The works of Aurora artist Dr. Charles Smith will be exhibited from 8/17- 9/18 in Waubonsee’s Arrowhead Gallery. Join Dr. Smith in an Artist Talk on 8/27 at 2pm to learn how he spent more than fifteen years building an art environment on his property in Aurora, Illinois that was unlike anything else in America. Working in concrete and found materials, he created over 600 sculptures that resulted in a sprawling, self-made monument to African American history, from its most celebrated figures to its most forgotten ones.

Join LLI members attending the talk at a self-paid lunch at Burnt Barrel restaurant prior to the talk at noon on 8/27.

Speaker:  Dr. Charles Smith

An installation of the work of Artist Mike Rea will be exhibited from 8/10-10/2 in the Dickson Center Window Art Project Space. Join Mike in an Artist Talk on 9/9 at 11 AM to learn how their work reflects a culture of humor, violence, vulgarity, and sensitivity as he replicates and reinvents moments of cinematic horror, science fiction, comedy and drama. These moments intermingle with the artist's memory to form the bizarre personal narratives present in his bombastic sculpture.

Join LLI members attending the talk at a self-paid lunch at Burnt Barrel restaurant after the talk at noon on 9/9.

Speaker:  Mike Rea

The works of Carina Vargas-Nunez will be exhibited from 9/28-10/30 in Waubonsee’s Arrowhead Gallery in Dickson Center. Join Carina in an Artist Talk on 10/1 at 2PM to learn how they blend paint, textile, and sculpture to explore how world building and archiving can be used as tools of resistance in imagining a better future. Their work is an amalgamation of memory, family stories, folklore, and history pieced together to shape fantastical scenes influenced by elements of symbolism and magical realism.

Join LLI members attending the talk at a self-paid lunch at Burnt Barrel restaurant prior to the talk at noon on 10/1.

Speaker:  Carina Vargas-Nuñez 

Join award-winning Sonido Reyes for a thought-provoking presentation exploring the importance of the freedom to read, the power of diverse stories, and why inclusive literature matters. Through personal stories, lived experiences, and reflections on writing queer and Latinx characters, Reyes will examine how books foster empathy, build understanding, and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue across communities. This presentation will also explore the growing conversation surrounding book challenges and censorship, highlighting why access to diverse voices is essential in education, libraries, and our communities. Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for literature as a tool for connection, representation, and civic engagement.

Whether you are an educator, librarian, student, parent, or community member who values lifelong learning, this session offers an opportunity to engage in an important conversation about intellectual freedom, belonging, and the stories that shape our world.This complimentary presentation is open to the public and is presented as part of Waubonsee Community College's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and our commitment to supporting the freedom to read. October 2, 2026 | Waubonsee Community College – Sugar Grove Campus, Bodie 150

Speaker:  Sonido Reyes

An installation of the work of Jaclyn Jacunski will be exhibited from 10/12- 12/4 in the Dickson Center Window Art Project Space. Join Jaclyn in an Artist Talk on 10/15 at 2 PM to learn how she draws on notions of public life, private ownership, communal living, and social transformation as she explores how land, class, and collective life leave their marks in the physical world. Her practice includes printmaking, sculpture, and participatory installation.

Join LLI members attending the talk at a self-paid lunch at Burnt Barrel restaurant prior to the talk at noon on 10/15.

Speaker:  Jaclyn Jacunski

This special screening of No Small Matter, the first feature-length documentary exploring the critical importance of high-quality early childhood education and its lasting impact on children, families, communities, and the economy.

The evening will begin with networking and opportunities to connect with local organizations and community resources, followed by the film screening. After the movie, a panel of early childhood experts, educators, and community leaders will discuss the film's key themes, answer questions, and explore how our region can work together to strengthen early childhood education and support families.

Whether you're an early childhood professional, student, parent, policymaker, employer, or community advocate, this event offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the conversation about investing in our youngest learners.

This class is complimentary and all ages are welcome. We will have heavy refreshments.

Note:  Meet and greet begins at 4:40 pm.