody and innovation. Musician and storyteller Kelly Campos will take you through a partial history of its evolution from the ancestral music of the Motherland to a unique expression of the African American experience. Registration required.
Black History Month Movie Screening: Sinners
Thursday, February 19, 6–8:30 p.m.
Ages 18 and older
Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as criminal twin brothers who return to their hometown, where they are confronted by a supernatural evil. Rated R. Drop in.
Events for Teens
Fashion Forward: Ann Cole Lowe
Tuesday, February 3, 6 p.m.
Get inspired by fashion designer Ann Cole Lowe! Create your own fashion designs using fun fabrics and other craft materials. Registration required.
Graffiti Art Inspired by George F. Baker III
Monday, February 9, 4–5 p.m.
Use acrylic paint pens to create your own graffiti art based on murals painted by George F. Baker III. Drop in.
Glow Up! Art Inspired by Mickalene Thomas
Monday, February 23, 4–5:30 p.m.
Get bold, get sparkly, get inspired by the colorful art of Mickalene Thomas as you decorate your artwork with rhinestones! Drop in.
Events for Children & Families
Toy Planet Galaxy
Wednesday, January 28, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Imagine a planet of your own, then create it using canvas, paint and mini toys! Your creation will be added to our bulletin board galaxy, inspired by Yinka Shonibare’s Alien Toy Painting. Drop in.
The Magnificent Hats of Mae Reeves
Monday, February 2, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Design and create your own unique hat inspired by the fabulous Mae Reeves. Registration required.
Ada Twist Scientist: STEM Stations
Thursday, February 5, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Science is the best! Explore STEM stations with everyone’s favorite scientist, Ada Twist. Drop in.
Dress to Impress: A Celebration of Black Fashion
Monday, February 9, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
From dandyism to streetwear, we’re celebrating Black fashion, Roblox style! Registration required.
Make Your Mark: The Tattoos of Jacci Gresham
Tuesday, February 10, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades 3–5
Celebrate the pioneering work of the first Black female tattoo artist and then design your own (temporary) tattoos. Drop in.
Honeybees of Charles Henry Turner
Wednesday, February 11, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Join us for an afternoon of art as we explore the colorful world of Charles Henry Turner and his honeybees. Drop in.
Ella-Palooza
Friday, February 13, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Ages 3–5 with an adult
Shake hands with friends! Come join us as we celebrate Ella Jenkins, the first lady of children’s music. Drop in.
Black Innovation: A STEM Escape Room
Monday, February 16, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Grades K–5 with an adult
Challenge our escape room inspired by some of history’s greatest Black scientists! Our STEM puzzles will put you and your family to the test as you race to unlock the prize. Time slots are available every 30 minutes. Registration required.
Preschool Art: Sam Gilliam’s Paintings
Thursday, February 19, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Ages 3–5 with an adult
This art workshop offers young artists the chance to explore unique painting techniques and create a masterpiece inspired by Sam Gilliam’s White and Black Paintings series. Drop in.
The Get Down: A Celebration of Rap and Hip-Hop
Monday, February 23, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Everyone put your hands up! We’re celebrating the greatest of the greatest in hip-hop and rap with crafts, activities and a whole lot of fun! Drop in.
Stories in Stained Glass
Tuesday, February 24, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–2
Share your story through art in the style of stained-glass artist Samuel A. Hodge. Registration required.
Betty Blayton’s Abstract Collages
Wednesday, February 25, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Inspired by Betty Blayton’s abstract art, make a circular collage that represents your feelings in a unique way. Registration required.
Curate Art Like Naomi Beckwith
Thursday, February 26, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades 3–5
Design your own museum art exhibition just like Naomi Beckwith, the chief curator of the Guggenheim Museum. Drop in.
Preschool Play: An Afternoon with Doc McStuffins
Friday, February 27, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Ages 3–5 with an adult
The doctor is in! It’s time for a stuffie check-up during this fun preschool playtime inspired by Doc McStuffins. Drop in.