Looking Back at 2024 with the Nature Artists’ Guild

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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
  • Card Exchange
  • 2024 Holiday Card, copyright Suzanne Wegener
  • 2024 Holiday Card, copyright Celia Rodee

Happy Holidays from the Nature Artists’ Guild

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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!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! (clack, clack, clack)

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Holiday Card 2023, copyright Bernadette Hanacek

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.

Nature Artists’ Guild’s Invitation to Stop By

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All those interested in learning more about the Nature Artists’ Guild or current members who would just like to spend an enjoyable morning with fellow artists are invited to stop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum any Wednesday morning after 9.

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild can spend time sketching, photographing, or just chatting at these informal friendly gatherings. (What a perfect time to work on their holiday card project!)

Visitors can also ask questions and learn more about the Guild from current members in a relaxed and casual setting (with absolutely no pressure to join).

Why not stop by?

Note: Gatherings may be canceled without notice due to inclement weather and are not scheduled on holidays. Membership in the Nature Artists’ Guild or The Morton Arboretum is not required to attend, but regular Arboretum gate fees will apply.

Time to Spread Some Cheer!

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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.)

Registration for the 2024 Nature Artists’ Guild’s Holiday Card Exchange ends tomorrow, December 5. The following day, coordinator Celia Rodee will email each participant the name and address of the recipient for their handmade card.

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.)

This Week for the Nature Artists’ Guild

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Yellowstone Tree Root, copyright Jeffrey Zawada will be included in the Nature Artists’ Guild’s January 2025 Exhibit at the Downers Grove Library.

December sneaked in so quickly this year that it’s hard to believe the time is here for Nature Artists’ Guild members to –

Register for the exhibit at the Downers Grove Library by December 4. The library has a long history of featuring artwork and has an impressive permanent collection by local and internationally renowned artists. The Nature Artists’ Guild has been honored for decades to be featured in their annual January exhibit, and will continue the tradition in 2025.

Register for the Holiday Card Exchange by December 5. Just a few years ago, the Guild began coordinating informal exchanges of handmade holiday cards between members. This popular event is now an annual tradition! Members were emailed all the details in November, and for those participants who would like to use them, blank multi-media cards will be available at the December 5 party.

Attend the annual Holiday Party on the evening of December 5. The Holiday Party is a year-end celebration that gives Guild members an opportunity to enjoy a meal and spend time with fellow artists in the lovely Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. A fun raffle of donated nature and art-related items will be held (cash only for raffle tickets). Each member is invited to bring a guest, and there is no registration required. Nature Artists’ Guild members received an invitation by email in November with details.

Year-End Flurry for the Nature Artists’ Guild

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Ermine, copyright Nancy Thyfault

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.
  • 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.

More Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit Artwork

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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.)

Follow Your Path, copyright Gail Stocchero
Still, copyright Deana Bada Maloney
Prairie Sunrise, copyright Carrie Carlson
copyright Cindy Franks
Winter Grasses, copyright Laverne Bohlin
Serene, copyright Dan Danielson
Tree Afar, copyright Carol Cooley
Tell Me One Thing, copyright Elizabeth Berry
Tree Reflections, copyright Marge Hall
Shy Screech Owl, copyright Carol Cooley
Awakened By Sun, copyright Shuli Wang
Japanese Maple Leaves, copyright Joanne May
Tree Trunk with Ivy, copyright Marlene Vitek
Celebration Song Iris, copyright Kathi Kuchler
Coopers Hawk and Kestrel, copyright Michelle Buziak
To See the Four-Fecta, copyright Carol Cooley
Copyright Cindy Franks
RIPE, copyright Bernadette Hanacek
Blackwell Wildflowers, copyright Maggie Capettini
Beech Tree, copyright Carol Cooley
Milkweed Pods, copyright Marlene Vitek
Bee Eater, copyright Kathi Kuchler
Lake Marmo Maple, copyright Arlene Widrevitz
Look Up, copyright Gail Stocchero
Three Fall Maples, copyright Maggie Capettini
Purple Iris, copyright Marge Hall
Quail, copyright Jill Adzia
Trees at Sunset, copyright Marlene Vitek
Hardy Fuchsia, Fuchsia magellanica, copyright Kumie Kim
Like a Secret, copyright Beth Berry
Gathering of the Clans, copyright Terrie McComb
Bounce, copyright Deana Bada Maloney
Arboretum Old Timer, copyright Bernadette Hanacek
Tranquil, copyright Dan Danielson
BIRD BOXES: Wren, copyright Cheryl Holz
Dupage River Wildlife, copyright Karen Remkus
Flowers and Lady Bug, copyright Mark Scherer
Waterlilies, copyright Amy Nagi
Night Owl Fetish, copyright Cheryl Holz
Honey Bees, copyright Mark Scherer
Hidden Lake #1, copyright Joanne May
The Highlands, copyright Cynthia Boudreau
Fall Splendor, copyright Mary S Roberts
Interstate Landscape, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker
Ermine, copyright Nancy Thyfault
Blue bell woods, copyright Marybeth Devine
Open Your Heart, copyright Beth Berry
Ooze, copyright Catherine L. Fey
Impressions of Zion V – The Watchman, copyright Joe Rizzo
Pathway Of Green, copyright Shuli Wang
Flight of Fancy, copyright Catherine L. Fey
Gilded Magnolia, copyright Nancy Thyfault
Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, copyright Kumie Kim
Be Still, copyright Elizabeth Berry
White Poplar, copyright Nicolette Metz
Ground Cover Garden, copyright Nicolette Metz
African Elephant, copyright Carrie Carlson
Blue bell Woods, copyright Marybeth Devine
Swamp White Oak (II), copyright Catherine L. Fey
A Dance of Color, copyright Shuli Wang
Evening Approaches, copyright Vicki Liszewski
Aphrodite Sweetshrub, copyright Arlene Widrevitz
Ivory Woodpecker, copyright Michelle Buziak
Eagles’ Watch, copyright Carol Cooley
Sun – Flower – Moon, copyright Laurie Peters
Peace Rose, copyright Marge Hall
Lotus, copyright Amy Nagi
Sycamore, copyright Karen Remkus
Lead the Way, copyright Beth Berry
Tree Shadows, copyright Marge Hall
Serenity, copyright Vicki Lisewski
Sea Oats Grass, copyright Karen Remkus
Ginkgo Leaves, copyright Joanne May
Peacock, copyright Jill Adzia
Fall Color and Pattern, copyright Marlene Vitek

Final Day for the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2024 Autumn Exhibit at The Morton Arboretum

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Lead the Way, copyright Beth Berry

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.

Nature Artists’ Guild’s Exhibits This Weekend, November 8-10, 2024 at The Morton Arboretum

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Final preparations are being made for the Nature Artists’ Guild’s 2024 Autumn Exhibit and special exhibit, Trees, being held at The Morton Arboretum this weekend, November 8 – 10, 2024.

65 participating members of the Guild will be dropping off approximately 250 works of nature art at the Administration Building of The Morton Arboretum on the evening of Wednesday, November 6 between 6 and 7:30 pm. (Artists can find all the details by clicking on the following links.)

2024 Autumn Exhibit Prospectus
General Exhibit Guidelines
Trees 2024 prospectus
Trees 2024 Specific Guidelines
Artwork Labels

A reception on the evening of Friday, November 8 will be open to all, free of charge. There will be no Arboretum gate fee that evening for anyone attending the reception, and no ticket or registration is required. Visitors can let the gate attendant know they are there for the reception to be admitted and directed to free parking.

At the Friday evening reception, Kumie Kim will share techniques for creating gorgeous botanical watercolor paintings. Visitors are invited to stop by and chat with her, as well as with the exhibit’s Featured Artist, Dale Olsen. Sets of blank greeting cards created with members’ artwork and raffle tickets for fabulous themed gift baskets will be available for purchase (cash only).

The 2024 Autumn Exhibit, the small works display, Trees, raffle ticket sales, and artist demonstrations will continue until the afternoon of Sunday, November 10. Participants can pick up their artwork between 4:15 and 4:45 pm on Sunday.