This is just a small sample of artwork created by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Schulenberg Prairie. Thirty-six 8 by 8 inch works inspired by the Schulenberg Prairie were exhibited at the Sterling Morton Library of The Morton Arboretum along with the Nature Artists’ Guild’s annual Autumn Art Exhibit in the adjacent Cudahy Room of the Administration Building. Both exhibits were open to all visitors to the Arboretum on November 12 and 13, 2022 from 10 to 4 and for an Artist Reception on the previous evening.
Prairie Pair, copyright Alice WychCopyright Maggie MardisMorning at Schulenberg, copyright Betsy EdwardsLandscape, copyright Marlene VitekDowny Gentian, copyright Karen RemkusJoe Pye and Black Eyed Susan, copyright Margaret NavolioMilkweed Pods, copyright Marlene VitekPeace on the Prairie, copyright Margaret NavolioCopyright Cindy KerchmarPerfect Prairie Morning, copyright Laverne BohlinHoya, Hoya Carosa, copyright Kumie KimLittle House, copyright Bernadette HanacekPrairie Plants, copyright Arlene WidrevitzThe Prairie, copyright Dorothy Duffala
Mushrooms & Monarch Butterfly, copyright Linn Eldred
Barred Over Boreal, copyright Carol Cooley
Please enjoy this sample from the approximately 200 pieces of wonderful artwork celebrating nature recently exhibited by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild in the 2022 Autumn Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum.
The images are also available for viewing on the 2022 Autumn Art Exhibit page of this website, along with instructions for contacting the artists.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the many volunteers, artists, employees of The Morton Arboretum, and visitors for their contributions in making the exhibit a success.
Images from the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Schulenberg Prairie will be coming soon.
Poster artwork by Alice Wych. Poster design by Jane Kellenberger.
The 2022 Autumn Art Exhibitof the Nature Artists’ Guild at The Morton Arboretum will showcase more than 150 pieces by approximately 50 members, including numerous works by Featured Artist Alice Wych.
In addition to viewing the exhibit artwork, visitors will be able to purchase original artwork on slate, buy tickets for raffle items, and interact with artists who will be demonstrating their techniques.
The exhibit is free of charge for The Morton Arboretum’s visitors on Saturday and Sunday (entry pass to the Arboretum required.) Those attending the Friday evening reception will not require an entry pass and can let the gate attendant know they are there for the reception to be admitted and directed to the Administration Building.
Color pencil on slate tile, copyright Arlene Widrevitz
This Wednesday, November 9, 2022, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild can go to the Administration Building of The Morton Arboretum between 6 and 7:30 pm to do any or all of following-
On Friday evening, November 11, from 7 until 9, Nancy Halliday will be demonstrating her techniques for depicting realistic flora and fauna in watercolor.
Mirror, copyright Dale Olsen
Dale Olsen is known for his stunning large landscapes created in oil or acrylic. On Saturday morning, November 12, from 10:30 until 12:30, Dale will be working in acrylic.
White pine, copyright Linda Hilderbrant
On Saturday afternoon, November 12, from 1 until 3, Linda Hilderbrant will complete her beautifully detailed color pencil piece, White pine, by adding branching to the pinecone.
Rabbits, copyright Arlene Widrevitz
Arlene Widrevitz will be sharing techniques for using silverpoint to create subtly beautiful drawings on Sunday morning, November 13, from 10:30 until 12:30.
Posy and Bee, copyright Linn Eldred
On Sunday afternoon, November 13, from 1 until 3, Linn Eldred will share tips for using soft brushes with the dust obtained from soft pastels to create vibrant paintings.
The artists are looking forward to speaking with visitors, answering questions, and sharing ideas, inspirations, and tips! The demonstrations will take place in the lobby of the Administration Building (adjacent to the Cudahy Room and the Sterling Morton Library) throughout the Autumn Art Exhibit.
Poster artwork by Featured Artist Alice Wych. Poster design by Jane Kellenberger. Exhibit posters and postcards are available to pick up between 9 and 4 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at the Thornhill Education Center. Members are encouraged to share with local businesses, family and friends.
The 2022 Autumn Art Exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild at The Morton Arboretum will showcase more than 150 pieces by approximately 50 members, including numerous works by Featured Artist Alice Wych.
In addition to viewing the exhibit artwork, visitors will be able to purchase original artwork on slate, buy tickets for raffle items, and interact with artists who will be demonstrating their techniques. More details to come about the 2022 Autumn Art exhibit.
Prairie artwork, copyright Marlene Vitek (first two) and Maggie Mardis.
Even though the October 19th Coffee and Art will be cancelled so that members can attend the Lake Marmo paint-out, the gatherings will return the following Wednesday. Recent weeks have focused on fantastic feathers, but the next few will feature, of course, lovely leaves.
Colors of Fall, copyright Mary Ann Jimenez
The Morton Arboretum Photographic Society is also celebrating the Schulenberg Prairie’s anniversary with Seasons of the Schulenberg. The exhibit at the Sterling Morton Library ends on October 16, but the stunning images will soon be available for viewing on their website.
The last day for members to submit photos or articles for the Winter Quarterly is November 1, 2022. Images of winter-related artwork can be sent to Jane Kellenberger.
The Nature Artists’ Guild’s Holiday Party with raffles, food, and fun will be on the evening of Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the Thornhill Education Center. Members will receive an invitation by email with all the details.
Next January’s special exhibit at the Downers Grove Library will have an earlier drop-off date of December 17, 2022 this year. A prospectus and all the details will be emailed to members.
The weather is already a bit brisker, there is just a hint of brilliant color in the leaves, and members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are looking forward to celebrating the wonderful displays of the season through their art.
Coming soon –
Tomorrow,September 24, 2022, the guild has a workshop scheduled for members interested in creating subtle pieces of art using color pencil on slate tiles.
Color pencil on slate, copyright Mary Ann Jimenez
On Thursday, October 6, 2022, artist and illustrator Kelley Cappell will be sharing some of her thoughts about creating artwork for a variety of viewers using pen and ink and acrylic, as well as digitally. This program, sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild is open to the public, free of charge.
Snow Leopard, pen and ink, copyright Kelley Cappell
October 10, 2022 is the last day for members to mail completed prospectuses for participating in the 2022 Autumn Nature Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum in November. More to come soon about the exhibit and Featured Artist Alice Wych.
Poster artwork by Alice Wych. Poster design by Jane Kellenberger.
Every Wednesday morning, a group of guild members meet at the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum to chat, sketch, or enjoy the morning quiet at the Coffee and Art gathering. All guild members are invited to stop by.
Previous October pages in nature journal, copyright Linn Eldred
Members who would like to participate in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Schulenberg Prairie will be able to pick up an 8 x 8 canvas, board, or paper for the project at the Thornhill Education Center on September 24 during the Color Pencil on Slate Tile workshop or on the evening of October 6 at the Kelley Cappell presentation. Some types of supplies may be limited, so interested members may wish to contact Carol Balabanow for more information.
8 x 8 pieces from the Schulenberg Prairie, copyright Marlene Vitek (first two) and Maggie Mardis.
As always, click on the highlighted links for more information.
Garden at Cantigny Park. Photo credit Jane Kellenberger.
This Wednesday, September 7, 2022, the Nature Artists’ Guild’s paint-out at the gardens of Cantigny Park will take place from 9 am until noon. While members are encouraged to let Linn Eldred know they are attending, drop-ins are also welcome. The gardens and grounds at Cantigny Park are always wonderful and this year there is the added bonus of an exhibit of colorful large-scale sculptures by artists from Mexico City. Parking and admission will be free.
(Boards, canvases, or papers for the Schulenberg Praire anniversary project will be available at this paint-out if a request is made in advance to Carol Balabanow.)
Note – The weekly Art and Coffee gathering will not take place on this date.
Also coming soon –
On September 24, 2022 from 10 to 2, members can attend a volunteer workshop at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum to learn how to create artwork using color pencils on slate tiles. The tiles will be sold at the upcoming Autumn Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum with proceeds benefitting the guild. Tiles will be provided, but participants are asked to bring a few other supplies (details are in the August 3rd email sent to members.)
On October 6, 2022at 7 pm, Artist and Illustrator Kelley Cappell will share some of her experiences, inspirations, and techniques with the audience at the Thornhill Education Center. This program will be open to the public, free of charge. More about Kelley and her art coming soon.
October 10, 2022 will be the final date for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild to mail their completed prospectuses for participating in the Autumn Art Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum in November. The link to the prospectus was emailed to all members on August 31. Much more about the exhibit and the Featured Artist, Alice Wych, to come.
Nature Artists’ Guild members who would like to participate in the Schulenberg Prairie anniversary project can still pick up an 8 x 8 canvas, board, or paper at any of the in-person guild events (including by request at the Cantigny paint-out and excluding the Wednesday Coffee and Art gatherings.) Members can also use their own surface, but the final artwork must be exactly 8 x 8 inches (and less than approximately a half inch deep) to fit into the display. Questions about the project can be emailed to Carol Balabanow.
A sample of some of the stunning artwork by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild at Gallery 200 in West Chicago throughout August 2022 –
Waldport, Oregon, copyright Ann LamoureuxFall Crocus, copyright Irena GintilasNova Scotia Coastline, copyright Patty KoenigsaeckerThree Tulips, copyright Linn Eldred22 Dwarfs – Snowdrops, copyright Patricia MroczkaPink Magnolia, copyright Marlene VitekIris, copyright Jill AdziaAllspice, copyright Irena GintilasQueen of the Night, copyright Linn EldredStar Gazer Lily, copyright Jill AdziaBirds Eye You, copyright Linda FairbanksWhite Magnolias, copyright Marlene VitekPlease click on any image for the full version. If the images do not display correctly on your device, click on the post title to visit the website.
Also coming soon –
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will demonstrating and talking with visitors about the guild at a table inside the Visitor Center during theWine and Art Walk at The Morton Arboretum this weekend, August 20 and 21, 2022.
The Wednesday morning Art and Coffee gatherings continue each week at 9 am. All Nature Artists’ Guild members are invited to drop by to share ideas, inspirations, or supplies, or simply relax and enjoy the morning.
More to come soon about a paint-out at the gardens of Cantigny Park on September 7, 2022 and a Color Pencil on Slate workshop for members on September 24, 2022.
Nature Artists' Guild 