Category: Meetings

Schedules, programs, news.

Welcoming Julie Zickefoose on June 7, 2018

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Julie Zickefoose is a biologist, a naturalist, a speaker, an author, and an artist.  The Nature Artists’ Guild is excited and honored to sponsor a presentation by Julie at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 7 until 9 pm.

Baby Birds: An Artist Looks Into The Nest, copyright Julie Zickefoose. Used with permission.

Julie will be speaking about her adventures in nature and in researching, writing and illustrating Letters from Eden, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds With Common Birds, and her newest book, Baby Birds: An Artist Looks into the Nest.  This program will appeal not only to artists, but also to birders, writers and anyone interested in the natural world. Please click on the images or this link to JulieZickefoose.com to read more about Julie, her fascinating experiences and her books.

Copies of Julie’s books will be available for purchase at the meeting, and she will be glad to sign those as well as previously purchased books brought in by attendees.

As always, all are welcome to attend this Nature Artists’ Guild program.  There is no charge for the program or for parking, and there is no admission fee to the Arboretum for this event.  Non-members can let the gate attendant know they are there for the program to be directed to Thornhill.

The Morton Arboretum will also be offering a lecture by Julie the following evening, Personal Habitat: Creating a Haven for Wildlife (and Yourself).

This is the story of an artist’s love affair with a piece of land, and the birds, animals, and plants that inhabit it. Simple habitat enhancements can take a back yard from bland to bustling with wildlife. In this slide talk, artist/writer Julie Zickefoose shows how she and her husband have transformed their 80-acre abandoned farm into a wildlife sanctuary and observatory — a perfect personal habitat.

There are still some seats available for the lecture.  Please click on the above highlighted link to register or to read more.  Julie will also be teaching a two-day workshop for the Arboretum’s Visiting Artist Series.  Sorry, but that workshop, Nature in Word and Image with Julie Zickefoose is sold out.

Page from Baby Birds: An Artist Looks Into The Nest, copyright Julie Zickefoose. Used with permission.

Tonight’s Program, March 1, 2018

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Here are just a few of the many reasons to attend tonight’s Nature Artists’ Guild program from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum –

  1. Dale Olsen’s Landscapes. Once you’ve seen Dale’s landscapes online, you will very likely want to see them in person as well.  As gorgeous as they are in photographs, the actual paintings will be even more so! Here’s an opportunity to see them up close and learn about Dale’s methods and inspirations.

    Mirror, copyright Dale Olsen. Used with permission.
  2. Postcards and Posters. Members and guests are encouraged to take some posters and postcards for the Spring Exhibition of Natural History Art taking place on the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018, share them with friends and family, and post them in local businesses. The postcards will have information about the artists’ reception on Friday evening, April 6, when guests can gain entrance to the Arboretum to attend the exhibit with no gate fee.  A digital version will be distributed to members soon.
  3. Diptych Canvases. Members who would like to participate in a fundraising project for the spring exhibit by painting a small diptych can pick up their canvases at the meeting.  The finished canvases will be sold at the exhibit and all proceeds will go to the Guild to be used in furthering its mission.
  4. Fall into Winter Artwork.  Many of the industrious members of the Nature Artists’ Guild have been busy all fall and winter creating montages from nature.  The results are posted here, but members will also be sharing their artwork at tonight’s meeting.  It’s a chance to see the details that often make nature art so wonderful.

    Copyright Nancy Thyfault.
  5. Fun and Food. As always, there will be snacks, sweets and drinks.  There will be some time to chat with friends, old and new.  Guests and visitors are welcome to attend, and there is no fee for parking, attendance or admission to The Morton Arboretum for this event.  Visitors can let the gate attendant know they are there for the program and they will be directed to Thornhill.

Dale Olsen’s Stunning Landscapes on March 1, 2018

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Talented artist Dale Olsen will be sharing some of his inspirations and techniques at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 7 until 9 pm.  Dale’s website features the full scope of his work in varied subject matter and media, but at this program he will be focusing on his stunning landscapes.

Aspens, copyright Dale Olsen. Used with permission.

As always, guests and visitors are invited to attend this program sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.  There will be no charge for admission or parking for this event, and non-members of the Arboretum should just let the gate attendant know they are there for the program to be directed to Thornhill.

Please visit Dale’s website, Dale Olsen Fine Art, to learn more about him and to view many more examples of his wonderful work.

February Afternoon, copyright Dale Olsen. Used with permission.

Plenty Coming Up!

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Some of the activities and events coming up for the Nature Artists’ Guild –

  • The annual paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann will take place next Tuesday, February 6, 2018.  Sorry, but all the spots at this popular paint-out have already been reserved.
  • Artist Dale Olsen will bring his talents and his artwork to the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 7 until 9 pm.  For a sneak peek at Dale’s stunning work, please visit his website by clicking here.  Visitors are welcome to attend this event, which is sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild, free-of-charge at The Morton Arboretum.
  • The next  paint-out at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum will take place on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 9-12 am.  There will be room for all of our members at this one!  More information to come soon.
  • The prospectus for the 2018 Annual Spring Exhibition of Natural History Art has been sent to members.  The exhibit, scheduled for the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018 (with a reception on the evening of April 6, 2018) will feature up to 150 works of art by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, as well as numerous works by Featured Artist, Susan Bartlett.  Check back in the following weeks for more about Susan and her art.

    Susan Bartlett’s collage in progress. Constructed from Susan’s hand-painted paper.

Art and Alpacas at Thornhill on February 1, 2018

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Susan Waldron and alpacas at her farm. Please click on image to visit susanwaldronart.com

No, there will not be any actual alpacas in the historic Founder’s Room or Arbor Room of the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum in the near future, nor have there ever been, as far as we know.  The Nature Artists’ Guild, though, will be hosting a program at Thornhill on Thursday evening, February 1, 2018, from 7 until 9 pm featuring artist and alpaca farmer, Susan Waldron.

While Susan also creates wonderful paintings in the more familiar media of oils and watercolors, her fiber art made from the wool of her own alpacas is uniquely beautiful.

On her website, Susan Waldron Art,  she writes-

I use my own hand-dyed alpaca fibers in the art pieces that I create.  The alpaca fiber feels like a combination of cashmere and silk.  As a result of raising these animals from birth, there is a spiritual connection with the animals and the felted pieces.

I am able to combine my love for color, nature, and alpacas to create exquisite, felted pieces.

Susan Waldron’s Alpaca Fiber Art. Copyright Susan Waldron. Please click on image to visit SusanWaldronArt.com

Exquisite, indeed. Please visit her website for more images and to read more about Susan’s artistic journey and these fascinating creatures she raises.

As always, programs sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum are open to all.  Guests and visitors are welcome and there will be no charge for attendance, parking, or for admission to the Arboretum for this event.

The Nature Artists’ Guild would also like to encourage potential new members to attend.  Please arrive a few minutes early if you have any questions about our group and one of our members will be happy to assist you.  There is absolutely no pressure to join and it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the Guild, its members, exhibits, and activities.

Beginning the New Year

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Whether your priority for the upcoming year is to make more art, to learn new techniques, or simply to view more art or make new friends, the Nature Artists’ Guild has it covered.  There is still time to join or renew, and since memberships are for the calendar year, the sooner you join, the more benefit you’ll receive from your membership.

Here are a few of the activities coming up in the next month or so –

  • The Nature Artists’ Guild is proud to present their first exhibit of the year at the Downers Grove Public Library.  This lovely collection of members’ work will be open to the public throughout the month of January during regular library hours.
  • On Thursday evening, February 1, 2018,  between 7 and 9 pm, Susan Waldron will give a presentation at the Thornhill Education Center on her techniques for creating floral and landscape paintings in oil as well as in fiber made from, if you can believe it, the wool from her own herd of alpacas!  Guests and visitors are also welcome to attend this program free-of-charge.  More details will be coming soon, but please visit Susan’s website for a preview of her work (and her alpacas).
  • The first paint-out of the year is scheduled for Tuesday morning, February 6, 2018 from 8 until 11 am at Orchids by Hausermann in Villa Park, IL.
    Copyright Jane Kellenberger.

    This popular paint-out (think tropical weather and being surrounded by thousands of orchids) has limited space and fills up quickly, so interested Guild members should contact Jane Kellenberger to save a spot.  Jane’s contact information can be found in the Yearbook.

  • New classes and workshops start soon at The Morton Arboretum.  Some upcoming nature art classes include Rocks, Minerals and Bones in Colored Pencil with Kimberly Mullarkey, Jewelry Making: Winter Berries Necklace with Karen Johnson, Linoleum Block Printing Workshop with Carrie Carlson, and Advanced Textures in Graphite and Watercolor and Nature in Graphite with Suzanne Wegener.  For those just starting out, Beginner’s Nature Art Workshops: Winter Foliage in Graphite and Begin to Draw Nature are scheduled for late February and early March.  All classes are open to the public and a discount is offered for members of The Morton Arboretum.  Please click on this link to the Arboretum’s class listings for more information or to enroll.
  • It won’t be long before we begin to post montages from those Nature Artists’ Guild members who are participating in the Fall into Winter Encounter.  It will be exciting to see the results of weeks of collecting and creating!

Please check back here soon or click on any of the highlighted links for more about these and other upcoming activities.

Birds of a Feather, We Flock Together

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The work is done (for a while), the exhibit was a success, and now it’s time to celebrate a wonderful year of creating nature art.

The theme for this year’s holiday gathering is Birds of a Feather,We Flock Together.  The party planners have a festive evening planned, with decorations, music with an (optional) sing-along with Bruce Oscar of WDCB’s Swing Shift, lots of food, and the traditional raffle (which will include the generous donation of free admission to a class from The Morton Arboretum).

The best part, of course, will be the chance to celebrate with fellow members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, a special flock of friendly, sharing, and talented birds!

Sandhill Cranes screenprint, copyright Carol Cooley.

The evening begins at 6 pm on Thursday, December 7, 2017 in the historic and lovely Founders Room of Thornhill Education Center at The Morton Arboretum.  Dinner begins at 7 pm, and the after-dinner raffle will continue until 9.  Current members of the Nature Artists’ Guild should check their e-mailed invitation for details and contact Gail Diedrichsen or Susan Bartlett (whose contact information can be found in the Yearbook) with questions.

2017 Annual Autumn (Holiday) Exhibit of Natural History Art Invitation

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Please share this invitation with friends and family!  Printed versions of the postcard as well as the exhibit poster will be available at the October 5, 2017 Nature Artists’ Guild meeting at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum, or at the Thornhill office afterwards. Thank you to Featured Artist Peggy McGahan for the artwork and to Evelyn Grala for the design of the poster and postcard.

The exhibition is free and open to all visitors to the Arboretum.  A printed ticket or invitation is not required for entry into the exhibit.

Welcome to Autumn

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The unique pleasures of Autumn make for a busy (the busiest?) season at The Morton Arboretum and for the Nature Artists’ Guild.  Here are some reminders to keep everyone on track!

Wood duck, copyright Peggy McGahan, Featured Artist for the 2017 Exhibition of Natural History Art by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.
  • Nature Artists’ Guild members who would like to participate in the upcoming 2017 Autumn (Holiday) Exhibition of Natural History Art need to have their completed prospectuses postmarked by Thursday, September 28, 2017.  All requirements are detailed on the prospectus which was e-mailed to eligible members approximately a month ago.  Drop-off of artwork for the exhibit will take place on the evening of Wednesday, November 1 between 6 and 8 pm at the Cudahy Auditorium in the Administration and Research Center at The Morton Arboretum.
  • Renewing members can mail their $45 membership dues for next year beginning on October 1, 2017.  Dues should be mailed to the treasurer, Nancy Wu, whose contact information can be found in the Yearbook.  New members are also welcome and can mail their dues to the address provided on the membership brochure.  New or renewing members can also pay in person at the October 5, 2017 meeting or the upcoming exhibit.
  • On October 5, 2017, the Nature Artists’ Guild will sponsor a program featuring artist Patricia Larkin Green and Sumi-e brush painting.  This program is free-of-charge and open to the public.  More details can be seen by clicking on this link.
  • There is still time to enroll in one or more of the Autumn Nature Art classes or workshops at The Morton Arboretum, many of which are taught by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild. Please click on this link to the Arboretum’s class listings for more information. All classes are open to the public.
  • The 2017 Autumn (Holiday) Exhibition of Natural History Art will open on the evening of Friday, November 3, 2017 with a reception for guests of the artists and members of The Morton Arboretum and will continue throughout the weekend, Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, 2017, for the enjoyment of all visitors to The Morton Arboretum.  E-mail postcards will be made available soon to Nature Artists’ Guild members.  The official exhibit posters and postcards featuring the work of Peggy McGahan and designed by Evelyn Grala will be available for members to pick up at the October 5, 2017 meeting or at the Thornhill office thereafter.

Patricia Larkin Green and Sumi-e Brush Painting

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On Thursday, October 5, 2017, from 7 until 9 pm, the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum will be hosting a program by Patricia Larkin Green on the art of sumi-e brush painting.

Patricia Larkin Green, Sumi-e Artist. Photo credit http://patricialarkingreen.com/blog/.

“Experience the meditative practice of traditional Japanese ink painting, sumi-e, the art of painting using a brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin, absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).”

Please click on one of the highlighted links to Patricia’s website to learn more about the artist, her artwork and sumi-e brush painting.

As always, guests and visitors are welcome to attend this program at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.  Attendance, parking and admission to The Morton Arboretum are free-of-charge for this event. Visitors should let the attendant at the gate know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild program and they will be directed to Thornhill.