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!

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.