Wednesday, February 25, 2026

March 1st Meeting and Downers Grove Exhibit

MEETINGS

March 1 -Noon - 2:30 with clean up until 3pm Nancy Castner runs meeting

Presenter Laura Smetana, Children's Book Author & Illustrator

Laura loves creating bright, joyful cut-paper watercolor collages inspired by nature. Laura will share the story behind a few of her books including, My Love for You is Like a Garden and My Love for You Is LIke the Night Sky, both of which feature vivid cut-paper watercolor collages, followed by a demonstration of her collage technique. Then Laura will lead a card making cut-paper collage activity. By the end of the session, you'll have a few unique cards that you can give to friends and family. 

Materials needed: collage papers (if you would like to use watercolored papers, please paint a selection of papers in varying colors in advance), scissors, a pencil, glue stick and your enthusiasm!  A selection of small scrapbook collage papers and cardstock will be provided.

 

April 12 - Noon - 2:30  Exquisite Corpse Committee will be presenting a fun group activity 

about Exquisite Corpse and what that is all about and hand out the set of  8 x 8 wood panels 

for those members that signed up for this project. What is scheduled already for an exhibit of the Exquisite Corpse will be November 2026 at Indian Prairie Public Library.  

Please take a look at our Blog for added information about Exquisite Corpse games and about the Surrealist.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Membership for 2026 – 2027 renews on April 1. Please make checks payable to Midwest
Collage Society in the amount of $20. If you are also interested in joining the National Collage
Society, dues are an additional $35.
A membership form, Hit the tab above MCS Logo 

Please send the completed form and your check to:
Midwest Collage Society
c/o Joan Petranovich
1513 Maple Ave
Downers Grove IL 60515
If you have any questions, please contact Joan at 630-512-0141 or dijitize@aol.com.

EXHIBITS

Downers Grove Library  1050 Curtis St., Downers Grove, IL

It will be earlier in 2026 due to a special traveling exhibit on the Holocaust that the 

DG Library was selected to host.  Kudos to the library. Let your creativity flow, 

the exhibit drop off on Feb. 28th is almost here.  The prospectus is attached.

Schedule for this exhibit:
Drop off on Saturday, February 28 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Run dates March 6-April 7, 2026
Pick up on Saturday, April 11 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Reception Sunday, March 8th, 2pm to 4pm.

Following is the list of those who have signed up to bring: treats to share:

Nancy Castner             Veggie Tray

Joan Petranovich         Cheese Tray

Adrienne Austin            Sweet Treats

Ellen Myers                   Cookies

Nancy Staczak              Veggie Straws

Laura Lein-Svensner     Nuts

Joan Lucht                     Cookies

Please send an email to Nancy Castner at designsbynanc@gmail.com 

to add your contribution to the list. Sign-up will also be available at the

 MCS March 1st meeting.

 

Future Exhibit

August 28 through October 23, at the Holmstad in Batavia. 

We will need to hang the exhibit ourselves and we are looking for a volunteer. 

This will be a juried exhibit. Theme to be announced in upcoming newsletters. 

Adrienne Austin and Joan Lucht will take the lead. 

 

FALL CREATIVE ARTISTS RETREAT

Don't miss the next one!  September 23 to 27,  2026

 

MEMBERS

Laura Lein-Svencner will teach Friday Fusion Spring Collage Class

Mar 13th-April 17th at Naperville Art League,10:30-1:00 6 Weeks
Call to register at 630-355-2530 or register online at Naperville Art League Classes