Month: September 2025

Autumn Color Coming Soon!

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Image by Cantigny.org, 2025 Autumn Exhibit postcard artwork by Kathy Steere, “Just Leaves by Phil Schorn

The colors of autumn are slowly arriving in Chicagoland, and the Nature Artists’ Guild will be there to welcome them with paints, pencils, paper, and canvas.

Coming in October –

  • Members participating in the 2025 Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum will need to register online or by mail by October 11. Much more about the exhibit and Featured Artist Kathy Steere to come in the next few weeks. Postcards and posters will be available for members to pick up at the October 2 meeting to share with friends, family, and local businesses.
  • Nature Artists’ Guild members and visitors will continue to meet each Wednesday morning at the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum to enjoy the company of fellow artists, as well as the stunning views surrounding them.

Preparations Underway for the Autumn 2025 Nature Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum

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Feather #33, copyright Kathy Steere, Featured Artist of the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2025 Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.

The prospectus has been sent, posters are being printed, artwork is being finished and framed, and much more, as preparations continue for the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2025 Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.

The annual autumn exhibit will be held in the Cudahy Room and reception area of the Administration Building, adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library, from Friday, November 7, through Sunday, November 9, 2025, between the hours of 10 and 4. There will be no charge for admission to the exhibit (although normal gate fees for the Arboretum will apply, except during the reception on Friday evening from 4:30 until 7, also open to all).

The Nature Artists’ Guild exhibit will include more than 200 works of art by approximately 50 members, including many by this autumn’s Featured Artist, Kathy Steere (much more to come soon about Kathy and her art). In addition to the artwork, visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations and purchase handmade ornaments, greeting cards featuring members’ artwork, or raffle tickets for spectacular themed gift baskets. Friday evening’s reception will also include free light refreshments.

The Autumn Exhibit will also include a special display of numerous small works (8 x 8 inch) created by members of the Guild to honor The Morton Arboretum. This year’s theme for that display will be “Flora,” with contributions inspired by the vast collections found there.

Participating artists can register or view the prospectuses here –

2025 Autumn Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum

2025 Small Works Display, “Flora”

Extraordinary Color Pencil by Phil Schorn, October 2, 2025

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Luminous Succulent, color pencil, copyright Phil Schorn

The Nature Artists’ Guild is pleased to welcome artist Phil Schorn to the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum for a presentation on the evening of October 2, 2025.

Phil Schorn’s award-winning work has been featured in numerous publications, including Colored Pencil Magazine, as well as in group and solo exhibits. He also shares his talents through demonstrations, workshops, outdoor art fairs, classes, and private lessons.

With the color pencil, I have the ability to create the shape, color and detail that I envision in my art. Color pencil is where I find the most comfort in, where the color and detail truly stands out. My art is realistic but done with an artistic approach. I want the viewer to see more than what they thought was there.
I take what is considered ordinary and make it extraordinary.
 –Phil Schorn

Just Leaves, color pencil, copyright Phil Schorn

The presentation, sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, will be held at the Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 7 until 9 pm. The program is open to all, free of charge, and no registration is required. There will be no charge for parking or admission to the Arboretum for this event. Visitors can let the gate attendant know they are there for the presentation to be admitted and directed to Thornhill.

Plenty of seating and delicious light refreshments will be provided.

Catching the Golden Autumn Light, October 1, 2025

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Gardens of Cantigny Perennial Border. Photo credit Cantigny.org.

The last paint-out of the year for the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will take place at the gardens of Cantigny Park on October 1, 2025, from 9:30 until noon.

Attendees will be able to make the most of autumn’s brilliant blue skies and warm colors, while enjoying coffee and a tasty homemade pastry provided by coordinator Celia Rodee, at the lovely and vast gardens of Cantigny Park.

“Located in Wheaton, Illinois, Cantigny Park is the 500-acre former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.” Included in the park are the gardens, “created in 1967 by renowned landscape architect Franz Lipp. Nearly 30 acres of display gardens, theme plantings and statuary render exceptional beauty in all seasons.” – Cantigny.org

There will be no charge for entering Cantigny or for parking at this event. Drop-ins, guests, and visitors are welcome to join the paint-out, but registration is strongly recommended (to make sure there are enough delicious delectables to go around). It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the autumn air and time with fellow nature artists!


Miniature Masterpieces in Acrylic on Wood

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Wood slice ornaments by Lindsay Sandbothe

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are invited to join a free workshop with Arboretum instructor (and fellow member) Lindsay Sandbothe, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Thornhill Education Center.

Attendees will be provided with expert instruction and all the materials and tools needed to create a unique miniature masterpiece using acrylic on a prepared slice of wood. The completed ornaments will be sold to raise funds for the Nature Artists’ Guild at its upcoming Autumn Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum. (Participants will also be able to purchase one or two extra prepared wood slices for $3 each, to bring home for their personal use.)

There is no charge to attend this fun workshop for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, but registration is required, and space is limited!