Now We See Them, Now We Don’t
Mondays through Thursdays through, Nov. 18, Fine Arts Gallery, Room J-107, Triton College
See the assembled sculpture artwork of Oak Parker Bob Steed, who sculpts endangered and extinct animal species. He aims to heighten awareness of threats facing Earth’s creatures and to exhibit something artistic and educational. To visit, reserve a time at: 708-456-0300 x3506. Or, visit Building J, Monday through Thursday mornings and call 3506 on the hallway phone to have the gallery unlocked. Questions: carolgutkowski@triton.edu. 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove.
Socktober
Through Oct. 31, Children’s Services Desk, Main Library
Warm souls and soles by contributing new socks to benefit the clients of Housing Forward. Socks are among the most requested items at shelters. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Terrain Biennial 2021
Through Nov. 15
Sculpture by Galen Odell-Smedley 
“Landscapes without Compass” by Madeleine Primavera Bailey 
“Scenario!” by Amelia Huske & Madeleine Aguilar 
“SYNERGY – Outdoor Series” by Michele Silvetti-Schmitt 
“Get Together” by Margaret Buchen 
“Community Display” by Marzena Ziejka 
“Almost Touching” by Elizabeth Burke-Dain 
“Shadowscape (Home)” by Alison Balcanoff
The international exhibition founded in Oak Park by Sabina Ott has 250 works on display in front yards, porches and other accessible locations in neighborhoods for all to see and experience art. Nearby locations include Berwyn, Forest Park, Riverside, and many sites in Oak Park. More: terrainexhibitions.org/tb2021
The Backstory Project
View anytime with Open Door Repertory
Because Open Door believes theater is about storytelling, when they found they could not produce live shows during the pandemic, they turned to telling the stories of individuals around town, “people whose efforts enrich the lives of our communities.” Two releases now available: Part 2 of an interview with our own Growing Community Media publisher Dan Haley and Al’s Grill Manager Petros Mourtokokis. Check back for new releases. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Watch here: opendoortheater.net
Art Conservation at the Oriental Institute (OI) Museum
Monday, Nov. 1, 1:15 p.m., Ballroom, Nineteenth Century Club
The University of Chicago’s OI is a world-renowned showcase for the history, art and archaeology of the ancient Middle East. Learn what goes on behind the scenes with OI conservator Alison Whyte. She’ll explain the art and science of artifact conservation, tell stories of the early days of the Institute and more. Brought by The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Socially distanced seating; masks and proof of vaccination required. $15, requested donation; free, members. More: nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest, Oak Park.
Fallin’ for Our Stars
Friday, Oct. 29, Virtually with West Suburban Special Recreation Foundation and West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA)
This benefit features virtual blackjack, roulette and craps (7:30 – 8:30 p.m.); silent auction (closes at 10 p.m.); and raffle. Also, celebrate “Our Stars,” WSSRA participants. Sponsorships: $100 and up; raffle tickets: $25; Casino: free registration. More: one.bidpal.net/wssraffos2021/welcome
So You Want to Grow an Orchid?
Thursday, Oct. 28, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory
Join Kay Perry from the Illinois Orchid Society to learn about the care and growing of orchids, such as light needs, watering, tips on reblooming and more. Register: fopcon.org/conservatory-events
Family Festival
Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Virtually with Illinois Storytelling
Enjoy stories, puppets and song in six live 30-minute shows that are also recorded for later viewing.
10 – 10:30: stories for preschoolers
10:45 – 11:15: puppets for preschoolers
11:30 – noon: songs for preschoolers
1 – 1:30: stories for families
1:45 – 2:15: stories/puppets for families
2:30 – 3: songs for families
Free; $5, per family suggested donation. Register: eventbrite.com/e/family-fest-tickets-184397326367
Into The Woods: Ghost Stories for Adults
Friday, Oct. 29, 9 p.m., Virtually with Illinois Storytelling
Join featured storytellers Janice Del Negro, Megan Wells, Margaret Burk, Amy Crump, Kelly Campos, Rachael Ann Harding and Erica Gamble for a spooky evening of tales. $15 or pay what you can. Register: eventbrite.com/e/into-the-woods-ghost-stories-for-adults-tickets-184391117797
Spooky Skate
Friday, Oct. 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Ice Rink, Ridgeland Common
Don a costume for the costume contest, play games on the ice, make creepy crafts and more. Rink will be transformed into a haunted house. Ages 15 and under; may be accompanied by one non-skating guardian. $10; free, with season pass. Register: pdop.org. 415 Lake St., Oak Park.
“Zombie” Premiere
Saturday, Oct. 30, 3 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m., Cernan Earth and Space Center, Triton College
See a psychological horror and black comedy film by River Forest filmmaker Martina Reese. Reese wrote and directed the 75-minute feature film. OPRFHS grads and a Forest Park resident appear in the film. Locations include local spots in North Riverside, Oak Park and River Forest. The film contains strong language and a brief scene depicting violence. Free. 2000 N. Fifth Ave., River Grove.
Day of the Dead Display
Through Nov. 2, Idea Box, Main Library
Dia de Muertos is a holiday to celebrate lost loved ones. This year’s display, “Lagrimas de Alegria,” designed by librarian and Oak Parker Raleigh Ocampo, remembers those lost to COVID-19. Share an image of a loved one who has passed and it will be added to the video installation on display. Send by Oct. 31: oppl.org/share.
