Category: Outside Exhibitions

Events, Exhibitions, Member Artwork, Outside Exhibitions

Pollinators in Action: Flowering Journeys Call for Art

by DeniseLeave a Comment on Pollinators in Action: Flowering Journeys Call for Art

“You might not stop to admire a beetle on the sidewalk, but a stunning painting of a beetle might catch your eye,” says heritage interpreter Kendra Strubhart, curator of the upcoming Pollinators in Action:  Flowering Journeys exhibit at the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, IL.  “Animals are not the only means of pollination,” Strubhart adds. “If someone is inspired by how the wind carries pollen, we want to see what a work of art by that person looks like.”

The exhibit is sponsored by the DuPage Monarch Project and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and will be part of the district’s “effort to highlight pollinators through programs, hikes, lectures and performances” this spring and early summer.  Exhibit applications will be accepted online beginning on February 1, 2020.  Please click here for the application and more information.
Hexagons and Honeybees 2, acrylic and polymer, © 2017 Karen A Johnson

Hexagons and Honeybees 2  by Nature Artists’ Guild member Karen Johnson is a great example of the type of work the exhibit will feature.  Nature Artists’ Guild members are a natural fit for this exhibit opportunity!

Events, Exhibitions, Member Artwork, Outside Exhibitions

Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit in Downers Grove, January 2020

by DeniseLeave a Comment on Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit in Downers Grove, January 2020
Spring Rapids on the Farm, copyright Ann Lamoureux.

For renewing Nature Artists’ Guild members, the upcoming 2020 Downers Grove Public Library exhibit will be the quickest and easiest of the year to participate in.  As all of the artwork has to have been included in a previous exhibit at The Morton Arboretum within the last five years, the difficult part is already done.  The artwork is ready!  There will be no need for last minute touches, no trips to the framer, no titles to compose, and no referee process to go through.

Participants in this popular exhibit only need to mail their prospectus by this Friday, December 13, 2019, drop off their artwork at the library on Saturday, December 28 between 10 and 11 am, and ensure that their 2020 dues are paid by December 31, 2019.

The Downers Grove Public Library has an ongoing commitment to exhibiting artwork both in their wonderful permanent collection and in rotating exhibits featuring accomplished local artists.  The Nature Artists’ Guild exhibit will be showcased throughout January 2020.

Spring Rapids on the Farm by Ann Lamoureux, featured above, is a lovely example of artwork that has been included in previous Nature Artists’ Guild exhibits.

Events, Exhibitions, Meetings, Outside Exhibitions, Paint-Outs

This December for the Nature Artists’ Guild

by DeniseLeave a Comment on This December for the Nature Artists’ Guild
Silverpoint drawing, copyright Mary Ann Jimenez

This Thursday, December 5, 2019, is the annual holiday party.  It’s fun, not too formal, and a good opportunity to get to know fellow artists a bit better (programs and paint-outs don’t always leave much time for socializing).  Please click on the link for more information.

On Saturday, December 7, 2019, members who have reserved a seat at the Sterling Morton Library presentation will be treated to a hot beverage and an afternoon of fascinating tales from author Cindy Crosby and librarian Rita Hassert.

Nature Artist’s Guild members wishing to participate in the January 2020 Downers Grove Library special exhibit will need to mail their completed prospectus by Friday, December 13, 2019 and drop off their work on Saturday, December 28, 2019 between 10 and 11 am at the library.  All the details are included in the exhibit prospectus, which was e-mailed to members on November 17.

Returning members of the Nature Artists’ Guild can pay 2020 membership dues by sending a check to Treasurer Catherine Stacy (whose address can be found in the Yearbook), by paying her or another board member with cash or check at the holiday party, or by clicking on the Membership tab of this website to use PayPal or a credit card.  New members can send a check to the address listed on the Membership brochure or use PayPal or a credit card as mentioned above.

Events, Exhibitions, Outside Exhibitions

The Danada Nature Art Show Celebrates 45 Years

by DeniseLeave a Comment on The Danada Nature Art Show Celebrates 45 Years

There is still time for nature artists in the Chicagoland area to participate in the 45th Annual Danada Nature Art Show.  This exhibit, which showcases artwork by local artists, will be attended by nearly two thousand visitors over the course of the Fall Festival at Danada weekend, October 11 through 13, 2019.

Artwork must be dropped off and entry forms will be available at Danada House at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton, IL on October 7 or October 8, 2019 between 3 and 8 pm. 

Artwork in this exhibit must adhere strictly to a nature theme with no indication of human influence.  Awards and ribbons will be given in numerous categories.  Further details about the show can be obtained by contacting Friends of Danada at info@danadahouse.com or calling one of the numbers listed on their website.

Danada House entrance. Photo credit http://www.danadahouse.com.
Events, Outside Exhibitions

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival July 6-7, 2019

by DeniseLeave a Comment on Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival July 6-7, 2019

It is now officially summer, and the Chicagoland art fair season is in full swing!  For anyone interested in nature art, the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival is probably near the top of the list of places to visit.  Admission is free to the Garden and Festival (although there may be a fee for parking, depending on membership status) which features the work of 90 artists and takes place along the picturesque Esplanade. For more information, please click on these links to the websites of the Chicago Botanic Garden and Amdur Productions.

Image credit Amdur Productions.
Events, Outside Exhibitions

Botanical Art Road Trip!

by DeniseLeave a Comment on Botanical Art Road Trip!

The Nature Artists’ Guild has not organized a trip to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI, (known worldwide for its annual Birds in Art exhibit) but the museum’s upcoming exhibit of botanical art may inspire nature artists to consider planning one of their own!

It is possible, with a sturdy driver or two, to get to the museum, leisurely enjoy their wonderful exhibits, have an early dinner, and make it back to Chicagoland just after dark.  If that sounds too hurried, there are some lovely hotels in the area and numerous activities to enjoy.  Please click on the image to visit the museum’s website or on this Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum Botanical Art Worldwide Events Calender for the full schedule.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum Botanical Art Worldwide. Please click on the image to reach the museum’s website.
Events, Exhibitions, Member News, Outside Exhibitions

An Opportunity to Meet the Artists on Sunday, June 9, 2019

by DeniseLeave a Comment on An Opportunity to Meet the Artists on Sunday, June 9, 2019

The Nature Artists’ Guild exhibit at the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, IL is now open!  On Sunday, June 9, 2019, there will be a reception at the gallery from 1 until 3 pm.  Many of the exhibiting artists will be on hand to talk with visitors, answer questions, and share light refreshments.  This reception is open to all art and nature lovers, free-of-charge.  Please click on the above link to the Norris Arts Center for directions and additional information.

Tangled, Mixed Media, copyright Bobbie Brown.  One of numerous works of nature art by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.
Classes and Workshops, Events, Exhibitions, Meetings, Outside Exhibitions, Paint-Outs, Volunteer

Easy and Enjoyable New Year’s Resolutions for Nature Artists

by DeniseLeave a Comment on Easy and Enjoyable New Year’s Resolutions for Nature Artists

Why not a few resolutions for 2019 that are enjoyable and easy to keep?  Here are a few for artists at every skill level –

  • Learn new art techniques and methods from renowned artists from the local area as well as from across the country (and occasionally around the world)
  • Participate in wonderful and well-attended exhibitions at The Morton Arboretum and other venues
  • Attend paint-outs with fellow artists, often at locations only accessible as part of an artist’s group
  • Pick up tips and inspiration from artists who are also interested in nature, but whose work varies widely in style, specific subject matter, and technique
Nature Artists’ Guild at Orchids by Hausermann, an annual winter paint-out location.

2019 could be the year to increase artistic skills, learn a new technique, exhibit for the first (or 100th) time, or just have many opportunities to learn from and gain inspiration from fellow artists, all while having fun and enjoying the natural world. Becoming a member of (or renewing membership to) the Nature Artists’ Guild will make it much easier to keep those resolutions!

Please click on this link to the Membership Brochure to learn more. Membership in the Nature Artists’ Guild does not require membership at The Morton Arboretum.  A preview of some of the planned events for 2019 will be coming soon.

Events, Exhibitions, Member Artwork, Outside Exhibitions

Nature Artists’ Guild’s First Exhibit of 2019

by DeniseLeave a Comment on Nature Artists’ Guild’s First Exhibit of 2019

The first exhibit of work by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum next year will take place at the Downers Grove Public Library from January 2 until February 2, 2019.

Current members of the Guild will need to return their completed prospectuses (e-mailed to members on November 17, 2018) by Monday, December 17, 2018 to be eligible to participate.  This one is easy!  Since the artwork must have been included in a Nature Artists’ Guild exhibition within the past five years, it is already completed, titled, framed, and ready to hang, and just needs to be dropped off at the library on Saturday, December 29, 2018 between 10 and 11 am.  All details are in the prospectus.

The Downers Grove Public Library has a long and interesting history as well as an impressive collection of original artwork.  The Nature Artists’ Guild is excited and proud to once again begin the new year as the first participant in their rotating exhibit, Active in the Galleries.