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!
To celebrate this display, the Nature Artists’ Guild has planned a paint-out at The Grand Garden on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 9:30 am until noon. Coordinator Celia Rodee will greet attendees with hot and iced coffee and her famous homemade baked goods to prepare the artists for a morning of enjoying the garden in all its glory.
Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is highly recommended (to receive email updates and details, and ensure there are enough treats to go around).
The Grand Garden paint-out also offers a perfect opportunity for Guild members to create or gather references for their contribution to this year’s small works exhibit, “Flora”!
Paint-Outs Coordinator (and accomplished baker) Celia Rodee will meet participants at 10 am with coffee (hot or iced) and homemade baked goods at the private garden of artists Cynthia Hellyer Heinz and Earl Heinz. Cynthia is excited to report that the garden is in full bloom and ready for its repeat performance!
Cynthia is an artist and associate professor at the School of Art and Design at NIU, and Earl creates wonderful works in ceramics. Their colorful and whimsical garden near the DuPage River is a reflection of their creativity and artistic talents. To add to the experience, paint-out participants are invited to join Cynthia on an informal tour of her home studio!
Registration is required for this paint-out, and no rain date will be scheduled. Celia will email registered attendees with the paint-out address and other details. Previous paint-out participants, as well as new ones, are welcome to attend.
“The Wine and Art Walk is a juried art show featuring photography, woodturning, jewelry, painting, ceramics, fused glass, fiber arts, and more artworks created by artists in the Midwest and beyond.” This year’s Wine and Art Walk will showcase the nature-connected work of 57 artists.
The Nature Artists’ Guild will have an information table inside the air-conditioned Arboretum’s Visitor Center (near the entrance of The Arboretum Store). Members volunteering to represent the Guild will have the opportunity to demonstrate, show their own work, and hand out business cards (no sales allowed) to the steady stream of visitors. Membership brochures and a sign directing visitors to the Nature Artists’ Guild’s website will help with answering questions about the Guild.
Volunteers can register here for a two-hour shift between 10 and 4 on Saturday, August 16, or Sunday, August 17, 2025, use this form to learn more, or email Terrie McComb with questions. Update – All Saturday shifts have been filled. Sunday shifts may still be available.
Nature Artists' Guild 
