Paint and Photograph the Prairie
2024-09-07 14:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Iron Bridge Trailhead, Midewin Tallgrass Prairie, Elwood, Illinois, 60042, United States
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! All art materials will be provided at the event.

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Please note, that this event is for Veterans, current service members, and their families only.

Snacks will be provided. Please bring water.

Activity Expectation: Walking, possible uneven trails

Sensory Expectations: Prairie and forest landscape. Wear comfortable shoes.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. We have walking sticks available.

Contact Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org if you have mobility concerns.

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Art Impact Project
2024-09-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-15 10:00 - 11:30 | ​Mundelein Park & Recreation Community Center, ​888 Dunbar Road, Mundelein, IL, 60060, United States
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 and objectives.

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Watercolor Painting for Women Veterans and Families
2024-09-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-09-26 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-10-24 18:30 - 20:00
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. If registering the day before or of the event, please have your own materials at home – watercolor paint, paper, pencil.

Activity expectation is sitting.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. Virtual Class.

Materials will be sent via Amazon, you must register a week beforehand to receive materials.

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Radical Hope: Interactive Exhibition
2024-09-14 00:00 - 2024-10-27 23:59 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
Real-time Visual Notes created by Ink Factory.

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 how do we hold onto radical hope and joy in the face of such uncertainty and trauma? Explore the challenges facing humans and our ecosystems, find new ways to build connections, and learn about those working towards a better future for everyone in this interactive exhibition.

41st Smith nature symposium

¡Hola! Wiggleworms
2024-09-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
¡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 they explore the Spanish language and experience the joy of learning language through music.

As your little one grows, together you’ll learn our core songs—a beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary sing-along songs. Expect this class to be full of movement, interaction, and musical play with puppets, shakers, and props as children explore their emerging language skills.

If you are bilingual or just learning the Spanish language, come delight in this musical experience with your little one. You will go home singing together in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance!

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¡Hola! Wiggleworms es una celebración bilingüe. Con canciones tradicionales del mundo hispano, esta clase vive del canto, danza y descubrimiento musical. Disfrutando con la música, niños y niñas junto con sus familias emprenderán un viaje explorando la lengua castellana y disfrutando la experiencia de aprender un lenguaje por medio de la música.​Durante el crecimiento de tu pequeño, aprenderemos nuestras canciones comunes – una hermosa recopilación de canciones tradicionales y contemporáneas. Anticipa que esta clase este llena de movimiento, intercambio y juegos con la música usando marionetas, maracas, y materiales didácticos durante el proceso de exploración de su hijo(a) mientras se emerge en el lenguaje usando sus propias habilidades.

Si eres bilingüe o estas aprendiendo castellano, te invitamos a disfrutar de nuestra música junto a tu pequeño(a). ¡Juntos se irán a casa cantando en español! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos a cantar y jugar!

REGISTER

BASE: Create & Sip - Felt Flowers
2024-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
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 end of the class, you’ll leave with your own handmade felt flower bouquet, ready to brighten up any space in your home or serve as a heartfelt gift for a loved one. Plus, you’ll take home newfound skills and inspiration to continue your crafting journey beyond the class.

Everyone’s project will be unique, and creativity is highly encouraged.

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Nature Hike and String Art for Veterans
2024-09-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
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 interpretation available.

No food will be served. ​Registration required.

For questions, accessibility or mobility concerns, please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org

REGISTER

Art Social Hour for Women Veterans and Families
2024-09-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-10-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
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 any technical needs, please email, Veterans Program Specialist, jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Register

Nature Photography for Veterans and Families
2024-09-21 16:30 - 18:00 | Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, 200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago, IL, 60660
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 Expectation: Outdoors with walking trails. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Sensory Expectations: Outdoors with some city noise.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available.

No food will be served. ​Registration required.

REGISTER

Grand Opening: Brushwood Center North & CPLC
2024-09-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Brushwood Center North and Clean Power Lake County, 415 Washington St, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085
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 home base for Jess Rodriguez, Coalition Building Manager, and Eddie Flores, Youth Education Coordinator, along with the Clean Power Lake County staff. We’re looking forward to working more closely with all our Waukegan community partners, empowering youth, and creating a hub for environmental justice work.

Join us at 5 PM on September 21 for the outdoor ribbon-cutting ceremony, light refreshments, small group tours of the office space, arts and nature activities, and to learn more about environmental justice in Northeast Lake County. Don’t miss the Waukegan monthly ArtWauk while you’re there!Contact Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org if you have questions or concerns.

Register

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Schedule of Events

5:00 pm | Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Cake and Refreshments to be served afterwards

5:10 pm | Learn about Clean Power Lake County

5:20 pm | Learn about Brushwood Center

5:30 pm – 8pm | Meet-and-Greet and Art Activities

5:30 pm – 6:30pm | Tours of Office Space for small groups

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About Clean Power Lake County:

Clean Power Lake County (CPLC) is a community-driven nonprofit organization committed to local action to secure environmental, economic, and racial justice. CPLC works with several environmental, faith, and public health organizations. CPLC’s mission is to ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy soil for every Lake County community member and to achieve the self-determination of those disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution.

Group Ukulele Music for Veterans and Families
2024-09-22 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-06 14:00 - 17:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
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.

After the class, enjoy a beautiful walk in Ryerson Woods.

Ukulele Lessons | 2pm – 3:30pm

Nature Walk | 3:30pm – 5pm

Register

Veterans Acrylic Paint & Sip Nights
2024-09-25 18:30 - 21:00, 2024-10-23 18:30 - 21:00 | American Legion Cicero Post 96, 5820 W 35th St, Cicero, Illinois, 60804
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 will be available for purchase with the American Legion Cicero Post 96.​ Small snack items will be available for free.Brought to you by Brushwood Center’s At Ease Program, Veteran Art Tribe, and the American Legion Cicero Post #96!​Registration is required.

REGISTER

Photograph the Prairie
2024-09-28 16:00 - 18:30 | Iron Bridge Trailhead, Midewin Tallgrass Prairie, Elwood, Illinois, 60042, United States
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!

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Please note, that this event is for Veterans, current service members, and their families only.

Snacks will be provided. Please bring water.

Activity Expectation: Walking, possible uneven trails

Sensory Expectations: Prairie and forest landscape. Wear comfortable shoes.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. We have walking sticks available.

Contact Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org if you have mobility concerns.

REGIster

Nature, Art & Wellness Day for Women Veterans and Family Members
2024-10-05 09:30 - 16:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
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, and a reflective art activity. ​

Breakfast & Lunch will be provided.

Please wear comfortable clothes and dress for the weather.

Want to learn more about forest bathing? Check out Jess Rodriguez, our forest bathing guide’s website: https://www.reciprocalforestbathing.com.

For questions and/or accessibility information, contact Veteran Programs Specialist Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org

REGISTER

Digital Art for Veterans and Families
2024-10-10 18:30 - 21:00 | American Legion Cicero Post 96, 5820 W 35th St, Cicero, Illinois, 60804
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 will ensure we can start right away if there are updates or login needed for the app.

Activity Expectation: Indoors and seated; a smartphone is required for this class.

Sensory Expectations: Indoors

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available.

Snacks will be served; please let us know if you have any food allergies. ​Registration required.

For questions, accessibility or mobility concerns, please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org

REGISTER

¡Festeje! Hispanic Heritage Month Performance
2024-10-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, Illinois, 60073, United States
¡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 Latin America.​

¡Festeje!, which can be presented in both Spanish and English, features a program entirely of Latine composers including six original arrangements and a commissioned work from three-time, Grammy-nominated composer Miguel Del Aguila.

Join us on this expedition through Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and Cuba, to discover a lush and vibrant artistic landscape that will have you both dancing in your seat and eager to continue exploring the musical flavors of Latin America all the way home.

Families can arrive early to the concert (starting at 2pm) to work with Brushwood Center’s Youth Education Team to create their very own instruments that can be used as a part of the performance!

Contact Parker Nelson at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org if you have questions or concerns.

Register

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Siente los animados ritmos del Mes de la Herencia Hispana con Black Moon Trio en una actuación que celebra las ricas tradiciones de la música y la danza de América Latina.

¡Festeje!, que se puede presentar tanto en español como en inglés, presenta un programa enteramente de compositores latinos que incluye seis arreglos originales y una obra encargada al compositor Miguel Del Aguila, tres veces nominado al Grammy.

Únase a nosotros en esta expedición a través de Brasil, Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, México y Cuba, para descubrir un paisaje artístico exuberante y vibrante que los tendrá bailando en su asiento y ansiosos por continuar explorando los sabores musicales de América Latina hasta el final. hogar.

¡Las familias pueden llegar temprano al concierto (a partir de las 2 p. m.) para trabajar con el equipo de educación juvenil del Brushwood Center para crear sus propios instrumentos que puedan usarse como parte de la actuación!

Comuníquese con Parker Nelson en pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org si tiene preguntas o inquietudes.

regístrate

41st Annual Smith Nature Symposium
2024-10-16 17:00 - 20:00 | The Birchstone, 200 Barclay Blvd, Lincolnshire, Illinois, 60069, United States
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

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The 41st Annual Smith Nature Symposium Co-Chairs:

Rosalyn Deigan and Celeste Flores

learn more

Questions? Please email Director of Development, Mirja Spooner Haffner at mspoonerhaffner@brushwoodcenter.org.

Day of the Dead Art Workshop for Veterans
2024-10-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Chicago Vet Center, 8658 S. Sacramento Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60652, United States
Day of the Dead Art Workshop for Veterans

Día 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 and honor loved ones who have passed away.

Sugar Skulls are iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos which represent the cyclical nature of life and death, reminding us to celebrate the lives of our deceased loved ones. Please join other Veterans and family members at the Chicago Vet Center to create these beautiful cultural symbols at an art workshop with Brushwood’s partners Chicago Vet Center and Veteran Art Tribe.

Register

BASE: Open Art Workshop
2024-10-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
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 lots of supplies just to give it a try, because in this workshop, you get to decide the project, and you get access to all the tools and supplies in BASE (the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange).

Projects can be big or small, quick and easy or long-term and complex. You can work independently, or work with an instructor who will help you get the supplies, tools and knowledge you need to get started on the project of your choice.

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 who just wants to try something out in a low pressure environment, or the family looking for a fun kids’ activity to fill their afternoon – this workshop is for you!

WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN? 10am-3pm, the last Saturday of every month (no meetings in November and December 2024). Come anytime during the day, and stay as long as you’d like.

WHAT DOES IT COST? Workspace, use of our tools and any instruction or assistance you need is free; supplies from BASE are “pay what you want” (free to teachers and organizations).

WHAT CAN I MAKE? Almost* anything! Come with a project you want to work on in mind, or pick one from our list of project ideas for all ages and abilities. You are welcome to bring your own supplies and tools, or use ones from BASE. You can work independently, or work with an instructor. Here are just a few ideas of what you can learn and do at the Open Art Workshop:

Watercolor · Embroidery · Mosaics · Book Binding · Charcoal Drawing · Knitting & Crochet · Decoupage · Sewing & Mending · Jewelry Making · Plein Air Painting · Basket Weaving · Picture Framing · Card Making · Kids Art Projects · Block Printing · Stained Glass · Acrylic Painting · Costume Making · Weaving · Collage · UpCycling · Gift Wrapping · Sculpture · Upholstery · Colored Pencil · Wreath Making · Beading · Rubber Stamps · Oil Painting · Quilting · Pastels · Macramé · Miniatures

*We will do our best to accommodate all types of projects, but there may be limitations on what is possible on a particular day due to limitations of space, supplies or tools (supplies and tools are mostly donated, and what is available is always changing), or due to a particular project being too messy or dangerous to be done in a public space. If a particular project cannot be worked on during the Workshop that day, we will do our best to help you figure out how to proceed on a future Workshop date or on your own. Since this Workshop is open to ALL topics and media, we won’t be experts on everything, but we can definitely help you get started.

If you have questions about Open Art Workshop or BASE, please contact Julia Kemerer at 224-633-2426 or jkemerer@brushwoodcenter.org.

REGISter

Nature Photography for Veterans and Families
2024-10-26 15:30 - 17:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
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.

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Meet at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

Activity Expectation: Outdoors with walking trails. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Sensory Expectations: Outdoors

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available.

No food will be served. ​Registration required.

For questions and accessibility and mobility concerns, contact Veterans Programs Specialist Jessica Klinge at: jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

REGISTER

At Ease In Nature
2024-11-03 00:00 - 2024-12-01 23:59 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
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 2024 At Ease programs, as well as work inspired by experiences in nature from members of the Military Community.

Started in 2015, Brushwood’s At Ease: Art and Wellness for Veterans initiative offers programs for Veterans, Service Members, and their families designed to empower wellbeing through nature-based art, music, and photography workshops. At Ease helps build skills in creative expression and provides Veterans with access to mental health support.

This exhibition will open with a reception and panel discussion on November 3, at 1 pm.

At Ease in Nature: Opening Reception
2024-11-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL, 60015, United States
At Ease in Nature: Opening Reception

Join us to celebrate the healing power of nature and the arts. At Ease in Nature features artwork created during our 2024 At Ease programs, as well as work inspired by experiences in nature from members of the Military Community.

Started in 2015, Brushwood’s At Ease: Art and Wellness for Veterans initiative offers programs for Veterans, Service Members, and their families designed to empower wellbeing through nature-based art, music, and photography workshops. At Ease helps build skills in creative expression and provides Veterans with access to mental health support.

This exhibition will open with a reception and panel discussion on November 3, at 1 pm.

Register for the Opening

Healthy Home, Healthy You
2024-11-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Illinois
Healthy Home, Healthy You

Learn more about how to keep yourself, your family, and community safe and healthy. These six sessions will cover emergency home ready plans, resources for flooding, making your home more energy efficient, healthy and sustainable food, how indoor and outdoor environment impact your health, and tips to handle extreme weather.

Session Topic – November 5: Home Emergency Checklist

This event is virtual. The link will be emailed to you upon registration.

For questions, accessibility or mobility concerns, please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Register Here

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Schedule of Remaining Events (all events take place between 6:30pm – 7:30pm)

November 12 – Flooding Prevention

November 19 – Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality

December 3 – Healthy Food

December 10 – Weatherization and Energy Efficiency
