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.
BASE: Open Art Workshop 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 […]
Nature Photography for Veterans and Families Learn about the basics of photography this Summer while exploring the natural beauty of Chicago with your fellow Veterans. DSLR cameras are provided for participants. You can also use your own cameras or cell phones if preferred. Families and all ages are welcomed. Saturday, August 31st: Jackson Park Activity […]
Growing Together with From Hood to Table Join us on select Saturdays this Summer for this family-friendly and science-based nature and food class series with Chef, Urban Farmer, and Sustainability Teacher Jeffrey Williams with From Hood to Table! Learn about the importance of working with nature to nourish our health and community. Families will enjoy […]
¡Hola! Wiggleworms This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too! ¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while […]
Paint and Photograph the Prairie Join Brushwood Center's At Ease initiative in a special program at the Midewin Tallgrass Prairie to enjoy four hours of painting and photographing the prairie with U.S. Veteran artists and photographers. Increase your skills while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Veterans! Cameras will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
¡Hola! Wiggleworms This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too! ¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries […]
BASE: Create & Sip - Felt Flowers ​As you craft away, enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while listening to a craft-themed musical soundtrack. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage (BYOB 21+) and some snacks to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the creative process. At the […]
Nature Hike and String Art for Veterans Enjoy a walking tour through the beautiful Ryerson Woods and participate in a string art class at Brushwood Center. Activity Expectation: Outdoors and walking on unpaved trails. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing and dress for the weather. Bringing water is recommended. Sensory Expectations: Outdoors in uncovered sun. Available Accommodations: No language […]
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 […]
Grand Opening: Brushwood Center North & CPLC On September 21st, Brushwood and Clean Power Lake County will cut the ribbon on their new shared office space! Brushwood Center North will be the […]
¡Hola! Wiggleworms This program is ideal for children ages 1-5, but open to younger and older siblings too! ¡Hola! Wiggleworms celebrates being bilingual! Rooted in traditional folk songs from Spanish-speaking countries around the world, the class is alive with singing, dancing, and musical discovery. Children and their families delight in the musical play of Wiggleworms while […]
Nature Photography for Veterans and Families Learn about the basics of photography while exploring the natural beauty of Chicago with your fellow Veterans. DSLR cameras are provided for participants. You can also use your own cameras or cell phones if preferred. Families and all ages are welcomed. Saturday, September 21: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary Activity […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
Photograph the Prairie Join Brushwood Center's At Ease initiative in a special program at the Midewin Tallgrass Prairie to enjoy four hours of photographing the prairie with U.S. Veteran artists and photographers. Increase your skills while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Veterans! Cameras will be provided, but feel free to bring your own! __ Please note, that […]
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. […]
