Valley Briefs: Hispanic and Latino exhibits, garden tips

Aurora

Aurora’s Hispanic communities: Aurora’s Hispanic communities step into the spotlight at the Aurora Historical Society’s “Flavors of Aurora — Stirred not Shaken” opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place. The exhibit on Hispanic contributions to the development of the city will run from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays through Sept. 29. The free reception will feature authentic foods and beverages, live music and dancing by members of the Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl. www.aurorahistory.net.

Dreams and Mirrors: Several well-known and emerging artists representing the Latino community will be featured in the Aurora Public Art Commission’s newest exhibit, “Dreams and Mirrors.” An opening reception with light hors d’oeurves and a cash bar will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 in the commission’s third-floor gallery at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place. Admission to the reception and gallery is free. The exhibit will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays through Nov. 30. www.aurora-il.org or at 630-256-4636.

Kane County

Master gardeners Idea Garden: The University of Illinois Extension master gardeners invite the public to visit their Idea Garden from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 29 and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30. Eight different garden beds are designed to show homeowner garden techniques that can be easily replicated in their own yards. The garden is behind the master gardener vegetable stand at the corner of Peck Road and Route 38 in St. Charles. Enter via the Route 38 driveway. Sarah Fellerer, master gardener/master naturalist program coordinator, fellerer@illinois.edu. U of I Extension office, 630-584-6166.