Located among pristine woodlands in the Ryerson historic home in Riverwoods, Il., Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods promotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community wellbeing, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning.
At Ease in Nature Join us to celebrate the healing power of nature and the arts. At Ease in Nature features artwork created during our 2025 At Ease programs, as well as work inspired by experiences in nature from members of the Military Community. This year’s exhibition highlights the diversity that can be found in […]
Veterans Acrylic Paint & Sip Nights Join us for a fun and relaxing acrylic paint event led by Veteran artists. This event promises to be both educational and therapeutic. Take home your own hand-painted masterpiece!All skill levels welcomed.Non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase with the American Legion Cicero Post 96. Small […]
Nature, Art and Wellness Day for Women Veterans and Family Members Join us at Brushwood Center for a day of recharging and relaxing in community with fellow women Veterans and family members in the peace and tranquility of Ryerson Woods. Enjoy wellness activities in connection with nature! Activities for the day include: yoga, forest bathing, […]
Art Impact Project Art Impact Project facilitates supportive art projects designed to provide participants a different way to express themselves through art-making. With a focus on emotional wellness through creative expression, Art Impact Project's small-group environment gives participants the chance to self-reflect and safely share their observations. Each 90-minute session involves the completion of an art project from start to finish. Projects will vary from week to week, exploring various art media […]
Forest Bathing for Veterans and Family Members Forest bathing is a guided experience for supporting healing and wellness through meditation and immersion of your senses in forest. Join Sarah Abu Absi, certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide, for a hour and half practice filled with a series of guided invitations that offer opportunities of presence, […]
BASE: Create & Sip - Make a Wreath with Julia Kemerer Create & Sip is a monthly workshop hosted at Brushwood Center where participants can explore fun projects using supplies and tools from the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, BASE. It’s an opportunity to get creative, try something new, and enjoy the company of fellow art […]
Watercolor Painting for Women Veterans and Families Develop your unique artistic expression through watercolor painting. We will delight in the colorful, transformative nature of the watercolor while also sharing factual information about the natural world and flowers. Student input and discussion are welcome! Class taught by Gabrielle Tufano.--Art materials will be mailed to your home. […]
Nature Book Club: November The Brushwood Nature Book Club is a space to talk about and explore nature literature in a friendly environment. Each meeting includes discussion, creative writing, and art activities to engage with the themes of the chosen book, led by Brushwood’s Poet-in-Residence Kathryn Haydon, and writer-artist Megan Donahue. Our November book will […]
Online Sale: The 9th Annual Nature-Inspired Holiday Art Market Buy local, support the arts, and find unique gifts at Brushwood Center's 9th Annual Nature-Inspired Holiday Art Market. You’ll find art, handmade gifts, cards, prints, and more from over 50 talented local artists, makers, and small-scale producers. Come out and share in community, art, and nature […]
Soapmaking and Gift Wrapping for Veterans and Families Start the holiday season with something creative and relaxing. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of melt-and-pour soapmaking, play with colors, scents, and botanicals, and make your own custom soap—perfect for a thoughtful gift or a little self-care. All materials are provided, and no experience […]
The 9th Annual Nature-Inspired Holiday Art Market Buy local, support the arts, and find unique gifts at Brushwood Center's 9th Annual Nature-Inspired Holiday Art Market. You’ll find art, handmade gifts, cards, prints, and more from over 50 talented local artists, makers, and small-scale producers. Come out and share in community, art, and nature at this […]
Veterans Acrylic Paint & Sip Nights Join us for a fun and relaxing acrylic paint event led by Veteran artists. This event promises to be both educational and therapeutic. Take home your own hand-painted masterpiece!All skill levels welcomed.Non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase with the American Legion Cicero Post 96. Small […]
