Art shows and art events in Ottawa, IL tonight and this week

A traveling exhibition based on the children’s book The Stick, developed by silhouette artist Clay Rice and the South Carolina State Museum.

The Next Picture Show's On the Prairie exhibition runs through mid-November, with artists exploring Midwest prairie landscapes, wildlife, and plants.

Twenty-five colossal artist-designed works at the NIU Art Museum, inspired by the Olmec heads carved from basalt in ancient Mexico.

Watercolor with Mary Truesdale at the Dellwood Park Community Center (DPCC) in Lockport, the Lockport Township Park District building that holds multipurpose rooms, a full size gym and three preschool classrooms.

"BITE: The Etched Mark" Art Exhibition in Elmhurst.

Paint a glowing masterpiece under the blacklights

Pumpkin painting with advanced booking required.

An all-natural candle-making workshop to pour, personalize and make something fabulous.

A paint and sip class: follow a talented local artist to paint your own version of "Solstice Glow". All painting supplies included; no experience needed.

An evening to create art and sip drinks at Oasis Mexican Kitchen & Bar in Lockport, Illinois. $10.

Veterans Day exhibit: book 5 of 7 from Rena Monterastellis collection of World War II scrapbooks, February 14, 1943 to June 7, 1944. Uniforms, medals, Pete Thomson's address book from a Japanese POW camp, a Guadalcanal bayonet and a rare 3-flap Vietnam era hand-grenade pouch. They come down in mid-December.

The Next Picture Show's On the Prairie exhibition runs through mid-November, with artists exploring Midwest prairie landscapes, wildlife, and plants.

"BITE: The Etched Mark" Art Exhibition in Elmhurst.

Twenty-five colossal artist-designed works at the NIU Art Museum, inspired by the Olmec heads carved from basalt in ancient Mexico.

Third to fifth graders hang out, drink hot cocoa, and work on their own craft projects or make a pompom wreath with provided materials. Free.

Leaf Thief Squirrel Collage: hear "The Leaf Thief" by Alice Hemming, then make a squirrel collage. Grades K-3.

A glassblowing class at the Bodega where you make a trio of blown glass ornaments in colors you choose, $65.

An hour-long art session meant to connect mind and body, with an anonymous survey on feelings and heart rate before and after. Open to all ages 18 and up, including people who don't think they're creative, and all supplies are provided.

An opening reception with light refreshments to meet the artists from the Route 66 centennial exhibition, followed by the Think and Drink event.

Fair Game – Open Painting Night in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Paint your own Nora Fleming mini at a holiday party with sips and snacks.

A hands-on class decorating animal-themed sugar cookies while helping homeless animals get a second chance, and you leave with three.

A Harvest Sunset paint and sip class led by a local artist, with all painting supplies included.

Local artists share some of their favorite works and the inspiration behind them, followed by time to create your own artwork.

A paint and sip night built around the Grinch at Oasis Mexican Kitchen & Bar in Lockport, Illinois. Tickets are $20.

Live blues with Jaik Willis on the Legends Stage in Rock 'N Ravioli, in the Arcada Theatre lobby. Food and cocktails for purchase.

This Veterans Day exhibit shows book 5 of 7 in Rena Monterastellis World War II scrapbooks, February 14, 1943 to June 7, 1944. See if a local relative from those dates is highlighted. Also uniforms, medals, a Guadalcanal bayonet and Pete Thomson's address book from a Japanese POW camp.

The Next Picture Show's On the Prairie exhibition runs through mid-November, with artists exploring Midwest prairie landscapes, wildlife, and plants.

Twenty-five colossal artist-designed works at the NIU Art Museum, inspired by the Olmec heads carved from basalt in ancient Mexico.

An hour-long art session meant to connect mind and body, with an anonymous survey on feelings and heart rate before and after. Open to all ages 18 and up, including people who don't think they're creative, and all supplies are provided.

A guided tour of the First Division Museum, telling the history of the U.S. Army's oldest division, the First Infantry. Free with paid parking.

A hands-on paint and sip class led by a local artist, all painting supplies included; no experience needed.

A paint 'n sip at Camp Aramoni where you learn to paint a Christmas Goose. $45.

A night out for kids in pajamas: they paint ceramic ornaments, watch a movie and eat snacks, and parents get a night out too. It costs $40.

"BITE: The Etched Mark" Art Exhibition in Elmhurst.

A paint-and-draw session where everyone brings their own supplies to create together, with burgers at Empire.

A pottery workshop to create unique handmade gifts or décor while you sip, sculpt and unwind.

ArtBar Batavia Art Show at Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Illinois.

A step-by-step oil painting class using Bob Ross techniques, building a mountain landscape from scratch. No experience needed, and all supplies are included.

A Veterans Day exhibit showing book 5 of 7 from Rena Monterastellis's World War II scrapbooks; see if a local relative is highlighted. Plus memorabilia from most of the wars the country fought.