Category: Exhibitions

2026 Spring Exhibit Featured Artist Cheryl Holz

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Bird Boxes, Wren, copyright Cheryl Holz

The Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum is pleased to present its 2026 Spring Exhibit’s Featured Artist, Cheryl Holz.

My goal is to inspire, in others, the same love of nature that I experience, to bring nature into their space, to motivate them to immerse themselves in it and experience the same peace and awe I do. – Cheryl Holz

Numerous examples of Cheryl’s artwork will be showcased in a designated area near the exhibit entrance, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet and talk with Cheryl before entering the main exhibit space. The Cudahy Room will contain nearly two hundred works of art in a variety of media by more than sixty members of the Nature Artists’ Guild. (Cudahy Room is located in the Administration Building of The Morton Arboretum, adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library.)

Cheryl beautifully describes her inspirations and fascination with nature and shares a preview of her stunning artwork on her Featured Artist page of this website. (Much more of her work can be found on Cheryl’s website.)

The 2026 Spring Art Exhibit will be held from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19, with a reception on Friday evening. Much more to come soon, including more about the reception, a schedule of demonstrators, and samples of exhibit artwork by various Guild members.


Daffodil Glade Paint-Out April 8, 2026

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Daffodil Glade, copyright Yvonne Buckley

Nature Artists’ Guild members and guests are invited to enjoy what The Morton Arboretum describes as “a sunlit glade beneath grand old oak trees . . . paved with daffodils,” for a paint-out on April 8.

Coordinator Celia Rodee will greet attendees with coffee and delectable treats at 9:30 on the morning of Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the entrance to the Arboretum’s Fragrance Garden, near the Thornhill Education Center. From there, artists can walk or drive to nearby Daffodil Glade, and find their spot for painting, sketching, or strolling through the glade taking photographs for future inspiration.

“Beneath widely spaced old oaks, spring rolls out a grassy carpet filled with waves of cheerful, varied daffodils.” The first daffodils were planted at the Arboretum in 1946 as part of some of Joy Morton’s earliest plans for the location.

All are invited to stop by and enjoy the morning, but registration is recommended to be added to an email list with details and updates (including weather-related).

Reminder – Tomorrow, March 21, 2026, is the final day to register for the 2026 Spring Nature Art Exhibit. Members can learn more here, and there is still time to join or renew membership in the Guild and be included!

Spring Nature Art Exhibit this April

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Poster artwork by Featured Artist Cheryl Holz. Poster design by Jane Kellenberger.

Spring comes marching in, and along with the flora and fauna and sights and sounds, brings the annual Spring Art Exhibit of more than 200 works of art by approximately 70 members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild have fewer than ten days to register to participate in this popular and well-attended (nearly 1500 visitors!) annual exhibit at the Arboretum. Each member is invited to register up to three exhibit pieces and up to three pieces of “bin art” by March 21, 2026. All artwork must meet the prospectus guidelines. (Potential new or returning members can still join or renew membership in the Guild by March 21 to participate.)

Much more about Featured Artist Cheryl Holz, a schedule of demonstrators, and samples of exhibit artwork coming soon!

Nature (and the Guild) are Preparing for Spring!

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Harbingers of Spring – Daffodils, copyright Cheryl Holz. Cheryl will be the Featured Artist of the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2026 Spring Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.

Even though there are weeks to go before spring, nature and the Nature Artists’ Guild are eagerly preparing for the longer and warmer days ahead.

According to the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, February in Chicagoland means that –

  • Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, killdeer, and great blue herons return
  • Chipmunks reappear at feeders
  • Bald eagles begin nesting behavior
  • Yellow-bellied sapsuckers work the maples as the sap begins to run
  • Hibernating butterflies emerge on warm days
  • Sandhill cranes can be seen migrating north
  • It is breeding season for racoons, woodchucks, rabbits, skunks, opossums, and beavers!

For the Nature Artists’ Guild, February also means that –

Members will receive (by email this week) their prospectus and registration instructions for the 2026 Spring Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum. The exhibit will be held April 17, 18, and 19, 2026, and the final date for registering (either online or by mail) will be March 21. Much more about the exhibit and Featured Artist Cheryl Holz coming soon.

In just a few weeks, the March program sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild will be held at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. This event on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 7 until 9 will be free and open to all and will feature award-winning pastel artist Nancie King Mertz as the presenter. Much more about the program to come soon.

Guild members will be visiting the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum for a “paint-in” on Thursday, March 12, from 9:30 until noon. (Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended in order to receive email updates and details.) More coming soon.

Guild members can begin thinking about their contributions to the Guild’s annual special exhibit showcasing 8 x 8-inch pieces. This year’s display, “Fauna,” will be inspired by the native mammals, fish, insects, birds, amphibians, and spiders that can be found at The Morton Arboretum. (Detailed instructions for members will be shared later in the year, and “Fauna” will be exhibited in November alongside the Guild’s annual autumn exhibit at the Arboretum.)

Many members are excited to participate each year in a popular local event for nature artists, the Danada Nature Art and Photo Show (not affiliated with the Nature Artists’ Guild.) This year’s exhibit will be held on March 14th and 15th, and the final day to apply will be March 1. Details and the registration form can be found on the Friends of Danada website.

Staying Busy (While Staying Warm)

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HEY… The Birdfeeder is Empty!, copyright Dan Danielson

The DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center reports that January, which might seem quiet in Chicagoland’s natural world, is actually quite busy! For instance –

  • Bald eagle migration peaks
  • Squirrels begin their mating season
  • Skunk cabbage begins to bloom
  • Great horned owls are on their nests
  • White-tailed deer bucks are shedding antlers
  • Tufted titmice and cardinals begin to sing

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild also have a busy winter planned, but unlike those of the titmice, most of their activities can be enjoyed indoors while staying warm.

Tomorrow, January 18, a free reception for the Guild’s special exhibit at the Downers Grove Public Library will be held from 2 to 4. Everyone is invited to stop by the exhibit and support the artists while enjoying some light refreshments.

On Wednesday, January 21, Guild members are invited to stop by an informal gathering at the Wheaton Public Library at 11:30 to enjoy even more nature art by their fellow artists. Those interested in having lunch at nearby Bien Trucha afterward at 12:30 can RSVP here or by contacting Celia Rodee.

Nature Artists’ Guild members are encouraged to spend a quiet hour at home this month, looking through and photographing their spring-inspired artwork for possible inclusion in the upcoming issue of the Quarterly. Images, articles, and announcements can be emailed to Jane Kellenberger by February 1.

The annual paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, from 7:30 until 10 am. This tropical destination is a favorite of Guild artists, who are invited to spend the morning, before the showroom opens, surrounded by gorgeous orchids in bloom. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Later in the evening of February 5, members (and guests who request a link) will be able to log in to join a Guild-sponsored online presentation by textile artist Kristin Field. Links to the program will be emailed the preceding week. (Much more about Kristin and her fascinating work coming soon.)

As always, members and visitors are welcome to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum any Wednesday morning about 9:30 to spend time chatting, sipping, and sketching with fellow artists at Coffee and Art.

Staying busy and staying warm!

Two Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibits Open this Week

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Meandering Stream, copyright Cynthia Boudreau. This work wil be displayed at the Downers Grove Public Library throughout January.

Sure, the cold is crisp and the snow can be stunning, but one thing mostly missing in nature during Chicagoland’s winter months is color! Happily, the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will be supplying lots of color from all four seasons in two special exhibits opening this week.

Nearly 75 works of nature art in a wide variety of media and styles, by approximately 50 talented members of the Guild, will be on display at the Downers Grove Public Library and the Wheaton Public Library throughout January, for all to enjoy.

Both of these vibrant libraries have a strong commitment to the visual arts and lovely dedicated gallery spaces in which Guild members can proudly share their work with the public.

Exhibits are open during regular library hours (click on highlighted links above for hours and directions.) A free open reception will be held at the Downers Grove Library on January 18 from 2 to 4 pm. Everyone is invited to stop by to support the artists and enjoy the exhibit!

A Look Back at 2025 with the Nature Artists’ Guild

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Winter Woods Edge, copyright Ann Lamoureux. Click on image for a look back at 2025 with the Nature Artists’ Guild.

2025 was a year of gatherings filled with laughter, learning, and sharing for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.

The Guild’s artists enjoyed presentations (online and in person) by talented and renowned artists, attended paint-outs and field trips (accompanied by delicious treats) at stunning gardens and museums, and shared their artwork through exhibits at The Morton Arboretum (with record attendance!) and other locations. Weekly gatherings to sketch and chat, a fun fundraising workshop, and a holiday party also provided members with plenty of opportunities to meet, learn from, and enjoy the company of fellow artists.

Sample of images from 2025 –

  • Audubon exhibit at Field Museum
  • Field Museum paint-out
  • January Downers Grove Library exhibit
  • February paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann, copyright Kathi Kuchler
  • Paint-in at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum
  • Rhonda Nass online presentation
  • Yum, A 5-lobed Chocolate Vine, copyright Rhonda Nass
  • Late winter, early spring preview
  • Joel Sheesley presentation at The Morton Arboretum
  • Kline Creek Sunrise Moonset, copyright Joel Sheesley
  • Spring 2025 Exhibit poster
  • Natures Bounty, copyright Deb Giampoli
  • Creek, copyright Patricia Joyce
  • Blackburnian Warbler, copyright Vicki Liszewski
  • Sweet Treat, copyright Vicki Liszewski
  • Peonies, watercolor, copyright Vicki Liszewski
  • Pretty in pink, copyright Lisa Kanellos
  • Resting Deer, copyright Jill Adzia
  • Paphiopedium Matchmaker Orchid, copyright Celia Rodee
  • Summer Shadows, copyright Maryann Wattelle
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Spring exhibit demonstration
  • Daffodil Glade paint-out, Daffodils, copyright Alice Wych
  • Quarterly covers and pages
  • Lilacia Park paint-out
  • Driehaus museum, Rory McEwan exhibit
  • Copyright Rory McEwen
  • Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art field trip
  • At UIMA exhibit, Powdered ruffle lichen, copyright Sandra Wilcoxon
  • June paint-out
  • Summer exhibit at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
  • Summer Shades, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker and Pokeweed, copyright Louise Daley
  • White Petunia II, copyright Marge Hall
  • Adriatic, copyright Cynthia Boudreau
  • Lamoureux garden paint-out, Woods Garden and Peter’s Pond, copyright Ann Lamoureux
  • Quarterly covers and pages
  • Ball Horticultural paint-out
  • Ball Horticultural paint-out
  • Sarah Johnson program at Thornhill
  • Artists’ Garden encore paint-out
  • Grand Garden at The Morton Arboretum paint-out
  • Autumn workshop
  • Cantigny Gardens paint-out
  • Autumn preview
  • Phil Schorn program
  • Luminous Succelent, copyright Phil Schorn
  • Autumn 2025 Exhibit poster
  • Autumn exhibit reception, Home, copyright Amy Malysa.
  • Looking Out, copyright Kathy Steere
  • Tigger Melon (Cucumis Melo), copyright Kumie Kim
  • Night Flyer, copyright Jeffrey Zawada
  • Skåne, copyright Carrie Carlson
  • The Scent of Spring, copyright Shuli Wang
  • First Snowfall, copyright Joanne May
  • Say Cheese, copyright Dan Danielson
  • Micromovement of Wings, Mandala I, copyright Cynthia Heinz
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Autumn 2025 demonstration
  • Flora 2025 special exhibit
  • A Riot of Bee Balm and Rudbeckia, copyright Maggie Capettini
  • Hydrangea Blossom, copyright Margie Navolio
  • Holiday party, Suzanne Wegener artwork
  • 2025 holiday cards preview
  • 2025 Holiday Card, copyright Nicolette Metz
  • 2025 Holiday Card, copyright Sandra Zeboski
  • 2025 Holiday Card, copyright Vicki Liszewski

The Nature Artists’ Guild is looking forward to welcoming back all our current members in 2026 and, hopefully, some new ones as well (an evolving schedule of events will be coming soon)! More about renewals and memberships is available here.

A New Opportunity to Share and Delight

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Piping Plovers, watercolor, copyright Vicki Liszewski will be one of more than twenty works exhibited this winter at the Wheaton Public Library by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild. (Read about Chicago’s beloved piping plovers here.)

A few spots are still available to members of the Nature Artists’ Guild for the January 2026 Wheaton Public Library exhibit, and registration closes this Friday, December 12.

The Guild’s popular annual exhibit at the Downers Grove Public Library is at capacity, and registration is now closed, but members still have the opportunity to share their art this winter by registering for the Wheaton Public Library exhibit. This exciting new opportunity fills the need for additional space for Guild members to delight even more of Chicago’s suburbs with their nature art!

The Wheaton Public Library has a long and fascinating history, and its current 124,000 square foot facility includes a lovely dedicated space (in a quiet corner near the main entrance) for art exhibits and special presentations, the Arts & Culture Center.

Any Nature Artists’ Guild member can register one piece in this exhibit, which must be dropped off during regular library hours between December 29 and January 2. A prospectus with all the details was emailed to members on November 15.

This Week for the Nature Artists’ Guild

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Artwork from 2024 Holiday Card, copyright Suzanne Wegener

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are invited to spend a fun and festive evening with their fellow artists at this year’s holiday celebration, “Jingle & Mingle,” on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 6 to 8:30.

The Morton Arboretum will provide the beautiful setting, both indoors and out, with a crackling fire in the Founders Room (the historic former library of the Morton family) to greet guests after their short walk through a snowy wonderland (somehow even more stunning after dark) to the Thornhill Education Center.

Fellow members of the Nature Artists Guild will provide the warmth of friendship. After enjoying appetizers and punch in the Founders Room, Guild members will gather in the adjacent Arbor Room for desserts, a raffle of art and nature-related items, and a few fun surprises.

No ticket or RSVP is required, and Guild members can check their emailed invitations for details. This event is reserved for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild and their guests.

Also this week –

December 3, 2025, is the final day for Guild members to register for January’s special exhibit at the Downers Grove Public Library.

December 5, 2025, is the final day for Guild members to register for the annual Holiday Card Exchange.

January Nature Art Exhibits to Celebrate All Seasons

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Where the Forest Opens, oil, copyright Shannon Yeh, will be one of the many works included in the Guild’s exhibit at the Downers Grove Library in January 2026.

The Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will begin the new year with exhibits at both the Downers Grove Public Library and the Wheaton Public Library throughout January, embracing the beauty of winter, and eagerly anticipating the coming of spring, summer, and fall!

Guild members are encouraged to participate in either or both exhibits, and prospectuses for both were emailed to all members on November 15. Registration ends (mailed or online) on December 3 for the Downers Grove exhibit and December 12 for the Wheaton exhibit. (Specific drop-off and pick-up instructions and dates are listed on the prospectuses.)

Artwork must have either been included in a previous Guild exhibit or be approved for exhibit by emailing a photo of the artwork (including any matting or framing) to Suzanne Wegener. Exhibitors must also have joined or renewed their Nature Artists’ Guild membership for 2026 before the applicable drop-off date.

Samples of artwork, details about a reception at the Downers Grove Library in January, and more about the exhibits coming soon!

Online registration for the 2026 Downers Grove Public Library Exhibit

Online registration for the 2026 Wheaton Library Exhibit