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!
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.
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.)
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 –
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
Awake in Light, copyright Shuli Wang. Please click on image to view a sample of the 2025 Autumn Exhibit artwork.
The Nature Artists’ Guild would like to congratulate and thank all those involved in the success of the 2025 Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum!
Visitors to The Morton Arboretum were able to enjoy more than 200 lovely works of art created by 70 members of the Nature Artists’ Guild last weekend, thanks to Exhibit Co-Chairs Alice Wych and Lisa Kanellos, Featured Artist Kathy Steere, and all the artists, volunteers, demonstrators, and Arboretum staff who put their time, effort, and talents into making the 2025 Autumn Art Exhibit, and the accompanying special display, Flora 2025, so successful.
Forest Floor, copyright Cynthia Boudreau. Please click on image to view a sample of the Flora 2025 artwork.
(Exhibit artists who haven’t already done so are encouraged to send up to two images of their exhibited work to Denise Fisk this week to have them added to the online display.)
Nature Artists' Guild 
