Aphrodite Sweetshrub, copyright Arlene Widrevitz, will be one of many works of art celebrating nature at a special exhibit at the Downers Grove Library this January.
The year begins with a special exhibit and quickly jumps right into exciting paint-outs, programs, and other ways for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild to celebrate and share the beauty of nature throughout winter.
The Nature Artists’ Guild’s annual exhibit at the Downers Grove Library opens in just three days, on Tuesday, January 7 during normal library hours. Guild members’ artwork will complement the library’s permanent collection throughout library exhibit spaces for all to enjoy through February 4, 2025.
A paint-out at the Field Museum has been scheduled for January 18. Guild members will join members of the Artists at the field group in sketching some of the wonders of the natural world. Much more about this event will be emailed to Guild members soon.
On February 6, the Guild welcomes talented artist and beloved instructor Rhonda Nass for an online presentation about her experiences with scratchboard and colored pencil. Guild members will be emailed a link for attending the presentation. More details will be coming soon, including instructions for non-members to attend.
Also on February 6, Guild artists can leave the winter behind for a few hours at Orchids by Hausermann. This paint-out starts in the early hours, but the thousands of orchids and balmy conditions in the greenhouse of Hausermann’s make it worth setting the alarm. More details and a form to register online will be available soon.
It’s time to begin thinking of Spring! Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild who have news, articles, or artwork for the Spring edition of the Quarterly must submit them no later than February 1, 2025. An email with instructions for submission will be sent to all members in coming weeks.
The theme for the Guild’s annual 8 x 8 project, in which members create small works of art honoring The Morton Arboretum, will be announced soon for those who want to get an early start! The artwork will be exhibited alongside the Guild’s annual Autumn Exhibit at the Arboretum in November.
Click on image for a sample of images and list of posts from 2024.
2024 was filled with programs and paint-outs, exhibits and demonstrations, gatherings and artwork, and friendship and fun for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.
The Guild is hoping to welcome back all of its current members, as well as new ones, for even more in 2025. (Memberships are for the calendar year, so joining or renewing by January 1 ensures receiving all the benefits for the year.)
Please enjoy this small sample of images from 2024 (or scroll through the website or visit the Member Artwork pages for many more).
Downers Grove Library exhibit 2024
Diamonds of Winter detail, Dale Olsen
Field Museum paint-out
Field Museum paint-out
Claudia Lane presentation
Orchids by Hausermann paint-out
Great Horned Owl, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe
Spring Exhibit poster 2024
Rachel Davis presentation
Jurica-Suchy Museum paint-out
Goldfinch, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe
Rachel Davis presentation
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Jewels of Spring, copyright Beth Berry
Wild Bergamot, copyright Lisa Kanellos
Spring 2024 Artists’ Card Collection
Daffodil Glade, copyright Yvonne Buckley
Lilacia Park paint-out
Aurora Public Art exhibit postcard
Lilacia Park paint-out
Cicada pendant detail, copyright Karen A Johnson
Ink demonstration, Nancy Wu
Glazing demonstration by Dale Olsen
Aurora Public Art exhibit
Private Garden paint-out
Anderson Japanese Gardens paint-out
Nature Journal Pages class by Sandra Wilcoxon
Grand Garden paint-out
Wine and Art Walk
Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum poster
Cantigny paint-out
Presentation by Don Widmer
Presentation by Don Widmer
Autumn events montage
Morning Light 3, copyright Dale Olsen
Trees exhibit
Trees at Sunset, copyright Marlene Vitek
Three Fall Maples, copyright Maggie Capettini
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Yellowstone Tree Root detail, copyright Jeffrey Zawada
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Joanne May. Please click on the image to open a gallery of 2024 Holiday Cards created by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild.
The Nature Artists’ Guild would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Celia Rodee
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Suzanne Wegener
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Sandra Wilcoxon
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Ann Lamoureux
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Laurie Alvear
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Joanne McKibben
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Vicki Liszewski
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Margie Navolio
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Carol Jean Rogalski
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Christine Carroll
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Heidi Jachna
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Alice Wych
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Nicolette Metz
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Bernadette Hanacek
2024 Holiday Card “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” copyright Yvonne Buckley
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Joanne May
2024 Holiday Card, front, copyright Carol Cooley
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Jean Black
2024 Holiday Card, inside, copyright Barbara Wendel
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Karen Romani
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Pat Mroczka
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Terrie McComb
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Debra Giampoli
Please click here to view the gallery of handmade cards. Many thanks to Celia Rodee for once again coordinating this year’s Holiday Card Exchange, and to all the participating members for sharing their time and talents!
This festive, furry friend is ringing (clacking, actually) his bells (acorns, actually) to remind members of the Nature Artists’ Guild that it’s time to –
Mail their holiday cards! Participants in the Guild’s 2024 Holiday Card Exchange are asked to make sure to mail their handmade cards by tomorrow, December 16. Images of the cards (both sent and received – we’ll work out eliminating duplicates) for the website should be emailed by December 21 if possible.
Renew their memberships for 2025! Current members can renew online or send a check to the Guild treasurer, and new members can join online or send a check to the address listed on the membership brochure. Nature Artists’ Guild memberships are for the calendar year, so joining or renewing early ensures receiving all the benefits for the entire year.
All those interested in learning more about the Nature Artists’ Guild or current members who would just like to spend an enjoyable morning with fellow artists are invited to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum any Wednesday morning after 9.
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild can spend time sketching, photographing, or just chatting at these informal friendly gatherings. (What a perfect time to work on their holiday card project!)
Visitors can also ask questions and learn more about the Guild from current members in a relaxed and casual setting (with absolutely no pressure to join).
Why not stop by?
Note: Gatherings may be canceled without notice due to inclement weather and are not scheduled on holidays. Membership in the Nature Artists’ Guild or The Morton Arboretum is not required to attend, but regular Arboretum gate fees will apply.
Sample of 2023 holiday cards by (l to r) Patty Koenigsaecker, Bernadette Hanacek, Christine Carroll, Celia Rodee, and Cheryl Holz
It doesn’t matter what the medium is (as long as it can be mailed), and it doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be handmade, and it will spread a bit of cheer to a fellow artist this holiday season.
Putting on some favorite tunes, pouring a hot beverage, gathering a few art supplies, and sharing some creativity – what a joyous and generous way to spend a little time this season! (Normal Guild exhibition guidelines are slightly loosened for this project, so artists can feel free to dress their critters or add some sparkle.)
All cards must be mailed by December 16, 2024. Guild members received an email earlier this week with the details, and after all the cards are sent and received, images of them will also be shared on this website. (Blank multi-media cards and envelopes will be available at the Holiday Party for those who would like to begin with one.)
Register for the Holiday Card Exchange by December 5. Just a few years ago, the Guild began coordinating informal exchanges of handmade holiday cards between members. This popular event is now an annual tradition! Members were emailed all the details in November, and for those participants who would like to use them, blank multi-media cards will be available at the December 5 party.
Attend the annual Holiday Party on the evening of December 5. The Holiday Party is a year-end celebration that gives Guild members an opportunity to enjoy a meal and spend time with fellow artists in the lovely Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. A fun raffle of donated nature and art-related items will be held (cash only for raffle tickets). Each member is invited to bring a guest, and there is no registration required. Nature Artists’ Guild members received an invitation by email in November with details.
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, even those in warm and sunny climes, can look forward to a flurry (of activity) to close out 2024!
The Guild’s 2025 Downers Grove Library exhibit won’t open until January, but members must register by December 4, 2024, and drop off their work on December 14 to be included. This exhibit will feature work previously shown at The Morton Arboretum (titling, matting, framing, and labels are already done!) as well as some new pieces, bringing the beauty of nature art to a new audience.
By popular demand, the Guild’s Holiday Card Exchange has returned for 2024. Participating Guild members will be asked to create an original holiday card to mail to another member (whose name they will be given in secret). Participants can sign up for the exchange here by December 5 or contact coordinator Celia Rodee for more information. Details were also emailed to all members earlier this month.
Guild members are invited to attend the Nature Artists’ Guild’s annual Holiday Party on the evening of December 5, 2024 at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. Details about this fun and festive event were emailed to members earlier this month. No registration is required.
The Nature Artists’ Guild is now accepting renewals and new memberships for 2025. Memberships are for the calendar year, so renewing or joining before the beginning of the year will ensure members receive all the benefits for 2025.
Winter issues of the Nature Artists’ Quarterly will be mailed soon. Members can look forward to receiving their copy, full of news and artwork by and for fellow nature artists, on or around December 1.
All artists, even those not currently members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, are invited to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum to chat or sketch at a Coffee and Art gathering any Wednesday morning between 9 and 11, weather permitting and holidays excepted. (Arboretum membership or a gate fee will be required.)
The Nature Artists’ Guild is looking for committee volunteers for 2025. Members can check here for current volunteer openings.
Swamp White Oak (II), copyright Catherine L. Fey. Click on the image above for the recent additions.
Everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to enjoy the latest images of Nature Artists’ Guild members’ artwork included in the 2024 Autumn Exhibit and special exhibit, Trees, at The Morton Arboretum earlier this month. (Click on the above image for recent additions, or scroll down or click on one of the highlighted links above for all images shared by participating artists.)
The Nature Artists’ Guild would like to sincerely thank The Morton Arboretum, participating artists, visitors and guests, and all of the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of these exhibits. (Click on any image to see the full version or to open a gallery of images to scroll through.)
Japanese Maple Leaves, copyright Joanne MayBlue bell woods, copyright Marybeth DevineBounce, copyright Deana Bada MaloneyStill, copyright Deana Bada MaloneyIvory Woodpecker, copyright Michelle BuziakTranquil, copyright Dan DanielsonTell Me One Thing, copyright Elizabeth BerryBlue bell Woods, copyright Marybeth DevineMilkweed Pods, copyright Marlene VitekSwamp White Oak (II), copyright Catherine L. FeyGround Cover Garden, copyright Nicolette MetzLike a Secret, copyright Beth BerryInterstate Landscape, copyright Patty KoenigsaeckerPeacock, copyright Jill AdziaEvening Approaches, copyright Vicki LiszewskiErmine, copyright Nancy ThyfaultWhite Poplar, copyright Nicolette MetzTo See the Four-Fecta, copyright Carol CooleyGilded Magnolia, copyright Nancy ThyfaultWaterlilies, copyright Amy NagiLead the Way, copyright Beth BerryShy Screech Owl, copyright Carol CooleyWinter Grasses, copyright Laverne BohlinArboretum Old Timer, copyright Bernadette HanacekSycamore, copyright Karen RemkusPrairie Sunrise, copyright Carrie CarlsonQuail, copyright Jill AdziaCopyright Cindy FranksTrees at Sunset, copyright Marlene VitekGinkgo Leaves, copyright Joanne MayDupage River Wildlife, copyright Karen RemkusSerene, copyright Dan DanielsonAfrican Elephant, copyright Carrie CarlsonAphrodite Sweetshrub, copyright Arlene WidrevitzAwakened By Sun, copyright Shuli WangCoopers Hawk and Kestrel, copyright Michelle BuziakSun – Flower – Moon, copyright Laurie PetersCelebration Song Iris, copyright Kathi KuchlerBlackwell Wildflowers, copyright Maggie CapettiniFollow Your Path, copyright Gail StoccheroEagles’ Watch, copyright Carol CooleyOpen Your Heart, copyright Beth Berrycopyright Cindy FranksTree Trunk with Ivy, copyright Marlene VitekBee Eater, copyright Kathi KuchlerBe Still, copyright Elizabeth BerryBeech Tree, copyright Carol CooleyHardy Fuchsia, Fuchsia magellanica, copyright Kumie KimA Dance of Color, copyright Shuli WangPurple Iris, copyright Marge HallLook Up, copyright Gail StoccheroNight Owl Fetish, copyright Cheryl HolzTree Shadows, copyright Marge HallImpressions of Zion V – The Watchman, copyright Joe RizzoPathway Of Green, copyright Shuli WangFlowers and Lady Bug, copyright Mark SchererGathering of the Clans, copyright Terrie McCombSea Oats Grass, copyright Karen RemkusOoze, copyright Catherine L. FeyLotus, copyright Amy NagiMayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, copyright Kumie KimFall Splendor, copyright Mary S RobertsTree Afar, copyright Carol CooleyFall Color and Pattern, copyright Marlene VitekThree Fall Maples, copyright Maggie CapettiniPeace Rose, copyright Marge HallHidden Lake #1, copyright Joanne MayHoney Bees, copyright Mark SchererSerenity, copyright Vicki LisewskiLake Marmo Maple, copyright Arlene WidrevitzThe Highlands, copyright Cynthia BoudreauBIRD BOXES: Wren, copyright Cheryl HolzTree Reflections, copyright Marge HallRIPE, copyright Bernadette HanacekFlight of Fancy, copyright Catherine L. Fey
What a gorgeous day to visit The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL to take in the crisp autumn air as well as the sights, scents, and sounds of the season! After experiencing the colors and compositions supplied by nature, today’s Arboretum visitors can also enjoy those shared by 65 members of the Nature Artists’ Guild.
Visitors can take a short stroll down the path of the Grand Garden to the Cudahy Room (located adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library in the Administration Building) to experience more than 250 works of art by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, demonstrations by members, and spectacular raffle baskets (some including original artwork). There is no extra charge for Arboretum visitors to attend the exhibit.
The Guild’s 2024 Autumn Exhibit and special display of small works, Trees, will be open to all Arboretum visitors, at no extra charge, until 4 pm today, November 10, 2024. (Additional artwork images coming soon, but when possible, artwork is best viewed in person!)
2024 Autumn Exhibit Featured Artist Dale Olsen. Click on image for more about Dale.
