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Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2023 Spring Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum

Published on April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by Denise1 Comment

Jewels of Spring, copyright Beth Berry
Morning Meeting, copyright Vicki Liszewski
Let Nature Sing, copyright Yvonne Buckley
House Wren, copyright Vicki Liszewski
Reddish Egret, copyright Nancy Thyfault
Magenta Lined Orchids, copyright Kathi Kuchler
Out of the Wind, copyright Linda Fairbanks
Howard’s Dream, copyright Terrie McComb
Autumn Floor, copyright Jeff Walter
Zinnia Dance, copyright Maggie Mardis
Microcosmos, copyright Laurie Peters
Before the Sun Goes Down, copyright Beth Berry
Mother Bear, copyright Darcy Berg
Optimist, copyright Jeffrey Zawada
Spring Pussy Willows, copyright Marlene Vitek
Three Trees on the Trail, copyright Beth Berry
Eyelash Begonia (Begonia bowerae), copyright Kumie Kim
Rosa, copyright Jeff Walter
Snowdrops, copyright Marlene Vitek
Cantigny Ruby Garden, copyright Janice Czerwinski
Sunflower, copyright Cindy Franks
Summer Splendor, copyright Maggie Mardis
Clematis roguchi, copyright Kumie Kim
Pastel Prairie Grass, copyright Cheryl Holz
Monarch on Swamp Milkweed, copyright Karen Remkus
Helianthus, copyright Laurie Peters
Cinnamon, copyright Dan Danielson
Daffodil Glade, copyright Marlene Vitek
Lady Slipper Orchids, copyright Kathi Kuchler
Cantigny Yellow Water Lily, copyright Janice Czerwinski
Myna in Maui, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe
Zion II – Virgin River, copyright Joe Rizzo
Golden Eagle, copyright Dan Danielson
Spring Renewed, copyright Cheryl Rausch
Prairie Sedge, copyright Terrie McComb
Common Redpoll, copyright Mary Voegeli
Summer Daydream, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
Two Young Bucks, copyright Carol Cooley
Old Guard, copyright Jeffrey Zawada
Spring on the Joy Path, copyright Maggie Mardis
Negentropy, copyright Laurie Peters
Agave, copyright Yvonne Buckley
New Beginnings, copyright Kathi Kuchler
Birds in Flight, copyright Darcy Berg
Lilac breasted Roller, copyright Dan Danielson
Water Lily, copyright Ann Lamoureux
Harbingers of Spring – Daffodils, copyright Cheryl Holz
Banyon Walking, copyright Nancy Thyfault
Magenta Madonna, copyright Jeff Walter
Fragrant Isle Lavender, copyright Janice Czerwinski
Myna in Maui, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe
The Courage to Bloom, copyright Laura S. Lucas
Robin in her Nest, copyright Celia Rodee
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), copyright Kumie Kim
Last Flowers of Winter, copyright Linda Fairbanks
Bee on Milkweed, copyright Cindy Franks
Snow Glories Peek, copyright Patricia Mroczka
Impression, copyright Patricia Mroczka
Twisted Poppies, copyright Patricia Mroczka

Please enjoy the more than 50 examples of some of the wonderful artwork recently exhibited at the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2023 Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum. Larger versions can be seen by clicking on this link to the exhibit page.

Well over 1000 visitors enjoyed approximately 200 works of art created by more than 50 members of the Guild.

The Nature Artists’ Guild would like to thank all the volunteers, artists, Arboretum staff, and visitors for their contributions to the success of the Spring 2023 Art Exhibit.

All artwork exhibited on this website is the sole property of the artists and should not be used or reproduced without their written consent. If you would like to contact one of the artists, please use the contact form on the About page and you will receive an email reply, normally within 48 hours. Your contact information will not be shared or used for any other purpose.

Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit at Woodridge Public Library throughout May 2023

Published on April 17, 2023April 18, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are invited to participate in a special exhibit throughout May 2023 at the gallery of the Woodridge Public Library, a large and modern establishment serving over 500,000 visitors per year.

The special exhibit will feature artwork previously shown at The Morton Arboretum and will offer library visitors the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the creativity of the Guild’s artists.

Those members of the Nature Artists’ Guild who would like to participate can register by mail or by completing this online form by April 19. The prospectus for the exhibit was emailed on April 5.

In Other Nature Artists’ Guild News –

The 2023 Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum was a resounding success, with well over one thousand visitors stopping in over the weekend to view the wonderful works of nature art. An online sample of the artwork will be coming soon. (Participating artists can still email their artwork images to Denise Fisk before April 19 to be included in the online display.)

The muffins, the daffodils, the artists, and the weather were at their best for the recent paint-out at the Arboretum’s Daffodil Glade. The scene of artists dotted across the glade among the daffodils brought some joy to plenty of Arboretum visitors driving or walking by. Some participants will be exhibiting the day’s accomplishments in this autumn’s small-works exhibit, Joy’s Vision.

A paint-out has been planned for May 4, 2023 at Lilacia Park , a “horticultural showcase that features over 700 lilacs and 35,000 tulips annually,” in Lombard, IL. The paint-out date is just before the opening of the annual Lilac Time festival, when the blooms will be at their peak. Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild can email Celia Rodee or register here to be added to the email list for details and updates.

The Wednesday morning Art and Coffee gatherings continue at the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum, near the cafe, between 9 until 11:30 am. Nature Artists’ Guild members, their guests, or any artists interested in learning more about the Guild are invited to stop by to sketch, sip, chat, or watch the morning unfold in a beautiful setting. With the weather warming up, some participants may even be wandering outdoors for some plein-air work or reference sketches or photos.

Some Spring Events for the Nature Artists’ Guild

Published on April 10, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

(Right-click on image to share with friends and family)

The 2023 Spring Art Exhibit featuring over 200 works by more than 50 members of the Nature Artists’ Guild opens at The Morton Arboretum with a reception on the evening of Friday, April 14 and continues throughout the weekend.

Forecasters are predicting gorgeous weather for the Daffodil Glade paint-out on the morning of Thursday, April 13, 2023. Just as importantly, paint-out coordinator Celia Rodee is predicting that there were be plenty of Harvest and Blueberry Cornflake muffins for everyone! There is still time for Nature Artists’ Guild members to sign up for the event and receive an email with all the details.

A special exhibit has been scheduled for May 2023 at the lovely Woodridge Public Library Gallery. Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild were emailed a prospectus on April 5 with details and can register by clicking here or mailing their completed form by April 19.

The Art and Coffee gathering will not take take place on April 12, but will return on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. So much will be starting to bloom around the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum, and members and their guests are welcome to stop by between 9 and 11:30 to sketch, sip, and chat, or simply enjoy the view.

Artists Creating Art April 14 through 16, 2023

Published on April 4, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

The Nature Artists’ Guild will feature five of its members creating wonderful artwork in their own unique styles during the hours of the Spring 2023 Nature Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.

In addition to viewing over 200 pieces of nature art created by more than 50 Guild members, exhibit visitors will be able to watch, converse with, and ask questions as artists share their skills and discuss their artistic inspirations and techniques.

On Friday, April 14, from 7 to 9 pm, Cheryl Rausch will be sharing her skills in depicting the wonders of nature in digital art.

Spring Renewed, digital, copyright Cheryl Rausch

On Saturday, April 15, from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm, visitors will be able to view some of the techniques Dan Danielson uses in creating his bold watercolors.

Golden Eagle, watercolor, copyright Dan Danielson

On Saturday, April 15, from 1 to 3 pm, Joe Rizzo will be bringing alcohol inks to demonstrate their use in creating wonderfully abstract depictions of nature.

Zion II – Virgin River, alcohol ink and oil pastel, copyright Joe Rizzo

On Sunday, April 16, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Lindsay Sandbothe will share the techniques she uses when working with acrylic on canvas to create her stunning bird paintings.

Myna in Maui, acrylic on canvas, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe

On Sunday, April 16, from 1 to 3 pm, multi-talented artist Kathy Steere will be using water-soluble crayons to add beautiful brilliance to various creations.

Color media (including water-soluble crayon) on fabric, copyright Kathy Steere

Preview of the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2023 Spring Art Exhibit

Published on April 1, 2023April 2, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

From birds and bees to flowers and trees, more than 50 members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will be exhibiting over 200 wonderful works of art on the weekend of April 15 and 16, 2023 at The Morton Arboretum.

Click here for more details about the exhibit. Please enjoy this preview by clicking on any image for the full version. More images will be shared here after the exhibit, but there is no better way to enjoy nature art than in person on a lovely spring day at The Morton Arboretum!

Preparations Underway for the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2023 Spring Exhibit

Published on March 25, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

Snow Glories Peek, copyright Patricia Mroczka. Read more about Patricia, the 2023 Spring Art Exhibit’s Featured Artist, by clicking here.

Registrations for the 2023 Spring Nature Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum have been completed, the volunteer schedule is almost full, and the posters and postcards are being shared.

All that is left for participating members of the Nature Artists’ Guild to do is finish their works (and take some photos), prepare them for presentation, and bring them to the Arboretum on the evening of Wednesday, April 12, 2023. (Details about preparing and dropping off artwork are in the prospectus emailed to members on February 20.)

We will also be asking the artists to contribute images of their work to share on this website in the coming weeks. Check back soon for a preview of some of the wonderful art to be exhibited by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild.

Click here for a sample from last year’s spring exhibit.

Coming Soon for the Nature Artists’ Guild

Published on March 18, 2023March 18, 2023 by Denise2 Comments

Poster art by Patricia Mroczka, poster design by Jane Kellenberger, daffodil sketch at Coffee and Art by Celia Rodee, “Daffodils” in colored pencil by Alice Wych, frame display by Colbert Custom Framing

Some reminders for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild –

Monday, March 20, 2023 is the final day to mail completed prospectuses or register online for this April’s Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum. Links for the prospectus and online registration form were emailed to members on February 20.
There are still spots available for the talk and tour at Colbert Custom Framing on Tuesday evening, March 21, 2023. Interested members can register here.
A paint-out at the Daffodil Glade at The Morton Arboretum is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, April 13, 2023. This would be a great opportunity to complete sketches or gather reference material for the Joy’s Vision exhibit of 8 x 8 inch works scheduled this autumn. Members who would like to be put on the email list for updates about the paint-out can click here.
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild and their guests are always welcome to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum for Coffee and Art any Wednesday morning after 9 am to sketch, sip, or chat. No registration is required.

Nature Artists’ Guild to Celebrate Joy’s Vision at Daffodil Glade

Published on March 12, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

Joy’s early plans for the Arboretum included Sargents Glade on the West side of the Thornhill ravine, but most guests today know this beautiful area by a different name, Daffodil Glade. Beneath widely spaced old oaks, spring rolls out a grassy carpet filled with waves of cheerful, varied daffodils. The first daffodils here were planted in 1946.

– The Morton Arboretum

Joy Morton shared some thoughts about his vision for The Morton Arboretum with his colleague Professor S.C. Sargent of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University in 1921 –

Excerpt of document archived by the Sterling Morton Library

And again in 1924 –

The Nature Artists’ Guild is planning to honor Joy’s Vision with a exhibit this autumn of artwork created at or inspired by Daffodil Glade (originally “the Sargent Plot” or “Sargent Glade”), Joy Path, and Lake Marmo. These areas were all part of Mr. Morton’s original vision for the Arboretum, near his house in an area that he predicted would “ultimately become one of the prettiest parts of the Arboretum.”

A paint-out at Daffodil Glade has been scheduled for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 9 am until noon (rain date April 20 if required). Participants will meet near the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum, enjoy some muffins, and wander off to choose a spot among the daffodils. They should bring their sketchbooks and art supplies, a portable chair, their favorite drink, and plans to enjoy a wonderful morning filled with the sights, scents, and sounds of Daffodil Glade.

Members can let Celia Rodee know they plan to attend by email or by completing this registration form. Celia will have some 8 x 8 surfaces available for members to use or bring home for later use if they plan to participate in the Joy’s Vision project.

2023 Spring Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum April 15 and 16, 2023

Published on March 8, 2023April 17, 2023 by Denise1 Comment

Poster artwork by **Featured Artist Patricia Mroczka**. Poster design by Jane Kellenberger.

The 2023 Spring Art Exhibit by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild at The Morton Arboretum will be open throughout the weekend of April 15 – 16, 2023. A reception for the artists and their guests will occur on the evening of Friday, April 14.

This exhibit will include over 200 pieces of nature art by more than 50 Guild members and will be open to all visitors to The Morton Arboretum.

Please click here to learn more about Featured Artist Patricia Mroczka.

Preserving and Presenting Artwork Workshop on March 21, 2023

Published on February 25, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 6:30 until 8 pm, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will have the opportunity to learn about preserving their artwork and presenting it in ways that will enhance, and never detract from, the viewer’s experience.

Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing has more than thirty years of experience in matting, framing, and preserving fine art. Third generation owner Stephanie Colbert Randall has offered to share professional knowledge about preparing and presenting artwork and a tour of their production and warehouse areas at their facility (click here for a short video) in Naperville, Illinois.

Interested members should contact Terrie McComb by email or by clicking here to complete a registration form before March 19 to reserve a seat. Space is limited and recent Nature Artists’ Guild events have been filling quickly!

Reminders –

Registrations are being accepted by for the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2023 Spring Art Exhibit through March 20, 2023. Links to the prospectus and an online registration form were emailed to members on February 20.
The Nature Artists’ Guild will be sponsoring a presentation by watercolorist Thomas Trausch next Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 7 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. This event will be open to the public, free of charge.
All spots have been filled for the paint-out at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum on March 9, 2023 but a wait-list is available.
Coffee and Art gatherings take place each Wednesday morning between 9 and 12 at the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum. Guild members and guests are welcome to stop by to sketch, chat, or sip!