The Nature Artists’ Guild’s annual “paint-in” at world-renowned grower of orchids, Orchids by Hausermann, will provide members a warm and tropical break from the winter weather!
The gathering will take place at Hausermann’s vast greenhouse in Villa Park, IL, on the morning of Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 7:30 until 10 (before the showroom is open to the public). Surrounded by the sight and scent of thousands of orchids, Guild members will be able to sketch, paint, or photograph for future reference many of the varieties on display.
One lucky participant will win a $25 gift certificate to use towards the purchase of an orchid of their choice, and all participants will be able to enjoy free delicious refreshments, coffee and pastries from Paris Baguette.
“Inspired by the intersection of nature, science, and art,” beautifully describes both the process and the finished works by textile artist Kristin Field. Kristen will share some of that inspiration in an online presentation, sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 7 pm.
Dyed textiles, Kristin Field
Kristin Field is a textile artist, natural dyer, weaver, and gardener based in Chicago, IL. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Fiber and Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Kristin grows dye plants like indigo, madder, and coreopsis in her small garden alongside food and cut flowers. She uses these plants to create naturally dyed textiles, and she extracts and works with natural pigments to make watercolor paints and inks. Through working with natural dyes, pigments, and fibers, she seeks to give attention and recognition to the subtle wonders that surround us in our everyday lives.
In this artist’s talk, Kristin will discuss her natural dyeing practice, her experience growing dye plants in Chicago over the last 7 years, her soil chromatography work, and past and current textile projects inspired by the intersection of nature, science, and art. – fieldandgardner.com
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will be emailed a link and instructions for attending this live online program, and guests may request a free link here. There will be time for questions at the end of the talk. (The program will not be recorded.)
HEY… The Birdfeeder is Empty!, copyright Dan Danielson
The DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center reports that January, which might seem quiet in Chicagoland’s natural world, is actually quite busy! For instance –
Tomorrow, January 18, a free reception for the Guild’s special exhibit at the Downers Grove Public Library will be held from 2 to 4. Everyone is invited to stop by the exhibit and support the artists while enjoying some light refreshments.
On Wednesday, January 21, Guild members are invited to stop by an informal gathering at the Wheaton Public Library at 11:30 to enjoy even more nature art by their fellow artists. Those interested in having lunch at nearby Bien Trucha afterward at 12:30 can RSVP here or by contacting Celia Rodee.
Nature Artists’ Guild members are encouraged to spend a quiet hour at home this month, looking through and photographing their spring-inspired artwork for possible inclusion in the upcoming issue of the Quarterly. Images, articles, and announcements can be emailed to Jane Kellenberger by February 1.
The annual paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, from 7:30 until 10 am. This tropical destination is a favorite of Guild artists, who are invited to spend the morning, before the showroom opens, surrounded by gorgeous orchids in bloom. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Later in the evening of February 5, members (and guests who request a link) will be able to log in to join a Guild-sponsored online presentation by textile artist Kristin Field. Links to the program will be emailed the preceding week. (Much more about Kristin and her fascinating work coming soon.)
As always, members and visitors are welcome to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum any Wednesday morning about 9:30 to spend time chatting, sipping, and sketching with fellow artists at Coffee and Art.
Downy Woodpecker at Field Museum. Photo credit FieldMuseum.org
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will be taking a short trip into the city to study and sketch at Chicago’s world-renowned Field Museum this Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Participants will meet by the birds exhibit at 9:30 before scouting out their favorite spot to sketch or draw (no acrylics or oils) specimens of natural history from throughout the centuries and around the globe.
Photo credits the Field Museum
Coordinator Celia Rodee will share all the details about parking, admission, and carpooling with Guild members by email, and interested members should register online or by emailing Celia by Friday, January 16.
Meandering Stream, copyright Cynthia Boudreau. This work wil be displayed at the Downers Grove Public Library throughout January.
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!
Winter Woods Edge, copyright Ann Lamoureux. Click on image for a look back at 2025 with the Nature Artists’ Guild.
2025 was a year of gatherings filled with laughter, learning, and sharing for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.
The Guild’s artists enjoyed presentations (online and in person) by talented and renowned artists, attended paint-outs and field trips (accompanied by delicious treats) at stunning gardens and museums, and shared their artwork through exhibits at The Morton Arboretum (with record attendance!) and other locations. Weekly gatherings to sketch and chat, a fun fundraising workshop, and a holiday party also provided members with plenty of opportunities to meet, learn from, and enjoy the company of fellow artists.
Sample of images from 2025 –
Audubon exhibit at Field Museum
Field Museum paint-out
January Downers Grove Library exhibit
February paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann, copyright Kathi Kuchler
Paint-in at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum
Rhonda Nass online presentation
Yum, A 5-lobed Chocolate Vine, copyright Rhonda Nass
Late winter, early spring preview
Joel Sheesley presentation at The Morton Arboretum
Kline Creek Sunrise Moonset, copyright Joel Sheesley
Micromovement of Wings, Mandala I, copyright Cynthia Heinz
Autumn 2025 demonstration
Autumn 2025 demonstration
Autumn 2025 demonstration
Autumn 2025 demonstration
Autumn 2025 demonstration
Autumn 2025 demonstration
Flora 2025 special exhibit
A Riot of Bee Balm and Rudbeckia, copyright Maggie Capettini
Hydrangea Blossom, copyright Margie Navolio
Holiday party, Suzanne Wegener artwork
2025 holiday cards preview
2025 Holiday Card, copyright Nicolette Metz
2025 Holiday Card, copyright Sandra Zeboski
2025 Holiday Card, copyright Vicki Liszewski
The Nature Artists’ Guild is looking forward to welcoming back all our current members in 2026 and, hopefully, some new ones as well (an evolving schedule of events will be coming soon)! More about renewals and memberships is available here.
2025 Holiday Card, copyright Vicki Liszewski. Click on the card to enjoy many more images.
The Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum would like to wish all a wonderful holiday season!
Please click here for images of many of the handmade cards created and exchanged by Guild members in 2025. Many thanks to Margie Navolio for coordinating this year’s Holiday Card Exchange and to all the participating members for sharing their time and talents.
A glimpse at some of the Nature Artists’ Guild members’ 2025 holiday cards.
The cards have been created, and the stamps have been stuck. This week, handmade cards to and by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will complete their journeys through the mail to spread some warmth and cheerfor the holiday season.
After the cards have been received and opened by their recipients (no spoilers here!), we will share the artwork by posting images on this website for all to enjoy. Participating artists are encouraged to email an image of the card they sent and the card they received to Denise Fisk by December 20.
Piping Plovers, watercolor, copyright Vicki Liszewski will be one of more than twenty works exhibited this winter at the Wheaton Public Library by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild. (Read about Chicago’s beloved piping plovers here.)
A few spots are still available to members of the Nature Artists’ Guild for the January 2026 Wheaton Public Library exhibit, and registration closes this Friday, December 12.
The Guild’s popular annual exhibit at the Downers Grove Public Library is at capacity, and registration is now closed, but members still have the opportunity to share their art this winter by registering for the Wheaton Public Library exhibit. This exciting new opportunity fills the need for additional space for Guild members to delight even more of Chicago’s suburbs with their nature art!
The Wheaton Public Library has a long and fascinating history, and its current 124,000 square foot facility includes a lovely dedicated space (in a quiet corner near the main entrance) for art exhibits and special presentations, the Arts & Culture Center.
Any Nature Artists’ Guild member can register one piece in this exhibit, which must be dropped off during regular library hours between December 29 and January 2. A prospectus with all the details was emailed to members on November 15.
Artwork from 2024 Holiday Card, copyright Suzanne Wegener
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are invited to spend a fun and festive evening with their fellow artists at this year’s holiday celebration, “Jingle & Mingle,” on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 6 to 8:30.
The Morton Arboretum will provide the beautiful setting, both indoors and out, with a crackling fire in the Founders Room (the historic former library of the Morton family) to greet guests after their short walk through a snowy wonderland (somehow even more stunning after dark) to the Thornhill Education Center.
Fellow members of the Nature Artists Guild will provide the warmth of friendship. After enjoying appetizers and punch in the Founders Room, Guild members will gather in the adjacent Arbor Room for desserts, a raffle of art and nature-related items, and a few fun surprises.
No ticket or RSVP is required, and Guild members can check their emailed invitations for details. This event is reserved for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild and their guests.
Nature Artists' Guild 
