Sure, the cold is crisp and the snow can be stunning, but one thing mostly missing in nature during Chicagoland’s winter months is color! Happily, the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will be supplying lots of color from all four seasons in two special exhibits opening this week.
Nearly 75 works of nature art in a wide variety of media and styles, by approximately 50 talented members of the Guild, will be on display at the Downers Grove Public Library and the Wheaton Public Library throughout January, for all to enjoy.
Both of these vibrant libraries have a strong commitment to the visual arts and lovely dedicated gallery spaces in which Guild members can proudly share their work with the public.
Exhibits are open during regular library hours (click on highlighted links above for hours and directions.) A free open reception will be held at the Downers Grove Library on January 18 from 2 to 4 pm. Everyone is invited to stop by to support the artists and enjoy the exhibit!
Nature Artists' Guild 
What a beautiful way to bring color back into a season that so often feels drained of it. I love the idea of these two libraries becoming little pockets of spring, summer, and autumn in the middle of a Chicagoland winter. The range you describe — nearly 75 works across so many media and voices — really speaks to how alive and generous this Guild is.
Cynthia Boudreau’s Meandering Stream feels like a perfect image to lead this announcement: calm, flowing, quietly luminous, exactly the kind of scene you want to step into when everything outside is gray and cold. And it’s wonderful to see public libraries so actively supporting visual art and giving it such thoughtful space.
This post made me want to walk into one of those galleries, slow down, and let my eyes wander for a while. Thank you for sharing this — it feels like a gift to the whole community.