Autumn (and the Nature Artists’ Guild) Arriving at Cantigny

Gardens of Cantigny perennial border. Image credit cantigny.org

“The former estate of the late Colonel Robert R. McCormick (founder and editor of the Chicago Tribune), Cantigny has nearly 40 acres of cultivated specialty or thematic garden spaces spread across 180 acres.”

The display gardens of Cantigny are beautiful all year, but autumn brings its own spectacular show. Cantigny makes the most of it with its seasonal displays, mature trees, water features and pond, annuals, perennials, shrubs, and wildlife.

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum and their guests are invited to attend a paint-out at these gardens on the morning of Wednesday, October 7, 2026, beginning at 9:30. Coordinator Celia Rodee will greet members and offer coffee and pastries for a delicious start, and members can then roam the grounds to find a picturesque spot to paint, draw, or photograph.

Admission to Cantigny is always free, and parking will also be free on the date of the paint-out. Registration is recommended to be added to an email list for details and updates.

Also coming up very soon –

All current members of the Guild were recently emailed prospectuses for the 2026 Autumn Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum and the 2026 Special Exhibit, Fauna. Any members who did not receive a prospectus should contact Alice Wych or Lisa Kanellos. New members who join before October will also receive a prospectus for these exhibits.

Membership renewals and new memberships for 2027 will be accepted beginning on October 1. Guild memberships are for the calendar year, so joining or renewing before the end of this year will ensure that members enjoy all the benefits of membership for 2027.

Posters and postcards for the 2026 Autumn Art Exhibit will be available for members and guests to pick up at the Cudahy Room of The Morton Arboretum before or after the October 1 program. Items for fundraiser gift baskets will also be accepted at this gathering (members were previously emailed about needed contributions and can contact Cheryl Holz with any questions).

A planning meeting for the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2026 Holiday Party has been scheduled for October 6th at 11:30 am at the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum. Guild members who would like to volunteer to help at the fun December 3 event are invited to attend. No registration is required.