Fauna of The Morton Arboretum

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Camofrog, copyright Linda Hilderbrant (cropped to illustrate square format of the Fauna project. Click on image for full version).

It’s time for Nature Artists’ Guild members to get started on this year’s small works project honoring The Morton Arboretum!

This year’s theme for our members’ 8 x 8 inch works, to be displayed alongside the Guild’s 2026 Autumn Exhibit at the Arboretum in November, is “Fauna.”

Merriam-Webster defines “fauna” as the “the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment.” The special environment for this project is The Morton Arboretum, so inspiration will be diverse and plentiful this time of year!

From the tiniest insects to the largest mammals, all the wild creatures ever found at The Morton Arboretum will qualify as subjects for “Fauna 2026.” (Domestic animals not eligible.)

Fauna 2026 –

  • A registration form will be emailed to members later in the year.
  • Guild members can participate by creating up to three works, completed at or inspired by The Morton Arboretum.
  • Artwork must be exactly 8 by 8 inches and less than 1/2 inch in depth, unframed, and can be in almost any medium.
  • There will be no exhibit fee or volunteer requirement.
  • This special display is separate from, but will be exhibited during and alongside, the Guild’s 2026 Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.

(Click here for samples of artwork from last year’s “Flora.”)

A Talented Trio of Nature Artists at The Morton Arboretum on June 4, 2026

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Everyone is invited to The Morton Arboretum on the evening of June 4, 2026, at 7 pm for a free program featuring three talented members of the Nature Artists’ Guild!

Each year, the Guild invites three of its artists to share their sources of inspiration, their methods, and their list of favorite materials with the audience as they demonstrate their processes.

This year, the Guild will welcome visitors to the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum on June 4, 2026, at 7 pm for a program featuring Terrie McComb sharing techniques for using colored pencil on Mylar film, Marge Hall working in oils, and Kumie Kim demonstrating watercolor.

This free event, sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, will be open to the public. Visitors can enter the Arboretum free of charge by letting the gate attendant know they are there for the program, and they will be directed to free parking for the Thornhill Education Center. No registration is required. Plenty of seating and free light refreshments will be available.

Pondside Dancer, colored pencil on Mylar Film, copyright Terrie McComb
White petunia, oil, copyright Marge Hall
Oriental bittersweet, watercolor, copyright Kumie Kim

The Bouchards’ Garden Paint-Out on June 11, 2026

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Garden of Anne and Charles Bouchard, Glen Ellyn, IL. Photo credit Anne and Charles Bouchard.

This summer’s private garden paint-outs for the Nature Artists’ Guild begin at the home of the Bouchards in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Anne and Charles Bouchard have a large and lovely garden, and have graciously offered to share its sights, scents, and sounds with members of the Guild from 9:30 until noon on June 11, 2026 (with a rain-date, if needed, on June 12).

Paint-out coordinator, Celia Rodee, will greet attendees with hot coffee and delectable baked goods to help begin the morning on the perfect note. The artists can then choose their subjects and compositions before settling in to enjoy the morning, free from the distractions of public passers-by.

Participants can sign up and learn all the paint-out details by emailing Celia, or by using this registration form.

Exhibits, Paint-Outs, and Programs Coming Soon!

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The Joy of Plants, copyright Patricia Joyce.

The next few months will be filled with opportunities for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild to share, sketch, and learn, all while enjoying the company of fellow artists.

  • The Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum will be the location for the Nature Artists’ Guild’s trio of artist demonstrations on the evening of June 4, 2026, beginning at 7. Three talented Guild members will share their inspirations, methods, and materials at this popular annual event. The program will be open to all, free of charge, and registration is not required.
  • On June 11, 2026 (rain date June 12), Anne and Charles Bouchard will share their professionally designed and beautifully updated private garden in Glen Ellyn, IL, with members of the Guild from 9:30 until noon. Guild members can register here for this event, the first of four different private garden paint-outs scheduled for this summer.
  • Initial preparations for this summer’s Nature Artists’ Guild exhibit at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum have begun, and prospectuses will be emailed to all members next month. The exhibit will run from August 8 until September 12, 2026, and will include member demonstrations and an opening reception. Guild members will have the opportunity to enter work previously exhibited at The Morton Arboretum or juried by email photos.
  • Guild members can use this busy time of wildlife activity to begin their contributions to this autumn’s special display of 8 x 8 works honoring the Arboretum, “Fauna.” Each member will be eligible to include up to three unframed works, which must be 8 x 8 inches, less than 1/2 inch deep, and inspired by the fauna of the Arboretum. (Examples of last year’s small works display, “Flora,” can be seen here.)
  • As always, Guild members (and guests) are invited to attend a casual Wednesday morning gathering at the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum, Coffee and Art. This friendly and welcoming group of artists spends a few hours each week chatting, sketching, or just enjoying the morning sights and sounds of the Arboretum. No registration is required.

More details about these and more events coming soon!

Visiting Lovely Lilacia Next Thursday, May 7, 2026

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Photo credit Lombard Park District.

The Nature Artists’ Guild will enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of spring at a paint-out at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL, beginning at 9:30 on the morning of Thursday, May 7, 2026.

According to the Lilac Time “Bloom-O’Meter,” the 7-acre park’s 700 lilacs and many of the 25,000 tulips will be in full bloom!

Attendees will be greeted by Celia Rodee, the Guild’s paint-out coordinator, with hot coffee and delicious treats. The rest of the morning will be spent among the beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers throughout the park, painting, sketching, and photographing.

All are invited to stop by this beautiful and historic park for the paint-out, but registration is recommended to be added to an email list for details and updates (including weather related).

(Historical tours and perennial and lilac sales are also planned by various clubs and organizations during or after paint-out hours, for those interested. Click on this link for more information and a Lilac Time schedule of events. Registration or pre-ordering may be required.)

Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2026 Spring Exhibit Went Swimmingly!

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Sea Turtle, copyright Eva Holy. Please click on the image for a sample of artwork from the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2026 Spring Exhibit.

The Nature Artists’ Guild would like to congratulate and thank all those involved in the success of the 2026 Spring Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum!

More than 1300 visitors were able to enjoy over 200 wonderful works of art at The Morton Arboretum last weekend, thanks to Exhibit Co-Chairs Alice Wych and Lisa Kanellos, Featured Artist Cheryl Holz, approximately 60 participating members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, and all the volunteers, demonstrators, and Arboretum staff who shared their time, effort, and talents to make the 2026 Spring Art Exhibit so successful.

Following is a small sample of artwork images contributed by Nature Artists’ Guild exhibitors –

  • Purple Clematis, copyright Donna Falk
  • Magnolia #2, copyright Donna Falk
  • Torrey Sunrise, copyright Nancy Roberts Himmes
  • Sunset Over the Marsh, copyright Nancy Roberts Himmes
  • Pele’s Fury, copyright Lia Liu
  • Verdant Rain, copyright Lia Liu
  • Barn Owl, copyright Jill Adzia
  • Northern Flicker, copyright Jill Adzia
  • Walnut Monarch Mushroom Medley, copyright Cheryl Holz
  • Springbrook Summer Green, copyright Cheryl Holz
  • Late February Crocuses, copyright Kora Bongen
  • River Turtle, copyright Kora Bongen
  • Wetland Sunset Crossing, copyright Shannon Yeh
  • Mist Rising over the Valley, copyright Shannon Yeh
  • Lighted Forest Revisited, copyright Ann Lamoureux
  • Lighted Forest Revisited 1, copyright Ann Lamoureux
  • Autumn Oak, copyright Joanne May
  • California Dusk, copyright Joanne May
  • Spring Reflections, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
  • Snowy Owl, copyright Cindy Jiang
  • Flamingo Embrace, copyright Cindy Jiang
  • Iris Reflection, copyright Cynthia Boudreau
  • The Gloaming Time, copyright Cynthia Boudreau
  • Kissed by the Setting Sun, copyright Lora Lee Gelles
  • Midnight Bloom, copyright Lora Lee Gelles
  • Monarch Landing, copyright Alice Wych
  • Lillies of the Pond, copyright Mark Scherer
  • Night Light, copyright Mark Scherer
  • Summer Transition, copyright Julia Rivera
  • Bird in Paradise, copyright Eva Holy
  • Sea Turtle, copyright Eva Holy
  • A Cloak of Clouds, copyright Mary Beth Purse
  • Begonia rex ‘Black Mamba,’ copyright Linda Hilderbrant
  • Zinnias, copyright Linda Hilderbrant
  • Looking Back, copyrght Dianne Batzkall
  • Autumn, copyright Dianne Batzkall
  • Nest from Texas, copyright Maggie Mardis
  • Spring Greens, copyright Birgitte Christensson
  • Whispers in the Forest, copyright Elizabeth Berry
  • Stillness in Motion, copyright Elizabeth Berry
  • Saucer magnolia (Magnolia X Soulangeana), copyright Kumie Kim
  • Japanese Stewartia (stewartia pesudocamellia), copyright Kumie Kim
  • Hellebore, copyright Lisa Kanellos
  • Early Morning on the Lake 1, copyright Haruo Kurokawa
  • Early Morning on the Lake 2, copyright Haruo Kurokawa
  • Orchid, copyright Margie Navolio

This sample of exhibit artwork images (and information about contacting the artists) is also available by clicking here.

Nature Artists’ Guild Featured in Local Magazine

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Glen Ellyn’s recent issue of their Stroll magazine features an article about the Nature Artists’ Guild! This lovely article highlights the upcoming exhibit this weekend, and includes insights and artwork by Guild president, Lisa Kanellos, and other members.

Thank you, Stroll! We hope your readers enjoy learning about the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.

The 2026 Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum Opens Friday, April 17

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Poster artwork by 2026 Spring Featured Artist, Cheryl Holz. Poster design by Jane Kellenberger.

The 2026 Spring Art Exhibit by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will be held this weekend, Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19, at The Morton Arboretum. More than 200 works of art by approximately 70 Guild members will be displayed.

Throughout exhibit hours, 10 to 4 daily, visitors can also enjoy interacting with members of the Nature Artists’ Guild demonstrating their work in various media (schedule listed here), and raffle tickets will be available for beautiful themed gift baskets. (Admission to the Arboretum will be required, but there is no additional charge to attend the exhibit.)

Friday evening’s reception, from 4:30 until 7, will be open to the public, completely free of charge. No registration is required, and there will be no charge for admission to the Arboretum or the exhibit for this reception. Complimentary light refreshments will be offered, and wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Reception visitors can let the Arboretum’s gate attendant know they are there for the reception to be admitted and directed to free parking for the exhibit.

The following small sample of exhibit artwork gives a preview of the variety of media, subject matter, and artistic styles that visitors can expect to enjoy. Click here to see the full versions. (More images to come, soon after the exhibit closes.)

Magnolia #2, copyright Donna Falk
Torrey Sunrise, copyright Nancy Roberts Himmes
Verdant Rain, copyright Lia Liu
Barn Owl, copyright Jill Adzia
Walnut Monarch Mushroom Medley, copyright Cheryl Holz
Late February Crocuses, copyright Kora Bongen
Mist Rising over the Valley, copyright Shannon Yeh
Lighted Forest Revisited 1, copyright Ann Lamoureux
California Dusk, copyright Joanne May
Spring Reflections, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
Flamingo Embrace, copyright Cindy Jiang
Iris Reflection, copyright Cynthia Boudreau
Kissed by the Setting Sun, copyright Lora Lee Gelles
Monarch Landing, copyright Alice Wych
Night Light, copyright Mark Scherer
Summer Transition, copyright Julia Rivera
Sea Turtle, copyright Eva Holy
A Cloak of Clouds, copyright Mary Beth Purse
Begonia rex ‘Black Mamba,’ copyright Linda Hilderbrant
Looking Back, copyrght Dianne Batzkall
Nest from Texas, copyright Maggie Mardis
Spring Greens, copyright Birgitte Christensson
Whispers in the Forest, copyright Elizabeth Berry
Saucer magnolia (Magnolia X Soulangeana), copyright Kumie Kim
Hellebore, copyright Lisa Kanellos

Artists Creating Art, April 17 through 19 at The Morton Arboretum

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The Nature Artists’ Guild is proud to present the following schedule of demonstrators for the upcoming 2026 Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum this April 17th through 19th.

In addition to enjoying over 200 works of art by more than 60 Guild artists, including Featured Artist, Cheryl Holz, Arboretum visitors will have the opportunity to watch and interact with the following members as they demonstrate and discuss their methods, materials, and inspirations.

Detail of Spring Reflections, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
Detail of Sovereigns of the Sky, copyright Dan Danielson
Detail of Poppy, copyright Mark Scherer
Detail of Seabird, copyright Lia Liu
Detail of Water Lily, copyright Cynthia Boudreau
Detail of Two Scarlets, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe

A sample of artwork by many more participating artists and details about Friday evening’s reception (open to all) coming soon!

April Brings More than Showers!

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Verdant Rain, copyright Lia Liu. This stunning watercolor will be included in the upcoming Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2026 Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.

April has arrived with plenty of showers for the May flowers (as well as a whole lot more for all those interested in nature and art) –

  • On April 8, 2026, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild and guests will be gathering at the Daffodil Glade of The Morton Arboretum for a paint-out from 9:30 until about noon. Coordinator Celia Rodee will provide hot coffee and delicious treats to begin the morning of painting and sketching among the trees and flowers. All are invited to drop by (participants will meet by the entrance to the Fragrance Garden near the Thornhill Education Center), but registration is strongly encouraged to be added to an email list for updates, including weather-related.
  • The opening of the Guild’s 2026 Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum is just two weeks away! The exhibit opens on Friday, April 17, and runs through Sunday, April 19 in the Cudahy Room, adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library, located in the Administration Building of the Arboretum. Over 200 works of art in a variety of media, created by more than 60 Guild members, will be showcased. A reception will be held on Friday evening and is open to all. Registration is not required, and there will be no charge for admission, parking, or entry to the Arboretum for the reception.
  • Nature is right on schedule with its flora and fauna – ephemerals are springing up to share their beauty, and frogs and birds are singing their songs! Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild can make the most of this fleeting season with sketches, plein-air paintings, and photographs for future works, such as this year’s small-works (8 x 8 inches) project honoring The Morton Arboretum, “Fauna,” to be shown this November alongside the annual Autumn exhibit.