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.
Radical Hope Radical Hope: Building Climate Resilience for Healthy Communities, the companion exhibition of the Smith Nature Symposium, opens in the Brushwood Gallery on Saturday, September 14th. Community connection and resilience are key to navigating an uncertain climate future, but what makes a community resilient? What could a healthy future for all look like, and […]
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, […]
Group Ukulele Music Lesson for Veterans and Families Learn the basics of the ukulele and how to play the most common chords in music with fellow Veterans and their families. You do not need any musical talent or extensive knowledge to participate. Music is for everyone! The program is intended for ages 7 and above. […]
Digital Art for Veterans and Families Enjoy learning about digital art with your fellow veterans and families members. Please download the proper software to your phone. A smartphone is required for this class. Prior to class Download ArtRage (free for Android, $2.99 for iPhone). Make sure to also open the app prior to class. This […]
¡Festeje! Hispanic Heritage Month Performance Feel the lively rhythms of Hispanic Heritage Month with Black Moon Trio in a performance that celebrates the rich traditions of music and dance from […]
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 mediums […]
41st Annual Smith Nature Symposium Awards Dinner Rising Together: Building a Healthy Future Emcees Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra Honoring Pediatrician, Professor, and Public Health Advocate Dr. Mona Hanna Associate Dean for the Department of Public Healthat Michigan State University College of Human Medicine _ The 41st Annual Smith Nature Symposium Co-Chairs: Rosalyn Deigan and Celeste Flores Questions? Please […]
Art Social Hour for Women Veterans and Families Connect with fellow women Veterans and family members around art and art-making! Socialize, learn, and grow your process as an artist as you connect with resources and community that support Veteran women artists. This is an informal social group, not a formal skills class. If you have […]
Veterans Acrylic Paint & Sip Nights Join us for a fun and relaxing acrylic paint event led by Veteran and Artist, Ramona Pozek. ​This event promises to be both educational and therapeutic. Leave with a hand painted masterpiece that you will be able to take home with you!All skill levels welcomed.Non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine […]
BASE: Create & Sip - Upcycled Lamps We will be using materials and supplies from BASE: Brushwood Art Supply Exchange that will include a mix of new materials alongside the repurposed and reimagined. Everyone’s project will be unique, and creativity is highly encouraged. We will have a variety of objects available to use for your […]
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 […]
Day of the Dead Art Workshop for Veterans DÃa de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, lasts from October 31st until Nov 2nd. It is celebrated in Mexico and several other Latin American countries. This celebration is filled with rich symbolism and colorful traditions, offering families and communities an opportunity to remember […]
You Choose the Project · Use Tools and Supplies From BASE · Get Help When You Need It Want to learn to knit? Need to repair a mosaic? Want to try your hand at oil paints, but don’t know where to start? There’s no need to sign up for a formal class or invest in […]
Nature Photography for Veterans and Families Learn about the basics of photography while exploring the natural beauty of Chicagoland with your fellow Veterans. Families and all ages are welcomed. ​Free, but registration is required. ______ Meet at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods Activity Expectation: Outdoors with walking trails. Please wear comfortable shoes. Sensory Expectations: Outdoors Available Accommodations: No […]
At Ease In Nature Witness the healing power of the arts! In 2015, Brushwood Center began At Ease, an initiative, offering programs for Veterans, Service Members, and their families designed to empower their wellbeing through nature-based art, music, and photography workshops. At Ease helps build skills in creative expression and provides Veterans with access to […]
