Master Pastelist Nancie King Mertz at The Morton Arboretum on March 5, 2026

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Plein-air pastel painting, copyright Nancie King Mertz

The Nature Artists’ Guild is thrilled to sponsor a program and demonstration by 2025 Pastel Society of America Hall of Fame Honoree Nancie King Mertz on the evening of Thursday, March 5, 2026, at The Morton Arboretum.

Lifetime pastel and oil painter Nancie King Mertz has been awarded the highest honors by the International Association of Pastel Societies and the Pastel Society of America and was twice named “Chicago Artist of the Year” by the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. Nancie is also a long-term member of the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, the Degas Pastel Society, Plein Air Painters Chicago, and the Chicago Pastel Painters.

All are invited to attend a presentation and demonstration by Nancie on March 5, from 7 until 9 pm, at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. The program will be open to the public, free of charge, and there will be no charge for parking or admission to the Arboretum for this event. Plenty of seating and delicious light refreshments will be available. No registration is required, and visitors can let the gate attendant know they are there for the program to be admitted and directed to Thornhill.

Plein-air pastel painting, copyright Nancie King Mertz

An Artists’ Expedition to Jurica-Suchy on March 12, 2026

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Glare, copyright Shuli Wang

On the morning of Thursday, March 12, 2026, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will journey into the wilds of the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University to sketch and paint some of the thousands of specimens on view from around the world.

Beginning at 9:30 am, artists will arrive at Jurica-Suchy to begin scouting the museum for sources of inspiration. Coffee and delicious treats supplied by coordinator Celia Rodee will sustain the artists as they search the aisles for a subject or scene to explore in paint, pencil, or pixels.

The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, located on the second floor of the Michael and Kay Birck Hall of Science at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, is home to a vast variety of specimens, many native to the area, and many from the far reaches of the world. The paint-in is a wonderful opportunity to see and sketch these species closely (and safely!) and gather reference material for future projects.

Although members and guests are welcome to just drop in any time between 9:30 and about noon, registration is recommended to receive emailed updates and details.

Nature (and the Guild) are Preparing for Spring!

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Harbingers of Spring – Daffodils, copyright Cheryl Holz. Cheryl will be the Featured Artist of the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2026 Spring Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.

Even though there are weeks to go before spring, nature and the Nature Artists’ Guild are eagerly preparing for the longer and warmer days ahead.

According to the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, February in Chicagoland means that –

  • Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, killdeer, and great blue herons return
  • Chipmunks reappear at feeders
  • Bald eagles begin nesting behavior
  • Yellow-bellied sapsuckers work the maples as the sap begins to run
  • Hibernating butterflies emerge on warm days
  • Sandhill cranes can be seen migrating north
  • It is breeding season for racoons, woodchucks, rabbits, skunks, opossums, and beavers!

For the Nature Artists’ Guild, February also means that –

Members will receive (by email this week) their prospectus and registration instructions for the 2026 Spring Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum. The exhibit will be held April 17, 18, and 19, 2026, and the final date for registering (either online or by mail) will be March 21. Much more about the exhibit and Featured Artist Cheryl Holz coming soon.

In just a few weeks, the March program sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild will be held at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. This event on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 7 until 9 will be free and open to all and will feature award-winning pastel artist Nancie King Mertz as the presenter. Much more about the program to come soon.

Guild members will be visiting the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum for a “paint-in” on Thursday, March 12, from 9:30 until noon. (Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended in order to receive email updates and details.) More coming soon.

Guild members can begin thinking about their contributions to the Guild’s annual special exhibit showcasing 8 x 8-inch pieces. This year’s display, “Fauna,” will be inspired by the native mammals, fish, insects, birds, amphibians, and spiders that can be found at The Morton Arboretum. (Detailed instructions for members will be shared later in the year, and “Fauna” will be exhibited in November alongside the Guild’s annual autumn exhibit at the Arboretum.)

Many members are excited to participate each year in a popular local event for nature artists, the Danada Nature Art and Photo Show (not affiliated with the Nature Artists’ Guild.) This year’s exhibit will be held on March 14th and 15th, and the final day to apply will be March 1. Details and the registration form can be found on the Friends of Danada website.

“Intersection of Nature, Science, and Art” with Kristin Field Tomorrow at 7

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Textile art by Kristin Field

In tomorrow evening’s presentation, textile artist Kristin Field will discuss “her natural dyeing practice, her experience growing dye plants in Chicago over the last 7 years, her soil chromatography work, and past and current textile projects inspired by the intersection of nature, science, and art. – fieldandgardner.com

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild were recently emailed a link and instructions for attending the online program, which begins at 7 pm.

A Tropical Morning for the Nature Artists’ Guild

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Paphiopedium Matchmaker Orchid, copyright Celia Rodee

The Nature Artists’ Guild’s annual “paint-in” at world-renowned grower of orchids, Orchids by Hausermann, will provide members a warm and tropical break from the winter weather!

The gathering will take place at Hausermann’s vast greenhouse in Villa Park, IL, on the morning of Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 8 am until 10 (before the showroom is open to the public). Surrounded by the sight and scent of thousands of orchids, Guild members will be able to sketch, paint, or photograph for future reference many of the varieties on display.

One lucky participant will win a $25 gift certificate to use towards the purchase of an orchid of their choice, and all participants will be able to enjoy free delicious refreshments, coffee and pastries from Paris Baguette.

Space is limited for this popular paint-in, and registration is required, by clicking here or by contacting coordinator Celia Rodee.

Textile Artist Kristin Field, February 5, 2026

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Fiber art, Kristin Field

“Inspired by the intersection of nature, science, and art,” beautifully describes both the process and the finished works by textile artist Kristin Field. Kristin will share some of that inspiration in an online presentation, sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 7 pm.

Dyed textiles, Kristin Field

Kristin Field is a textile artist, natural dyer, weaver, and gardener based in Chicago, IL. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Fiber and Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Kristin grows dye plants like indigo, madder, and coreopsis in her small garden alongside food and cut flowers. She uses these plants to create naturally dyed textiles, and she extracts and works with natural pigments to make watercolor paints and inks. Through working with natural dyes, pigments, and fibers, she seeks to give attention and recognition to the subtle wonders that surround us in our everyday lives.

In this artist’s talk, Kristin will discuss her natural dyeing practice, her experience growing dye plants in Chicago over the last 7 years, her soil chromatography work, and past and current textile projects inspired by the intersection of nature, science, and art. – fieldandgardner.com

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will be emailed a link and instructions for attending this live online program, and guests may request a free link here. There will be time for questions at the end of the talk. (The program will not be recorded.)

Staying Busy (While Staying Warm)

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HEY… The Birdfeeder is Empty!, copyright Dan Danielson

The DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center reports that January, which might seem quiet in Chicagoland’s natural world, is actually quite busy! For instance –

  • Bald eagle migration peaks
  • Squirrels begin their mating season
  • Skunk cabbage begins to bloom
  • Great horned owls are on their nests
  • White-tailed deer bucks are shedding antlers
  • Tufted titmice and cardinals begin to sing

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild also have a busy winter planned, but unlike those of the titmice, most of their activities can be enjoyed indoors while staying warm.

Tomorrow, January 18, a free reception for the Guild’s special exhibit at the Downers Grove Public Library will be held from 2 to 4. Everyone is invited to stop by the exhibit and support the artists while enjoying some light refreshments.

On Wednesday, January 21, Guild members are invited to stop by an informal gathering at the Wheaton Public Library at 11:30 to enjoy even more nature art by their fellow artists. Those interested in having lunch at nearby Bien Trucha afterward at 12:30 can RSVP here or by contacting Celia Rodee.

Nature Artists’ Guild members are encouraged to spend a quiet hour at home this month, looking through and photographing their spring-inspired artwork for possible inclusion in the upcoming issue of the Quarterly. Images, articles, and announcements can be emailed to Jane Kellenberger by February 1.

The annual paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, from 7:30 until 10 am. This tropical destination is a favorite of Guild artists, who are invited to spend the morning, before the showroom opens, surrounded by gorgeous orchids in bloom. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Later in the evening of February 5, members (and guests who request a link) will be able to log in to join a Guild-sponsored online presentation by textile artist Kristin Field. Links to the program will be emailed the preceding week. (Much more about Kristin and her fascinating work coming soon.)

As always, members and visitors are welcome to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum any Wednesday morning about 9:30 to spend time chatting, sipping, and sketching with fellow artists at Coffee and Art.

Staying busy and staying warm!

A Nature Artists’ Guild “Field Trip” this Saturday

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Downy Woodpecker at Field Museum. Photo credit FieldMuseum.org

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will be taking a short trip into the city to study and sketch at Chicago’s world-renowned Field Museum this Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Participants will meet by the birds exhibit at 9:30 before scouting out their favorite spot to sketch or draw (no acrylics or oils) specimens of natural history from throughout the centuries and around the globe.

Photo credits the Field Museum

Coordinator Celia Rodee will share all the details about parking, admission, and carpooling with Guild members by email, and interested members should register online or by emailing Celia by Friday, January 16.

Two Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibits Open this Week

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Meandering Stream, copyright Cynthia Boudreau. This work wil be displayed at the Downers Grove Public Library throughout January.

Sure, the cold is crisp and the snow can be stunning, but one thing mostly missing in nature during Chicagoland’s winter months is color! Happily, the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will be supplying lots of color from all four seasons in two special exhibits opening this week.

Nearly 75 works of nature art in a wide variety of media and styles, by approximately 50 talented members of the Guild, will be on display at the Downers Grove Public Library and the Wheaton Public Library throughout January, for all to enjoy.

Both of these vibrant libraries have a strong commitment to the visual arts and lovely dedicated gallery spaces in which Guild members can proudly share their work with the public.

Exhibits are open during regular library hours (click on highlighted links above for hours and directions.) A free open reception will be held at the Downers Grove Library on January 18 from 2 to 4 pm. Everyone is invited to stop by to support the artists and enjoy the exhibit!

A Look Back at 2025 with the Nature Artists’ Guild

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Winter Woods Edge, copyright Ann Lamoureux. Click on image for a look back at 2025 with the Nature Artists’ Guild.

2025 was a year of gatherings filled with laughter, learning, and sharing for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.

The Guild’s artists enjoyed presentations (online and in person) by talented and renowned artists, attended paint-outs and field trips (accompanied by delicious treats) at stunning gardens and museums, and shared their artwork through exhibits at The Morton Arboretum (with record attendance!) and other locations. Weekly gatherings to sketch and chat, a fun fundraising workshop, and a holiday party also provided members with plenty of opportunities to meet, learn from, and enjoy the company of fellow artists.

Sample of images from 2025 –

  • Audubon exhibit at Field Museum
  • Field Museum paint-out
  • January Downers Grove Library exhibit
  • February paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann, copyright Kathi Kuchler
  • Paint-in at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum
  • Rhonda Nass online presentation
  • Yum, A 5-lobed Chocolate Vine, copyright Rhonda Nass
  • Late winter, early spring preview
  • Joel Sheesley presentation at The Morton Arboretum
  • Kline Creek Sunrise Moonset, copyright Joel Sheesley
  • Spring 2025 Exhibit poster
  • Natures Bounty, copyright Deb Giampoli
  • Creek, copyright Patricia Joyce
  • Blackburnian Warbler, copyright Vicki Liszewski
  • Sweet Treat, copyright Vicki Liszewski
  • Peonies, watercolor, copyright Vicki Liszewski
  • Pretty in pink, copyright Lisa Kanellos
  • Resting Deer, copyright Jill Adzia
  • Paphiopedium Matchmaker Orchid, copyright Celia Rodee
  • Summer Shadows, copyright Maryann Wattelle
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Daffodil Glade paint-out, Daffodils, copyright Alice Wych
  • Quarterly covers and pages
  • Lilacia Park paint-out
  • Driehaus museum, Rory McEwan exhibit
  • Copyright Rory McEwen
  • Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art field trip
  • At UIMA exhibit, Powdered ruffle lichen, copyright Sandra Wilcoxon
  • June paint-out
  • Summer exhibit at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
  • Summer Shades, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker and Pokeweed, copyright Louise Daley
  • White Petunia II, copyright Marge Hall
  • Adriatic, copyright Cynthia Boudreau
  • Lamoureux garden paint-out, Woods Garden and Peter’s Pond, copyright Ann Lamoureux
  • Quarterly covers and pages
  • Ball Horticultural paint-out
  • Ball Horticultural paint-out
  • Sarah Johnson program at Thornhill
  • Artists’ Garden encore paint-out
  • Grand Garden at The Morton Arboretum paint-out
  • Autumn workshop
  • Cantigny Gardens paint-out
  • Autumn preview
  • Phil Schorn program
  • Luminous Succelent, copyright Phil Schorn
  • Autumn 2025 Exhibit poster
  • Autumn exhibit reception, Home, copyright Amy Malysa.
  • Looking Out, copyright Kathy Steere
  • Tigger Melon (Cucumis Melo), copyright Kumie Kim
  • Night Flyer, copyright Jeffrey Zawada
  • Skåne, copyright Carrie Carlson
  • The Scent of Spring, copyright Shuli Wang
  • First Snowfall, copyright Joanne May
  • Say Cheese, copyright Dan Danielson
  • Micromovement of Wings, Mandala I, copyright Cynthia Heinz
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Flora 2025 special exhibit
  • A Riot of Bee Balm and Rudbeckia, copyright Maggie Capettini
  • Hydrangea Blossom, copyright Margie Navolio
  • Holiday party, Suzanne Wegener artwork
  • 2025 holiday cards preview
  • 2025 Holiday Card, copyright Nicolette Metz
  • 2025 Holiday Card, copyright Sandra Zeboski
  • 2025 Holiday Card, copyright Vicki Liszewski

The Nature Artists’ Guild is looking forward to welcoming back all our current members in 2026 and, hopefully, some new ones as well (an evolving schedule of events will be coming soon)! More about renewals and memberships is available here.