Community Calendar

Did you know that ordinary looking rocks can hide dazzling crystal worlds inside? Geodes are nature’s hidden treasures – spherical, hollow wonders lined with sparkling crystals! Join us as we explore the fascinating theories behind how geodes form and discover where these natural marvels are found around the world. After the presentation, you’ll get to crack open your very own geode and uncover the mystery within! Introducing our brand-new geode cracker, staff will be set up to crack your geodes! Or you can bring your own rock hammer and an old sock to collect the pieces. Each participant gets two crack open geodes.

Curious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Check the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.

Dorothy Paige-Turner presents a staged reading series celebrating the breadth and brilliance of African-American storytelling.

Experience an unforgettable collection of poetry, drama, and storytelling—from the dreams and wisdom of Langston Hughes, to inspiring women whose spiritual experiences have too often gone untold, to the bold theatrical plays of Rockford native Nathan Alan Davis.

Each event offers a unique opportunity to engage with remarkable artists, ideas, and histories.

I DREAM A WORLD | The Poetry, Plays and Publications of Langston Hughes

SAT Jun 27 at 7:30
SUN Jun 28 at 4:30

CANDLES IN THE DARK | Unnamed Spiritually Gifted Women of the Bible

SAT Jul 25 at 7:30
SUN Jul 26 at 4:30

A NATIVE SON | A Showcase of the Plays of Nathan Alan Davis

SAT Aug 29 at 7:30
SUN Aug 30 at 4:30

Join us for an exploration of pietra dura’s relevance within contemporary art and visual culture. Presented by Madison Hill, designer, researcher, and established pietra dura mosaic artist with over 17 years of experience. Her work is characterized by continuous experimentation in mosaic techniques, new technologies, and materials. She will discuss her artwork on display for the “Enduring Symbols: Liberty Set in Stone” exhibit.

Dorothy Paige-Turner presents a staged reading series celebrating the breadth and brilliance of African-American storytelling.

Experience an unforgettable collection of poetry, drama, and storytelling—from the dreams and wisdom of Langston Hughes, to inspiring women whose spiritual experiences have too often gone untold, to the bold theatrical plays of Rockford native Nathan Alan Davis.

Each event offers a unique opportunity to engage with remarkable artists, ideas, and histories.

I DREAM A WORLD | The Poetry, Plays and Publications of Langston Hughes

SAT Jun 27 at 7:30
SUN Jun 28 at 4:30

CANDLES IN THE DARK | Unnamed Spiritually Gifted Women of the Bible

SAT Jul 25 at 7:30
SUN Jul 26 at 4:30

A NATIVE SON | A Showcase of the Plays of Nathan Alan Davis

SAT Aug 29 at 7:30
SUN Aug 30 at 4:30

Learn from Ho-Chunk elder Gerald Savage about the history, past and present, of Native Americans in Illinois. Gerald’s formal native name is Ho-Chunk Ska Ga (White Winnebago). He is a tribal elder with the Ho-Chunk Nation. He will discuss the reintroduction of his family into Illinois, tribal customs and ways, the history of the tribe, modern natives, naming ceremonies, stereotypes, environmental concerns, tribal settlements, treaties, and reservations.

Gerald’s grandparents were Chief Walks with the Wind and Stands on a Cloud. They were very influential in the teaching of Gerald the native customs and ways. He carries on his grandfather’s tradition of educating the public about their tribal customs and ways. Gerald was an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Speaker, and an Illinois America 250 Commissioner.

This program is best suited for ages 10 and up. Please register in advance.

Join us for a Zoom presentation with Tom Kaufmann, the artist who created our newest piece “Lithophone,” a full octave xylophone made out of Indian gabbro located on our outdoor patio. Musician, educator, and sculptor, Tom has been creating handmade musical instruments since 2001. His pieces have been purchased by various museums, schools, libraries and parks and three of his pieces were entries in ArtPrize, the world's largest art competition with over 1500 entries each year. This presentation will be available in-person and on zoom.

Curious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Check the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.

Curious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Check the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.

An Evening with David Sedaris
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Tickets start at $84, Members save 30%
(All-in pricing includes $4 Box Office Fee. An $8 Order fee will be applied at checkout to the entire order)
Get ready for a night of wit, wisdom, and unforgettable storytelling! Best-selling author and acclaimed humorist David Sedaris is coming to the Raue Center for the Arts on Monday, October 12 at 7pm. Known for his sharp observations, hilarious anecdotes, and uniquely candid voice, Sedaris has captivated audiences around the world with books like Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and Calypso.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this is your chance to experience Sedaris’ signature humor live, as he delivers stories that are equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and deeply human. From quirky family tales to unexpected reflections on modern life, every story is a reminder of his extraordinary talent for turning the ordinary into something unforgettable.

Recommended: 12+

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Don’t forget to become a RaueNOW Member to save 30%!

*Prices vary according to zone. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Box Office Fee – A $4 per ticket charge to support the ticketing software.

Order Fee – A $8 per order charge that helps operate and invest back in our historic venue.

Premium Seat Fee – $6 Premium seat fee is based on location/additional leg room and indicated with a light blue color on the seating chart.

Patron Code of Conduct: Be courteous. Inform staff if you feel or observe any harassment. We reserve the right to remove any guest at any time. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

Questions? Contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212; boxoffice@rauecenter.org
Raue Center For The Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.