Education is one of the fundamental pillars of our society, shaping the minds and futures of generations of students. Recognizing the vital role that educators play in this process, the Golden Apple Awards were established in Illinois to honor outstanding teachers and their invaluable contributions. Additionally, May 7 is National Teachers Day, making this time of the year the perfect opportunity to celebrate the educators and teachers in our communities.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching was established in 1986 by Mike and Pat Koldyke through the Golden Apple Foundation. This distinguished accolade is awarded annually to exceptional teachers and school leaders in Illinois who exhibit excellence in teaching and educational leadership. The mission of the Golden Apple Foundation goes beyond mere recognition – it aims to inspire, develop and support teacher excellence in Illinois, especially in schools of need.

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has announced their spring and summer festival and special event dates for this year!

• Chicago Farmers Markets (citywide including Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.)
  • Open May – October
• Maxwell Street Market (800 S. Desplaines St.)

Winnie Godfrey is our April Artist of the Month. Originally from Philadelphia, Godfrey was raised on Chicago’s south side and earned a bachelor of science in art and a master of fine arts from the University of Wisconsin. She also studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of California.

The timeless tradition of floral painting inspires most of Godfrey’s work, but she developed a unique style that depicts floral subjects in an eye-catching, modern way. She utilizes light, color and composition techniques to make photorealistic paintings and presents her subjects with a fresh approach to depicting shapes, texture and the translucency of flowers.

Although her artwork primarily consists of oil-based floral paintings, she is renowned for her work in other figurative subjects, including a series inspired by the indigenous Mayans in Guatemala. Each painting illustrates a different village and costume in a sequence of 14 life-size oils titled “Mayan Procession.” While she often uses oil paint, Godfrey includes a variety of mediums in this series, such as textiles, photos and “alfombra” or carpet made of colored sawdust.

Are you looking for something fun and free to do this month?

Museums across the state are offering free admission to Illinois residents.

As long as you show proof of residency, you get free admission!

On April 8, people in Illinois will have the opportunity to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena – a total solar eclipse. This rare event occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, which casts a shadow that completely blocks out the sun’s light, turning day into an eerie twilight.

Illinois, known for diverse landscapes and star-studded skies, will serve as an ideal viewing location for this celestial spectacle. The path of totality – the area where the sun is completely obscured by the moon – will include the southern tip of Illinois as well as other states.