So much art and so much nature coming up so soon!

Two classes coming up very soon are being taught by some of the best artists and best instructors that The Morton Arboretum has ever offered.  Suzanne Wegener will be the instructor for Drawing Nature II on four Thursday evenings beginning on May 31, 2018.  Suzanne will be teaching skills that are essential to any artist who wishes to draw nature realistically.  Plein Air on the Prairie, on either Monday, June 4, or Monday, June 11, 2018 is a three-hour excursion onto the prairie with a sketchbook and two experts, naturalist Cindy Crosby, and artist Karen Johnson.  It’s a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the prairie from a botanical as well as an artistic point of view.  Please click on the above links to learn more or to enroll.  Classes are open to all, not just members of the Nature Artists’ Guild or The Morton Arboretum, but Arboretum members will receive a discount on registration fees.

Evelyn Grala has done it again, and come up with a way to keep Nature Artists’ Guild members growing this summer.  Evelyn has planned a new Summer Sketchbook Encounter, to begin on June 1 and continue until September 1, 2018.  Participants will be asked to fill four pages of a sketchbook per week, using any media they would like (including crayons), and to have fun.  It’s as simple as that. The improvement in drawing and composition skills will come automatically!  Interested members who have not already signed up should contact Evelyn (whose contact information can be found in their Yearbook) to ensure they receive her periodic updates and encouragements.

The Nature Artists’ Guild will be exhibiting at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, IL from Wednesday, June 6 through Friday, July 13, 2018.  The exhibit may be viewed any time during estate business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 am until 3 pm, or Saturday between 9 am and 1 pm, but the best time to visit would be on Wednesday evening, June 27, 2018 between 6 and 8 pm.  This artists’ reception is open to all, and is a great opportunity to meet and talk with the artists and enjoy light refreshments.  Participating artists should check the prospectus for drop-off and pick-up dates and times.

There is so much excitement and anticipation around the upcoming program featuring biologist, author and artist Julie Zickefoose on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.  All are welcome to attend this event free-of-charge.  Please click on the highlighted link for more information.

A new paint-out has been added for June, and it’s at one of the prettiest spots in the area, Meadow Lake at The Morton Arboretum.  On Tuesday, June 26, at 9 am, Nature Artists’ Guild members will meet at the P-2 parking lot east of Meadow Lake. There will be water, flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees (naturally), and even some large mysterious creatures in the area. Guild members can contact Jane Kellenberger if they would like to attend, but last-minute drop-ins by members are also welcome.

Note:  This post has been updated to include the new date for the rescheduled paint-out.