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Free Family Events & Workshops

Tap any event below to register. Takes one minute. Always free.

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The Arc of Illinois · Statewide

Speak Up and Speak Out Summit 2026

Register by July 24, 2026

Join us as we travel to Normal, IL (or join virtually) for the statewide self-advocacy summit. Aug 31 to Sep 2 at the Marriott Hotel. $50 registration, financial assistance available.

Register for SUSO →
Now enrolling · Rolling admissions

Pathways Self-Advocates

A leadership cohort for young people with disabilities, ages 14½ to 22. Find your voice, claim your rights, and lead in your community. Join any time, no experience required.

Join the cohort →

Hosted by SIP Arts Foundation

SIP Arts Foundation Art Workshops

Pathways to Expression is our inclusive art studio at 424 Lebanon Avenue, Belleville. Each month is one creative theme across three sessions: introduce, build, finish. Every series ends with a Family Art Gallery.

Thursdays

Little Expressions

Wet media and big movement in the concrete floor room.

  • When Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:45 PM
  • Ages 4 to 8
  • Places 12
  • Cost $75 monthly series
Thursdays

Growing Expressions

Detail work and independent building in the carpeted room.

  • When Thursdays, 5:00 to 6:00 PM
  • Ages 9 to 12
  • Places 10
  • Cost $75 monthly series
Saturdays

Express Yourself

The same three sessions as Thursday, for families whose weekdays are full.

  • When Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Ages 4 to 12, two groups by age
  • Places 16
  • Cost $75 monthly series
Free

Family Expressions

Open studio for the whole family, one Sunday a month. No series to commit to.

  • When One Sunday monthly, 3:00 to 5:00 PM
  • Next Aug 9, Sep 13, Oct 11, Nov 8
  • Ages Everyone
  • Cost Free
Free

Parent Group

Meets after the final Thursday session each month. Free, always.

  • When Final Thursday, 6:00 PM
  • Ages Adults
  • Places Open
  • Cost Free
Free

Family Art Gallery

The month's work goes up together, with a surprise guest presenter and food.

  • When Final Saturday, 12:15 PM
  • Ages Everyone
  • Places Open
  • Cost Free

Cost and scholarships

$75 monthly series, three sessions on one day. $100 studio membership for both days, up to six sessions. $60 for each additional sibling. Scholarships are $0 to any family who needs one. No forms, no documentation, no questions.

Our workshops welcome individuals of all abilities. A diagnosis, disability label, or previous art experience is not required.

The year at a glance

MonthThemeThursdaysSaturdays
Aug 2026I Am Not a Robot13, 20, 2715, 22, 29
Sep 2026The World in Color10, 17, 2412, 19, 26
Oct 2026Motion and Balance8, 15, 2210, 17, 24
Nov 2026Merging Dots5, 12, 197, 14, 21
Dec 2026Studio break. Joyful Art & Community Fair on December 12.
Jan 2027How Can I Help?14, 21, 2816, 23, 30
Feb 2027I Am Who I Say I Am4, 11, 186, 13, 20
Mar 2027The Road to Freedom4, 11, 186, 13, 20
Apr 2027Motivated by Music8, 15, 2210, 17, 24
May 2027Making Waves6, 13, 208, 15, 22
Jun 2027What Lives Here10, 17, 2412, 26 (19 is the Juneteenth Fair)
Jul 2027Let Your Style Take Shape8, 15, 2210, 17, 24

Community events

Joyful Art & Community Fair
December 12, 2026. Holiday art show and sale with family community resources. Co-hosted with Southwestern Illinois Career Academy.
Hearts & Huddles
February 14, 2027. Daytime family art session, love or football. Evening adults-only Paint & Sip, BYOB.
618 Juneteenth Art & Community Fair
June 19, 2027. Free community event with art, vendors, community resources, and food.

Upcoming Events

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Statewide · The Arc of Illinois

Statewide events & trainings

As part of The Arc of Illinois network, we help promote statewide events, webinars, and trainings for people with disabilities and their families. This list updates automatically from The Arc of Illinois.

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See all events at The Arc of Illinois ↗

Community Partner Programs

More support in our community

These programs are hosted by trusted community partners. Registration, attendance, and any fees are managed directly by each partner. Cost should never be a barrier; email info@sipartsfoundation.org to inquire about a scholarship.

Open Arms Social Support Group

Virtual support groups for those on the spectrum or with special needs (ages 9 and up), plus a separate group for parents, caregivers, and special educators. Led by a licensed special education teacher.

1st Monday monthly: Children, teens & young adults
3rd Monday monthly: Parents & caregivers

Hosted by Open Arms. Registration is managed directly by Open Arms.

Register with Open Arms Visit Facebook Group

We Rock the Spectrum — Edwardsville

An inclusive kids' gym designed for children of all abilities, offering sensory-safe equipment, open play, and family-friendly events in Edwardsville.

Hosted by We Rock the Spectrum. Visit their page for hours and programs.

Visit We Rock the Spectrum

Trainings & Resources from Partner Organizations

Free trainings, webinars, and learning resources

Trusted state and national organizations offering trainings and resources for families. Each calendar is hosted and managed by that organization.

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center

Illinois' federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free trainings and webinars for families of children with disabilities on special education, IEPs, and advocacy.

Trainings hosted and managed by Family Matters PTIC.

View Training Calendar

RAISE National Center

Resources for Access, Independence, Self-advocacy, and Employment. Free national webinars for families, self-advocates, and professionals on transition, employment, and independent living.

Webinars hosted and managed by the RAISE Center.

View Upcoming Webinars

The Arc of Illinois

Statewide advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. SIP Arts Foundation is a proud affiliate of The Arc of Illinois.

Events hosted and managed by The Arc of Illinois.

Monthly Webinars All Events

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

A state agency protecting the rights of people with disabilities, offering free special education trainings for families and professionals.

Trainings hosted and managed by IGAC.

View Special Education Trainings

Illinois Assistive Technology Program

Illinois' statewide assistive technology center, with trainings and workshops on devices and tools that support independence at home, school, and work.

Trainings hosted and managed by IATP.

View Trainings & Workshops

Center for Parent Information & Resources

The national hub for Parent Centers, with free family-friendly resources on disabilities, special education, and early childhood.

Resources hosted and managed by CPIR.

Online Learning Modules Resources for Babies & Toddlers

Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center

A national center supporting families of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities, with free resources on early intervention, preschool special education, and family rights.

Resources hosted and managed by the ECTA Center.

Visit ECTA Center

ZERO TO THREE

National resources on early development, with learning and professional development for parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals.

Hosted and managed by ZERO TO THREE.

Explore Learning & Development