In addition to enjoying over 200 works of art by more than 70 Guild artists, Arboretum visitors will have the opportunity to watch and interact with the following members as they demonstrate and discuss their methods, materials, and inspirations.
The 2025 Autumn Exhibit by the Nature Artists’ Guild will take place on November 7, 8, and 9. More artwork samples, a demonstrator schedule, and other exhibit details coming soon!
Demonstrations, special displays, raffles, and handmade ornaments will be available to visitors throughout the exhibit, and a reception, open to all on Friday evening, will also include light refreshments and the opportunity to meet many of the artists.
Details, as well as a sample of exhibit artwork images, will be shared here in coming weeks, and much more about Kathy Steere can be found on the 2025 Autumn Featured Artist page.
Coming in October –
The annual autumn exhibit will be held in the Cudahy Room and reception area of the Administration Building, adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library, from Friday, November 7, through Sunday, November 9, 2025, between the hours of 10 and 4. There will be no charge for admission to the exhibit (although normal gate fees for the Arboretum will apply, except during the reception on Friday evening from 4:30 until 7, also open to all).
The Nature Artists’ Guild exhibit will include more than 200 works of art by approximately 50 members, including many by this autumn’s Featured Artist, Kathy Steere (much more to come soon about Kathy and her art). In addition to the artwork, visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations and purchase handmade ornaments, greeting cards featuring members’ artwork, or raffle tickets for spectacular themed gift baskets. Friday evening’s reception will also include free light refreshments.
The Autumn Exhibit will also include a special display of numerous small works (8 x 8 inch) created by members of the Guild to honor The Morton Arboretum. This year’s theme for that display will be “Flora,” with contributions inspired by the vast collections found there.
Participating artists can register or view the prospectuses here –
Phil Schorn’s award-winning work has been featured in numerous publications, including Colored Pencil Magazine, as well as in group and solo exhibits. He also shares his talents through demonstrations, workshops, outdoor art fairs, classes, and private lessons.
With the color pencil, I have the ability to create the shape, color and detail that I envision in my art. Color pencil is where I find the most comfort in, where the color and detail truly stands out. My art is realistic but done with an artistic approach. I want the viewer to see more than what they thought was there.
I take what is considered ordinary and make it extraordinary.
–Phil Schorn
The presentation, sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, will be held at the Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 7 until 9 pm. The program is open to all, free of charge, and no registration is required. There will be no charge for parking or admission to the Arboretum for this event. Visitors can let the gate attendant know they are there for the presentation to be admitted and directed to Thornhill.
Plenty of seating and delicious light refreshments will be provided.
Attendees will be able to make the most of autumn’s brilliant blue skies and warm colors, while enjoying coffee and a tasty homemade pastry provided by coordinator Celia Rodee, at the lovely and vast gardens of Cantigny Park.
“Located in Wheaton, Illinois, Cantigny Park is the 500-acre former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.” Included in the park are the gardens, “created in 1967 by renowned landscape architect Franz Lipp. Nearly 30 acres of display gardens, theme plantings and statuary render exceptional beauty in all seasons.” – Cantigny.org
There will be no charge for entering Cantigny or for parking at this event. Drop-ins, guests, and visitors are welcome to join the paint-out, but registration is strongly recommended (to make sure there are enough delicious delectables to go around). It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the autumn air and time with fellow nature artists!
Attendees will be provided with expert instruction and all the materials and tools needed to create a unique miniature masterpiece using acrylic on a prepared slice of wood. The completed ornaments will be sold to raise funds for the Nature Artists’ Guild at its upcoming Autumn Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum. (Participants will also be able to purchase one or two extra prepared wood slices for $3 each, to bring home for their personal use.)
There is no charge to attend this fun workshop for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, but registration is required, and space is limited!
Nature Artists' Guild 
