DELICATE FORCES EXHIBIT – EVENING VIEWING HOURS ADDED — The Delicate Forces exhibit currently at Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, IL, continues through November 6, 2022, with the addition of evening indoor hours on Tuesdays from 10 am until 9 pm through November 1, 2022.

Visitors will enjoy the wonder-filled world of the botanically-inspired large-scale art exhibition created by Skunk Control, a group of engineers, scientists, and educators from Australia (https://www.skunkcontrol.com.au/). Delicate Forces is the collaborative’s first exhibition in the United States, and features immersive art works that bring a sense of the wonder of nature with pieces uniquely created through science. Colorful dichroic materials and subtle mechatronic movements create a kaleidoscope of colors that delight during daylight hours, and illuminate in the evening when darkness descends.

The exhibition, funded by the Nicholas Endowment, features five large art installations uniquely created by chemical processes and other technologies; the pieces also incorporate subtle mechatronic movements that mimic those found in nature. In addition to installations in the Conservatory lobby and outdoors, pieces are also in the tropical exhibition area, and consist of 13 mechatronic flowers up to 10 feet tall positioned throughout the beds, casting colorful shadows on the plants below.

For all Conservatory operating hours, go to https://nicholasconservatory.com/hours, where evening hours for select Fridays and Saturdays of public and community events are also posted. Admission fees for the indoor exhibition area are posted at https://nicholasconservatory.com/rates.

More information about the exhibit is at https://nicholasconservatory.com/delicate-forces; for information about field trips, group visits, family programs, events, facility rentals, go to www.nicholasconservatory.com, or contact the Conservatory at 815-987-8858,.where information on accessibility and support for Conservatory visitors and participants with disabilities or special needs is also available.

FROSTY FRIDAYS PUBLIC SKATING SESSIONS BEGIN SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 — It’s great to skate indoors at the coolest place in town, no matter what the weather is like outdoors! Gather family or friends for some Friday night fun and healthy exercise at Rockford Park District’s Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Rd., Loves Park, IL.

Frosty Fridays discounted indoor public ice skating sessions are scheduled every Friday from September 30, 2022 through April 28, 2023, from 7:00 until 9:00 pm. Admission is $8.00 per person (all ages), including skate rental; no discount coupons accepted. The events also include music by a DJ, and a meal deal special for purchase. Frosty Fridays are among the many low-fee family friendly events offered for the community by the Rockford Park District.

For more information on ice skating/hockey programs and events, plus monthly public skating calendars, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/publicskate, or call 815-969-4069, where information on accessibility and adapted skating equipment for people with disabilities is also available.