“I See Something Green” Now Available at The Arboretum Store

"I See Something Green", Marsha Bergstrom Georgiopoulos and Gail Diedrichsen
“I See Something Green”, Marsha Bergstrom Georgiopoulos and Gail Diedrichsen

Signed copies of I See Something Green, a children’s book written by local author, Marsha Bergstrom Georgiopoulos, and illustrated by our own Nature Artists’ Guild president, Gail Diedrichsen, are now available at the gift shop located in the Visitors’ Center of The Morton Arboretum, The Arboretum Store.  Gail is so excited to see the book on the shelves next to some of her favorite books about nature!

I See Something Green, the first in a series of books based on color, stresses the importance of living green and saving our forests. “Yellow” is in the works and will focus on the importance of bees.

Marsha, a retired literature and Spanish teacher, and Gail, a retired literature and art teacher, are seasoned educators dedicated to their professions, both receiving Golden Apple nominations.  Once retired, as Gail puts it, “they did not abandon their need to influence our next generation”.  Marsha enjoys writing children’s poetry and Gail loves to “illustrate cute animals for children”.  This book series will allow Marsha and Gail to combine their passions and talents to send an important environmental message.

Books purchased from another source, or even signed books from The Arboretum Store may be brought to one of our Nature Artists’ Guild meetings, where Gail will be happy to personally inscribe them.

Congratulations, Gail and Marsha.  We are looking forward to “Yellow”!

Artwork for "Celebrating our Green Planet" from "I See Something Green", copyright Gail Diedrichsen
Artwork for “Celebrating our Green Planet” from “I See Something Green”, copyright Gail Diedrichsen

“Viewing Nature”, Exhibit of Nature Art at the Komechak Gallery Begins May 3, 2015

On Sunday, May 3, 2015, between 2 and 4 pm, all are invited to attend an opening reception for the special exhibit of artwork by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, at the Fr. Michael E. Komechak, O.S.B. Art Gallery at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.  This “First Sunday Tea & Talk Art Lecture Series” gives members of the public a chance to meet and talk with the artists, as well as to view some of the artists engaging in their creative process.

Viewing Nature, featuring nearly 50 pieces of nature art, many of which were inspired by the collection of the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University, will be on display at the Komechak Gallery from May 4 until July 18, 2015. The gallery is open from 11 am until 4 pm every day except Sunday.

Komechak Art Gallery, Benedictine University, Lisle IL
Komechak Gallery, Benedictine University. Photo credit Benedictine University website. Please click on photo to be directed to the website page.

Komechak Gallery is located on the 5th floor in Kindlon Hall of Learning, Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle IL. For more information, please click on this link to the Komechak Art Gallery’s web pages or click on one of the photos to be directed to their website.

Komechak Art Gallery, Benedictine University
Komechak Gallery, Benedictine University. Photo credit Benedictine University website. Please click on photo to be directed to the website page.

Nature Artists’ Guild Open Studio, Paint-In, Saturday May 2, 2015

On Saturday, May 2, 2015, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are invited to meet at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum anytime between noon and 3 pm for an open studio and “paint-in”.

From our Program and Paint-Out Chair, Mary Ann Jimenez –

Having the opportunity to associate and work alongside other artists, from time to time, can enlighten us and open our eyes to the diversity that pours out of creative minds. Come and enjoy this opportunity to share in an environment of creativity and motivation. Everyone can learn a great deal working alongside other artists.

Bring whatever piece you are currently working one (or start a new one), as well as your own supplies. Hope to see you there.

Of course, if you come down with a touch of spring fever during this event, remember that the sights, sounds and scents of Joy Path are right outside of the doors of Thornhill for all to enjoy!

Spring Color, photo credit www.mortonarb.org
Spring Color, photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org. Please click on the photo to be directed to The Morton Arboretum’s Bloom Report.

Spring Exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, April 18 and 19, 2015

The Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum is proud to announce our Featured Artist of the 2015 Annual Spring Exhibit, Nancy Halliday.  You can view more of Nancy’s work and read all about her artistic journey by clicking on the “Our Current Featured Artist” tab above.

The Spring Exhibit will feature over 200 pieces of artwork by more than 50 of our talented Nature Artists’ Guild members.  It is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the best nature art in the area, in a beautiful setting, the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.

The exhibit is open to the public on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 10 am until 4 pm.  There is no admission charge, but gate fees do apply to non-members of The Morton Arboretum, located at 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL.

A special reception for Arboretum members and guests of the artists will be held on April 17, 2015 from 5 until 9 pm.

Copyright Nancy Halliday
Copyright Nancy Halliday

Nature Artists’ Guild Annual Expedition to Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum

There’s no need to pack anything but a few art supplies and a folding stool or chair for this short expedition to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum!

Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University.  Photo credit www.ben.edu.
Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University. Photo credit http://www.ben.edu.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2015, Nature Artists’ Guild members will once again have the opportunity to sketch, paint, or draw from the enormous collection at the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, any time between 9 am and noonThere is no need to RSVP, and some participants may choose to meet for lunch afterwards at a local restaurant.

The museum is located on the second floor of the Birck Hall of Science, Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle, IL.  To read about the history of the museum, view more photos, or even search for a particular specimen, please click on this link to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum section of the Benedictine University’s website.

Below are some photos from previous expeditions by the Nature Artists’ Guild, contributed by various members.

Nature Artists’ Guild Member Karen Johnson Shares Her Experiences

Once again, we can thank Karen Johnson for posting some wonderful photographs of recent Nature Artists’ Guild events on her blog! Please click on this link to Karen’s Nature Art to read about and view photos of Karen’s experiences at the Nature Artists’ Guild presentation featuring Carrie Carlson and the recent raptor photography event at the Stillman Nature Center.

Fiber Artist Barbara Schneider Presentation on March 5, 2015

On Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum, fiber artist Barbara Schneider will be sharing some of her artwork and techniques with members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, their guests, and visitors.

The three series of fiber art that Barbara will be presenting, Reflections, Leaves, and  Line Dance, Tree Ring Patterns are influenced by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, which she describes as “finding beauty in things that are imperfect”.  Barbara’s program is meant to encourage viewers to look at nature “with fresh eyes”, and her creations using cloth, dye and thread are nothing short of breathtaking.

To see a preview of a Barbara’s DVD, Three Dimensional Fiber Art, please click on this link.  To view her artwork and read more about her techniques and inspirations, you can visit Barbara’s website by clicking here and here for her Facebook page.

As always, guests and visitors are welcome to attend the Nature Artists’ Guild programs. There is no fee for the program, parking, or entry into The Morton Arboretum for this event.  Visitors can let the gate attendant know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild program, and they will be directed to the Thornhill Education Center.

Fiber Artist Barbara Schneider and her artwork.  Photo credit, Barbara Schneider Textile Artist Facebook Page
Fiber Artist Barbara Schneider and her artwork. Photo credit, Facebook Barbara Schneider Textile Artist. Please click on photo to visit page.

Nature Artists’ Guild Member Featured in Solo Exhibition

Nature Artists’ Guild member (and instructor for The Morton Arboretum’s nature art program), Laverne Bohlin is being featured in a solo exhibit of her landscape art from January 8 through March 26, 2015 at The Healing Gallery, Presence Saint Joseph’s Hospital, 77 N. Airlite Street, Elgin IL.  A Meet the Artist Reception will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 5 until 7 pm. The gallery is located inside Presence Saint Joseph’s Hospital and is always open.

Laverne is hopeful that her work “brings some solace to someone in need.”

Lazy Days, copyright Laverne Bohlin.  Used with permission.
Lazy Days, copyright Laverne Bohlin. Used with permission.

February 5, 2015 Nature Artists’ Guild Meeting Reminder

Don’t forget that tonight’s Nature Artists’ Guild Meeting will be held in the Visitor’s Center of The Morton Arboretum.  Please park in the main parking lot and enter through the main doors of the Visitor’s Center.  Proceed towards the Ginkgo Cafe, and our friend Gary will direct you to the correct room.

Carrie Carlson will be sharing her linoleum block printing methods with us, and supplies will be provided to all who care to try some techniques for themselves.  It sounds like a fun evening!