Nature Artists’ Guild Open Studio, Paint-In, Saturday May 2, 2015

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On Saturday, May 2, 2015, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are invited to meet at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum anytime between noon and 3 pm for an open studio and “paint-in”.

From our Program and Paint-Out Chair, Mary Ann Jimenez –

Having the opportunity to associate and work alongside other artists, from time to time, can enlighten us and open our eyes to the diversity that pours out of creative minds. Come and enjoy this opportunity to share in an environment of creativity and motivation. Everyone can learn a great deal working alongside other artists.

Bring whatever piece you are currently working one (or start a new one), as well as your own supplies. Hope to see you there.

Of course, if you come down with a touch of spring fever during this event, remember that the sights, sounds and scents of Joy Path are right outside of the doors of Thornhill for all to enjoy!

Spring Color, photo credit www.mortonarb.org
Spring Color, photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org. Please click on the photo to be directed to The Morton Arboretum’s Bloom Report.

Spring Exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum, April 18 and 19, 2015

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The Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum is proud to announce our Featured Artist of the 2015 Annual Spring Exhibit, Nancy Halliday.  You can view more of Nancy’s work and read all about her artistic journey by clicking on the “Our Current Featured Artist” tab above.

The Spring Exhibit will feature over 200 pieces of artwork by more than 50 of our talented Nature Artists’ Guild members.  It is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the best nature art in the area, in a beautiful setting, the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.

The exhibit is open to the public on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 10 am until 4 pm.  There is no admission charge, but gate fees do apply to non-members of The Morton Arboretum, located at 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL.

A special reception for Arboretum members and guests of the artists will be held on April 17, 2015 from 5 until 9 pm.

Copyright Nancy Halliday
Copyright Nancy Halliday

Nature Artists’ Guild Annual Expedition to Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum

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There’s no need to pack anything but a few art supplies and a folding stool or chair for this short expedition to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum!

Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University. Photo credit www.ben.edu.
Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University. Photo credit http://www.ben.edu.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2015, Nature Artists’ Guild members will once again have the opportunity to sketch, paint, or draw from the enormous collection at the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, any time between 9 am and noon. There is no need to RSVP, and some participants may choose to meet for lunch afterwards at a local restaurant.

The museum is located on the second floor of the Birck Hall of Science, Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle, IL.  To read about the history of the museum, view more photos, or even search for a particular specimen, please click on this link to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum section of the Benedictine University’s website.

Below are some photos from previous expeditions by the Nature Artists’ Guild, contributed by various members.

Nature Artists’ Guild Member Karen Johnson Shares Her Experiences

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Once again, we can thank Karen Johnson for posting some wonderful photographs of recent Nature Artists’ Guild events on her blog! Please click on this link to Karen’s Nature Art to read about and view photos of Karen’s experiences at the Nature Artists’ Guild presentation featuring Carrie Carlson and the recent raptor photography event at the Stillman Nature Center.

Fiber Artist Barbara Schneider Presentation on March 5, 2015

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On Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum, fiber artist Barbara Schneider will be sharing some of her artwork and techniques with members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, their guests, and visitors.

The three series of fiber art that Barbara will be presenting, Reflections, Leaves, and  Line Dance, Tree Ring Patterns are influenced by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, which she describes as “finding beauty in things that are imperfect”.  Barbara’s program is meant to encourage viewers to look at nature “with fresh eyes”, and her creations using cloth, dye and thread are nothing short of breathtaking.

To see a preview of a Barbara’s DVD, Three Dimensional Fiber Art, please click on this link.  To view her artwork and read more about her techniques and inspirations, you can visit Barbara’s website by clicking here and here for her Facebook page.

As always, guests and visitors are welcome to attend the Nature Artists’ Guild programs. There is no fee for the program, parking, or entry into The Morton Arboretum for this event.  Visitors can let the gate attendant know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild program, and they will be directed to the Thornhill Education Center.

Fiber Artist Barbara Schneider and her artwork. Photo credit, Barbara Schneider Textile Artist Facebook Page
Fiber Artist Barbara Schneider and her artwork. Photo credit, Facebook Barbara Schneider Textile Artist. Please click on photo to visit page.

Nature Artists’ Guild Member Featured in Solo Exhibition

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Nature Artists’ Guild member (and instructor for The Morton Arboretum’s nature art program), Laverne Bohlin is being featured in a solo exhibit of her landscape art from January 8 through March 26, 2015 at The Healing Gallery, Presence Saint Joseph’s Hospital, 77 N. Airlite Street, Elgin IL.  A Meet the Artist Reception will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 5 until 7 pm. The gallery is located inside Presence Saint Joseph’s Hospital and is always open.

Laverne is hopeful that her work “brings some solace to someone in need.”

Lazy Days, copyright Laverne Bohlin. Used with permission.
Lazy Days, copyright Laverne Bohlin. Used with permission.

February 5, 2015 Nature Artists’ Guild Meeting Reminder

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Don’t forget that tonight’s Nature Artists’ Guild Meeting will be held in the Visitor’s Center of The Morton Arboretum.  Please park in the main parking lot and enter through the main doors of the Visitor’s Center.  Proceed towards the Ginkgo Cafe, and our friend Gary will direct you to the correct room.

Carrie Carlson will be sharing her linoleum block printing methods with us, and supplies will be provided to all who care to try some techniques for themselves.  It sounds like a fun evening!

More Than a Few Frogs

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Please follow this link to Nature Artists’ Guild member (and art instructor for The Morton Arboretum) Karen Johnson’s blog, Karen’s Nature Art, to read about and see photos of her experience at our recent “paint-in” at the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College.  You’ll be glad you did!

Stone Frogs sketchbook page, copyright 2015, Karen A. Johnson. Used with permission.
Stone Frogs sketchbook page, copyright 2015 Karen A. Johnson. Used with permission.

Speaking of Raptors!

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Last week we posted a notice about an opportunity to photograph raptors.  This week, Nature Artists’ Guild member Carla Schmakel has shared with us some more news about raptors – information about an art exhibit featuring owls at Glacial Park Conservation Area in McHenry County, Illinois.

Only Owls will be exhibited until March 8, 2015 at the Lost Valley Visitor Center at Glacial Park Conservation Area.  Please click on this link to the McHenry Country Conservation District website to see an example of the artwork  and to read more about Glacial Park. According to the website, “Only Owls brings together an array of 40 artistic representations in pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and woodcut drawn from the Woodson Art Museum’s collection. A compliment of owl facts and artifacts will be on display offering a blend of natural history information and art appreciation.”

This link to the Glacial Park Conservation Area website page offers much more information about this unique natural area, and by clicking on this link to the Lost Valley Visitor Center, you will find be able to read more about the center, including the address and visiting hours.

Thanks for the tip, Carla.  It sounds like a fascinating opportunity!