The Morton Arboretum Photographic Society (MAPS) Would Like to Share this Opportunity

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Our friends at The Morton Arboretum Photographic Society (MAPS) wanted to let us know about this rare opportunity to see and photograph raptors on Saturday, February 7, 2015.  You can read more by clicking on this link to the Stillman Nature Center’s website.

For those who love to photograph the raptors…

Stillman Nature Center is offering “RAPTORS for PHOTOGRAPHERS”

Stillman Nature Center is offering its third annual winter raptor photography day. Now’s your chance to get a close-up of a peregrine falcon, broad-winged hawk, red-shouldered hawk plus great horned, barn, barred, and screech owls. The Stillman volunteers will bring the birds out in the afternoon light to increase your chances of getting that perfect image. Drop by anytime between 3:00 and 4:30 PM on Saturday, February 7th.  Cost is $20 per person.  This is a fund raiser for the nature center.  Stillman Nature Center is located at 33 W. Penny Rd, South Barrington, IL.

Linoleum Block Printing with Carrie Carlson, February 5, 2015

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Bumblebee and Coneflower, copyright Carrie Carlson
Rusty-patched Bumblebee and Coneflower, copyright Carrie Carlson

On Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 7 until 9 pm, Nature Artists Guild members, guests and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the art of depicting nature through linoleum block printmaking with Scientific Illustrator, Carrie Carlson. Carrie is especially interested in raising awareness of native flora and fauna, especially threatened species.

Meadowlark and Tickseed, copyright Carrie Carlson
Meadowlark and Tickseed, copyright Carrie Carlson

Please note that this presentation will take place in the Ginkgo Room (located in the Visitor’s Center).  There is no fee for the program or parking, and visitors should just let the gate attendant at The Morton Arboretum know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild presentation.

More about this upcoming program from Carrie –

Linoleum block is an established printmaking technique accessible for all ages and skill levels!  Come learn the basics and how to increase sophistication in both content and methodology to create striking works of art.  Working with oil-based inks allows the artist terrific opportunity for hand painting finished prints.  Basic tools and methods, inks, papers, alternative carving substrates, and hot tips will be discussed.

The artist is midway through an ambitious Artist in Residency venture documenting at-risk, recovering, and keystone prairie species through linocut in order to generate awareness and celebration of a local grasslands restoration project.  Step-by-step directions and imagery of these grassland pieces will inspire you to seek out your own local cause to celebrate through linocut!  Small prints will be provided by the artist for experiential learning in hand-coloring and collaborative artistry!

More examples of Carrie’s wonderful artwork can be seen by clicking on this link to her Etsy shop.

How About “Think Warm”?

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As we watch those giant fluffy flakes falling outside the window, it reminds us that it may be just a little too early to “think spring”.  Perhaps we can, for now, settle for just “thinking warm”. Attending the Nature Artists’ Guild annual paint out at Orchids by Hausermann can help tremendously in that regard!

This extremely popular paint-out takes place in the vast greenhouses of one of the largest orchid growers in the country, right at the time of year when most of the orchids are blooming. The paint-out will start especially early on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 (7:30 am) so we can finish up by 11 am.  As Valentine’s Day is just a few days later, this is the busiest time of the year for Hausermann’s, and we don’t want to interfere with their ability to efficiently serve their customers.

One lucky participant will even win an orchid to take home after their morning of sketching, painting or photographing the beauties on display at Hausermann’s.  Please contact Mary Ann Jimenez as soon as possible if you would like to attend, as space is limited. Orchids by Hausermann is located  at 2N134 North Addison Road,Villa Park, IL.  You can click on this link to the Orchids by Hausermann website for photos, more information about the greenhouse, and driving directions.

The following photos are courtesy of Nature Artists’ Guild members from previous paint-outs at Orchids by Hausermann.

“Paint-In” at the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College, January 24, 2015

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Our thanks go out to Nature Artists’ Guild member, Marilyn Peretti, who has kindly arranged for us the first paint-out (or paint-in) of 2015!

Perry Mastodon Jaw Bone, copyright Marilyn Peretti. Collection of Wheaton College.
Perry Mastodon Jaw Bone, copyright Marilyn Peretti. Collection of Wheaton College.

On Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 9 am until noon (with an alternate date of January 31, 2015, 9 am until noon, in case of difficult driving conditions on the 24th), Nature Artists’ Guild members will have the opportunity to visit the collections of the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois.

After a brief tour and lecture by Dr. Stephen Moshier, members will spend the remainder of the morning drawing, painting, sketching or photographing items from the collection, including the Perry Mastodon, unearthed in 1963 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois!  Other large animal specimens, as well as a geological display of rocks and gems are included in this stunning two-floor science center.  Please click on this link to the Wheaton College website for more information.

Members who are interested in attending should contact Marilyn Peretti to reserve a spot, as space is limited.   Marilyn’s contact information can be found in the Nature Artists’ Guild Yearbook.  The designated parking lot that participants need to use is not the lot nearest the building, but the one on College Avenue, which can be entered on Howard Street, north of the athletic field.  The Meyer Science Center is on Howard Street at the corner of University Place.  Please click on this link for driving directions and a map of the campus.  Artists should also plan to bring their own stool or small folding chair.

The 2015 Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit at Mayslake Peabody Estate

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The Adventure Begins, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
The Adventure Begins, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker

Please join in celebrating the first exhibit of the year 2015 for the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum with an artists’ reception on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 6 until 8 pm at the stately Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois.

More than 35 artists will be participating in this exhibit of approximately 70 pieces of botanical and nature art, showcasing a wide range of styles and media.  Visitors will be able to view the artwork between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm Mondays through Fridays, and 9 am and 1 pm on Saturdays, from January 13 through February 28, 2015.  There is no charge for the exhibit.

Please click on this link to visit the Mayslake Peabody Estate website, where you will find directions, as well as much fascinating information about this historic site.

A Sneak Peek at the 2015 Nature Artists’ Guild Winter and Spring Events

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Nature Artists’ Guild members may want to get out their calendar and highlight the following dates for 2015 –

  • From January 14 through February 28, 2015, the Nature Artists’ Guild will be exhibiting at Mayslake Peabody Estate, with an artists’ reception on January 14, 2015 from 6 until 8 pm.
  • On January 24, 2015, Dr. Stephen Moshier of the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College will give Nature Artists’ Guild members a brief tour of their collections, from which members will then be invited to sketch, draw, or paint.
  • On February 5, the Nature Artists’ Guild welcomes scientific illustrator Carrie Carlson, presenting linoleum block printing depicting nature.
  • On February 10, 2015, a small dose of the tropics, as members enjoy the much-anticipated paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann.
  • On March 5,  2015  fiber artist Barbara Schneider will present her methods of portraying leaves, water and tree rings, influenced by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi.
  • On March 17, 2015, Nature Artists’ Guild members can participate in the fun annual paint-out at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum.

More details will be forthcoming as the dates approach, but please feel free to click on any of the links above (in bold) for more information about the artists or locations.

The New Sylva

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In memory of long-time and much-loved Nature Artists’ Guild member, Barbara Papamarcos, the Nature Artists’ Guild has donated a copy of the wonderful book, The New Sylva, to the Sterling Morton Library at The Morton Arboretum.

According to Nature Artists’ Guild member and Art Collection Assistant of the Sterling Morton Library, Arlene Widrevitz,

The New Sylva was written in part to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the first Sylva published in 1664 by John Evelyn for the Royal Horticultural Society of London. Gabriel Hemery’s modern version describes trees of Britain and their care and maintenance while looking to a future that still values trees and forests.

Most exciting for members of the Nature Artists’s Guild are the magnificent illustrations  of individual tree landscapes and botanical details of trees by Sarah Simblet .  Simblet was also the author and illustrator of Botany for the Artist. 

This new Sylva is beautifully bound and organized. It is a feast for the eyes and a wonderful argument for the protection and planting of trees. It is a perfect addition to the collections of the Sterling Morton Library.

Information about the book, including photos, information about the authors, reviews and a digital sampler is available by clicking on the following link to the website www.newsylva.com or on the photo below.

The New Sylva
Photo credit http://www.newsylva.com

The 2014 Annual Holiday Party of the Nature Artists’ Guild

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Our last event for the Nature Artists’ Guild this year involves no framing, no matting, no paper, no sketching or painting.  On Thursday, December 4, 2014, from 6 pm until 9 pm, all members (and their guests) are invited to share the music, food and fun at our annual Holiday Party at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.  All that is asked is that you bring a dish to share, an item for the raffle if you can, and yourself!

Nature Artists’ Guild members can check their e-mail from our president Susan Bartlett, sent in mid-November, for all the details about the party, including what to bring, 

The Morton Arboretum Thornhill Education Center. Photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org
The Morton Arboretum Founder’s Room. Photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org
The Morton Arboretum Arbor Room. Photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org

 

Gratitude

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At the time of the year when so many are taking time to reflect on gratitude, we at the Nature Artists’ Guild are reminded that we have much to be grateful for–

  • We are grateful to all the volunteers who work so hard to ensure that our exhibits, paint-outs, field-trips, programs and publications are enjoyable and successful.
  • We are grateful to our artist members who contribute such wonderful artwork to our exhibits and offer so much inspiration and encouragement to their fellow artists.
  • We are grateful to the artists’ friends and family members for their help with everything from delivering artwork to exhibits to giving up the spare bedroom for studio space.
  • We are grateful to The Morton Arboretum for providing us with the most elegant exhibit and meeting space that we know of,  for the inspiration of the gorgeous grounds, for the excellent instructors in the Education Program, and for the friendly staff who help with everything from holding doors and setting up our meeting space, to promoting our exhibits and programs.
  • We are grateful to all of the art and nature lovers who take time out of their busy schedules to attend our exhibits and encourage our artists with their interest and their kind words.

It’s That Time of the Year!

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It’s the time of the year for Nature Artists’ Guild members to renew their membership for 2015.  Members can scroll back through previous posts on this blog to get a glimpse of all that membership brings you – programs, paint-outs, exhibit opportunities, publications, fun events, friendship, encouragement and inspiration!  As an added bonus for renewing before December 31, 2014, returning previously-exhibiting members will be eligible to participate in the first exhibit of 2015 at the stately Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, IL.

Current members can send their dues to our Treasurer, Nancy Wu, whose address can be found in their Yearbook, or can give their dues to Nancy or one of the other Nature Artists’ Guild board members at our upcoming Holiday Exhibit.

New members are always welcome and can click on the tab at the top of the page to access a membership form for more information.