Aphrodite Sweetshrub, copyright Arlene Widrevitz, will be one of many works of art celebrating nature at a special exhibit at the Downers Grove Library this January.
The year begins with a special exhibit and quickly jumps right into exciting paint-outs, programs, and other ways for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild to celebrate and share the beauty of nature throughout winter.
The Nature Artists’ Guild’s annual exhibit at the Downers Grove Library opens in just three days, on Tuesday, January 7 during normal library hours. Guild members’ artwork will complement the library’s permanent collection throughout library exhibit spaces for all to enjoy through February 4, 2025.
A paint-out at the Field Museum has been scheduled for January 18. Guild members will join members of the Artists at the field group in sketching some of the wonders of the natural world. Much more about this event will be emailed to Guild members soon.
On February 6, the Guild welcomes talented artist and beloved instructor Rhonda Nass for an online presentation about her experiences with scratchboard and colored pencil. Guild members will be emailed a link for attending the presentation. More details will be coming soon, including instructions for non-members to attend.
Also on February 6, Guild artists can leave the winter behind for a few hours at Orchids by Hausermann. This paint-out starts in the early hours, but the thousands of orchids and balmy conditions in the greenhouse of Hausermann’s make it worth setting the alarm. More details and a form to register online will be available soon.
It’s time to begin thinking of Spring! Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild who have news, articles, or artwork for the Spring edition of the Quarterly must submit them no later than February 1, 2025. An email with instructions for submission will be sent to all members in coming weeks.
The theme for the Guild’s annual 8 x 8 project, in which members create small works of art honoring The Morton Arboretum, will be announced soon for those who want to get an early start! The artwork will be exhibited alongside the Guild’s annual Autumn Exhibit at the Arboretum in November.
Click on image for a sample of images and list of posts from 2024.
2024 was filled with programs and paint-outs, exhibits and demonstrations, gatherings and artwork, and friendship and fun for members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.
The Guild is hoping to welcome back all of its current members, as well as new ones, for even more in 2025. (Memberships are for the calendar year, so joining or renewing by January 1 ensures receiving all the benefits for the year.)
Please enjoy this small sample of images from 2024 (or scroll through the website or visit the Member Artwork pages for many more).
Downers Grove Library exhibit 2024
Diamonds of Winter detail, Dale Olsen
Field Museum paint-out
Field Museum paint-out
Claudia Lane presentation
Orchids by Hausermann paint-out
Great Horned Owl, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe
Spring Exhibit poster 2024
Rachel Davis presentation
Jurica-Suchy Museum paint-out
Goldfinch, copyright Lindsay Sandbothe
Rachel Davis presentation
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Spring exhibit demo
Jewels of Spring, copyright Beth Berry
Wild Bergamot, copyright Lisa Kanellos
Spring 2024 Artists’ Card Collection
Daffodil Glade, copyright Yvonne Buckley
Lilacia Park paint-out
Aurora Public Art exhibit postcard
Lilacia Park paint-out
Cicada pendant detail, copyright Karen A Johnson
Ink demonstration, Nancy Wu
Glazing demonstration by Dale Olsen
Aurora Public Art exhibit
Private Garden paint-out
Anderson Japanese Gardens paint-out
Nature Journal Pages class by Sandra Wilcoxon
Grand Garden paint-out
Wine and Art Walk
Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum poster
Cantigny paint-out
Presentation by Don Widmer
Presentation by Don Widmer
Autumn events montage
Morning Light 3, copyright Dale Olsen
Trees exhibit
Trees at Sunset, copyright Marlene Vitek
Three Fall Maples, copyright Maggie Capettini
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Autumn Exhibit demonstration
Yellowstone Tree Root detail, copyright Jeffrey Zawada
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Joanne May. Please click on the image to open a gallery of 2024 Holiday Cards created by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild.
The Nature Artists’ Guild would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Celia Rodee
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Suzanne Wegener
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Sandra Wilcoxon
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Ann Lamoureux
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Laurie Alvear
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Joanne McKibben
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Vicki Liszewski
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Margie Navolio
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Carol Jean Rogalski
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Christine Carroll
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Heidi Jachna
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Alice Wych
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Nicolette Metz
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Bernadette Hanacek
2024 Holiday Card “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” copyright Yvonne Buckley
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Joanne May
2024 Holiday Card, front, copyright Carol Cooley
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Jean Black
2024 Holiday Card, inside, copyright Barbara Wendel
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Karen Romani
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Pat Mroczka
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Terrie McComb
2024 Holiday Card, copyright Debra Giampoli
Please click here to view the gallery of handmade cards. Many thanks to Celia Rodee for once again coordinating this year’s Holiday Card Exchange, and to all the participating members for sharing their time and talents!
This festive, furry friend is ringing (clacking, actually) his bells (acorns, actually) to remind members of the Nature Artists’ Guild that it’s time to –
Mail their holiday cards! Participants in the Guild’s 2024 Holiday Card Exchange are asked to make sure to mail their handmade cards by tomorrow, December 16. Images of the cards (both sent and received – we’ll work out eliminating duplicates) for the website should be emailed by December 21 if possible.
Renew their memberships for 2025! Current members can renew online or send a check to the Guild treasurer, and new members can join online or send a check to the address listed on the membership brochure. Nature Artists’ Guild memberships are for the calendar year, so joining or renewing early ensures receiving all the benefits for the entire year.
Sample of 2023 holiday cards by (l to r) Patty Koenigsaecker, Bernadette Hanacek, Christine Carroll, Celia Rodee, and Cheryl Holz
It doesn’t matter what the medium is (as long as it can be mailed), and it doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be handmade, and it will spread a bit of cheer to a fellow artist this holiday season.
Putting on some favorite tunes, pouring a hot beverage, gathering a few art supplies, and sharing some creativity – what a joyous and generous way to spend a little time this season! (Normal Guild exhibition guidelines are slightly loosened for this project, so artists can feel free to dress their critters or add some sparkle.)
All cards must be mailed by December 16, 2024. Guild members received an email earlier this week with the details, and after all the cards are sent and received, images of them will also be shared on this website. (Blank multi-media cards and envelopes will be available at the Holiday Party for those who would like to begin with one.)
Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, even those in warm and sunny climes, can look forward to a flurry (of activity) to close out 2024!
The Guild’s 2025 Downers Grove Library exhibit won’t open until January, but members must register by December 4, 2024, and drop off their work on December 14 to be included. This exhibit will feature work previously shown at The Morton Arboretum (titling, matting, framing, and labels are already done!) as well as some new pieces, bringing the beauty of nature art to a new audience.
By popular demand, the Guild’s Holiday Card Exchange has returned for 2024. Participating Guild members will be asked to create an original holiday card to mail to another member (whose name they will be given in secret). Participants can sign up for the exchange here by December 5 or contact coordinator Celia Rodee for more information. Details were also emailed to all members earlier this month.
Guild members are invited to attend the Nature Artists’ Guild’s annual Holiday Party on the evening of December 5, 2024 at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. Details about this fun and festive event were emailed to members earlier this month. No registration is required.
The Nature Artists’ Guild is now accepting renewals and new memberships for 2025. Memberships are for the calendar year, so renewing or joining before the beginning of the year will ensure members receive all the benefits for 2025.
Winter issues of the Nature Artists’ Quarterly will be mailed soon. Members can look forward to receiving their copy, full of news and artwork by and for fellow nature artists, on or around December 1.
All artists, even those not currently members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, are invited to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum to chat or sketch at a Coffee and Art gathering any Wednesday morning between 9 and 11, weather permitting and holidays excepted. (Arboretum membership or a gate fee will be required.)
The Nature Artists’ Guild is looking for committee volunteers for 2025. Members can check here for current volunteer openings.
Swamp White Oak (II), copyright Catherine L. Fey. Click on the image above for the recent additions.
Everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to enjoy the latest images of Nature Artists’ Guild members’ artwork included in the 2024 Autumn Exhibit and special exhibit, Trees, at The Morton Arboretum earlier this month. (Click on the above image for recent additions, or scroll down or click on one of the highlighted links above for all images shared by participating artists.)
The Nature Artists’ Guild would like to sincerely thank The Morton Arboretum, participating artists, visitors and guests, and all of the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of these exhibits. (Click on any image to see the full version or to open a gallery of images to scroll through.)
Blackwell Wildflowers, copyright Maggie CapettiniBIRD BOXES: Wren, copyright Cheryl HolzTree Reflections, copyright Marge HallLake Marmo Maple, copyright Arlene WidrevitzCoopers Hawk and Kestrel, copyright Michelle BuziakAwakened By Sun, copyright Shuli WangSun – Flower – Moon, copyright Laurie PetersPeacock, copyright Jill AdziaPathway Of Green, copyright Shuli WangSwamp White Oak (II), copyright Catherine L. FeyPrairie Sunrise, copyright Carrie CarlsonEvening Approaches, copyright Vicki LiszewskiThe Highlands, copyright Cynthia BoudreauStill, copyright Deana Bada MaloneyBlue bell woods, copyright Marybeth DevineLook Up, copyright Gail StoccheroTo See the Four-Fecta, copyright Carol CooleyMilkweed Pods, copyright Marlene VitekBounce, copyright Deana Bada MaloneyWaterlilies, copyright Amy NagiGilded Magnolia, copyright Nancy ThyfaultPeace Rose, copyright Marge HallInterstate Landscape, copyright Patty KoenigsaeckerFlight of Fancy, copyright Catherine L. FeyBlue bell Woods, copyright Marybeth DevineMayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, copyright Kumie KimAphrodite Sweetshrub, copyright Arlene WidrevitzWinter Grasses, copyright Laverne BohlinTell Me One Thing, copyright Elizabeth BerryNight Owl Fetish, copyright Cheryl HolzImpressions of Zion V – The Watchman, copyright Joe RizzoLike a Secret, copyright Beth BerryIvory Woodpecker, copyright Michelle BuziakLotus, copyright Amy NagiPurple Iris, copyright Marge HallLead the Way, copyright Beth BerryEagles’ Watch, copyright Carol CooleyFall Splendor, copyright Mary S RobertsArboretum Old Timer, copyright Bernadette HanacekErmine, copyright Nancy ThyfaultTrees at Sunset, copyright Marlene VitekQuail, copyright Jill AdziaA Dance of Color, copyright Shuli WangOoze, copyright Catherine L. FeyTree Shadows, copyright Marge HallSerene, copyright Dan DanielsonWhite Poplar, copyright Nicolette MetzSerenity, copyright Vicki LisewskiOpen Your Heart, copyright Beth BerryBee Eater, copyright Kathi KuchlerAfrican Elephant, copyright Carrie CarlsonSycamore, copyright Karen RemkusFollow Your Path, copyright Gail StoccheroBe Still, copyright Elizabeth BerryGround Cover Garden, copyright Nicolette MetzShy Screech Owl, copyright Carol CooleyCopyright Cindy FranksRIPE, copyright Bernadette HanacekFlowers and Lady Bug, copyright Mark SchererTree Afar, copyright Carol CooleySea Oats Grass, copyright Karen Remkuscopyright Cindy FranksGathering of the Clans, copyright Terrie McCombFall Color and Pattern, copyright Marlene VitekCelebration Song Iris, copyright Kathi KuchlerJapanese Maple Leaves, copyright Joanne MayThree Fall Maples, copyright Maggie CapettiniHoney Bees, copyright Mark SchererBeech Tree, copyright Carol CooleyHidden Lake #1, copyright Joanne MayTranquil, copyright Dan DanielsonHardy Fuchsia, Fuchsia magellanica, copyright Kumie KimTree Trunk with Ivy, copyright Marlene VitekDupage River Wildlife, copyright Karen RemkusGinkgo Leaves, copyright Joanne May
What a gorgeous day to visit The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL to take in the crisp autumn air as well as the sights, scents, and sounds of the season! After experiencing the colors and compositions supplied by nature, today’s Arboretum visitors can also enjoy those shared by 65 members of the Nature Artists’ Guild.
Visitors can take a short stroll down the path of the Grand Garden to the Cudahy Room (located adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library in the Administration Building) to experience more than 250 works of art by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, demonstrations by members, and spectacular raffle baskets (some including original artwork). There is no extra charge for Arboretum visitors to attend the exhibit.
The Guild’s 2024 Autumn Exhibit and special display of small works, Trees, will be open to all Arboretum visitors, at no extra charge, until 4 pm today, November 10, 2024. (Additional artwork images coming soon, but when possible, artwork is best viewed in person!)
2024 Autumn Exhibit Featured Artist Dale Olsen. Click on image for more about Dale.
The demonstrations will take place in the lobby of the Administration Building of The Morton Arboretum (seating will be available), adjacent to the Sterling Morton Library and the Cudahy Room (where the main exhibit will be held). Parking is available at the Administration Building or the Visitor Center, just a short and lovely stroll away.
Bounce, copyright Deana Bada Maloney, will be one of approximately 250 works exhibited at The Morton Arboretum by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild.
Following is a sample of artwork to be included in the 2024 Autumn Nature Art Exhibit on November 8, 9 and 10, 2024 in the Cudahy Room at The Morton Arboretum. Approximately 250 works of art by 65 Nature Artists’ Guild members will be displayed for the enjoyment of all visitors.
Many more images to come after the exhibit! (Click on any image to see the full version or to open a gallery of images to scroll through.)
Bounce, copyright Deana Bada MaloneyThree Fall Maples, copyright Maggie CapettiniCopyright Cindy FranksTo See the Four-Fecta, copyright Carol CooleyQuail, copyright Jill AdziaBee Eater, copyright Kathi KuchlerGathering of the Clans, copyright Terrie McCombFlight of Fancy, copyright Catherine L. FeyWaterlilies, copyright Amy NagiBlue bell Woods, copyright Marybeth DevineGround Cover Garden, copyright Nicolette MetzSun – Flower – Moon, copyright Laurie PetersEvening Approaches, copyright Vicki LiszewskiTell Me One Thing, copyright Elizabeth BerryArboretum Old Timer, copyright Bernadette HanacekTranquil, copyright Dan DanielsonFlowers and Lady Bug, copyright Mark SchererImpressions of Zion V – The Watchman, copyright Joe RizzoFall Color and Pattern, copyright Marlene VitekGilded Magnolia, copyright Nancy ThyfaultFall Splendor, copyright Mary S RobertsHidden Lake #1, copyright Joanne MayMayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, copyright Kumie KimThe Highlands, copyright Cynthia BoudreauPeace Rose, copyright Marge HallIvory Woodpecker, copyright Michelle BuziakInterstate Landscape, copyright Patty KoenigsaeckerAfrican Elephant, copyright Carrie Carlson
Nature Artists' Guild 
