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 2025 Autumn Exhibit at the Arboretum in November, is “Flora.”

Merriam-Webster defines “flora” as the “plant, bacteria, or fungal life . . . characteristic of a region, period, or special environment.” The special environment in this case will be The Morton Arboretum, so the available material for inspiration will be varied and plentiful!

The Arboretum is currently bursting with flora, from flowering trees and shrubs to native wildflowers and blooming bulbs, providing a perfect opportunity to do some sketching, plein air painting, or even photographing for future study.

• 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 2025 Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.
• Artwork should follow general Nature Artists’ Guild exhibition guidelines (except matting and framing and size requirements).
• A registration form will be emailed to members later in the year.