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.
Lake Series: Photographs by Lincoln Schatz Beginning in September of 2015 artist Lincoln Schatz began taking lake pictures. Dedicating a month to photographing the lake each day in morning or evening. These daily trips to photograph the lake continued past that first month. One month became two, two became three, and the project has continued […]
The Midwest Haiku Traveling Rock Garden The Midwest Haiku Traveling Rock Garden is a growing literary exhibit that celebrates English-language haiku. Each year's exhibit has a theme and can be placed on display in a variety of venues throughout the Midwest. The exhibit is curated by poet Matthew Markworth. The Midwest-Themed 2025 Exhibit brings together […]
¡Hola! Wiggleworms: January 31 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 […]
You Choose the Project · Use Tools and Supplies From BASE · Get Help When You Need It Open Art Workshop is open to anyone who wants to make something in any area of visual arts and crafts, from the experienced artist looking for a community of others to work with, to the complete novice […]
¡Hola! Wiggleworms: February 7 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 […]
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 […]
Haiku "Ginkgo" Walk with Kathryn Haydon Join Brushwood’s poet-in-residence Kathryn Haydon and fellow haiku poet David Green for a midwinter poetic stroll along woodland paths near the Des Plaines river. As we walk, we will quietly gather observations and inspiration from the nature around us, jotting thoughts and haiku in our notebooks. When it’s time to […]
¡Hola! Wiggleworms: February 14 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 […]
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 […]
BASE: Create & Sip - Smashed Dish Mosaics 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 […]
BASE: Create & Sip - Smashed Dish Mosaics with Julia Kemerer A second night, due to popular demand! 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, […]
Lectures with Dr. Jennifer Ron & Dr. Lauren Towle Healing Cancer From Within An Integrative & Naturopathic Medicine Approachwith Dr. Jennifer Ron, MD, FACEP, ABOIM This lecture explores how integrative and naturopathic medicine can support the body’s innate capacity for healing during and after a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Jennifer Ron brings together conventional medical expertise […]
Joyful! A Celebration of Black History Month Culinary Experience- 12:30 pm, Concert- 2:00 pm Back by popular demand, Brushwood Center hosts an immersive Black History Month experience that brings together music, storytelling, and food as powerful vessels of cultural memory and celebration. This special event honors the richness, resilience, and creativity of Black artistic traditions, […]
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: February 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 February book will […]
You Choose the Project · Use Tools and Supplies From BASE · Get Help When You Need It Open Art Workshop is open to anyone who wants to make something in any area of visual arts and crafts, from the experienced artist looking for a community of others to work with, to the complete novice […]
Rest and Recharge: Practicing Radical Self Care in an Uncertain World Rest and Recharge invites visitors into a spacious pause. In a world saturated with constant alerts, urgent headlines, and an unrelenting stream of information, our nervous systems are rarely given time to settle. While some messages truly demand our immediate action, many linger as […]
Opening Reception - Rest and Recharge: Practicing Radical Self Care in an Uncertain World Rest and Recharge invites visitors into a spacious pause. In a world saturated with constant alerts, urgent headlines, and an unrelenting stream of information, our nervous systems are rarely given time to settle. While some messages truly demand our immediate action, […]
