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 a to-be-announced talented artist 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.
Nature Artists' Guild 
