Just saying, it won’t be long! Is it time yet to start looking for Snowdrops?
Nature Artists’ Guild Annual Expedition to Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum
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!
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
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
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.
Nature Artists’ Guild Member Featured in Solo Exhibition
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.”
February 5, 2015 Nature Artists’ Guild Meeting Reminder
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
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!
Speaking of Raptors!
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
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
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.
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.
Nature Artists' Guild 