Artist of the Month is a new program at Brushwood Center featuring artists who align with Brushwood Center’s mission and explores themes of health, equity and justice, nature and the environment. Each month we feature an artist who will:
- Display their work at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
- Teach a Create and Sip Workshop in their area of expertise
- Demonstrate their work at an Open Art Workshop
Meet Maryann Wattelle
Maryann Wattelle is a BFA graduate from the Art Institute of Chicago. She focuses on painting, drawing and Art Therapy. She is a mom of four and also a foster mom. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she has worked for American Airlines for 25 years. Her greatest passions are sharing the experience of making art with others and guiding them through their own creative process. Her work is currently on display at the following locations: Forshey Gallery Tall Grass Arts Association, Dragon Fly Gallery Chicago, Downers Grove Library, Elmhurst Art Museum, and Artist Guild Artsy Gallery.
See Maryann’s art on display at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods June 28 – July 24, 2025.
Maryann’s Artist Statement
“Growing up we had just one piece of adornment in our house, DaVinci’s painting of The Last Supper. I’m not certain how we even got that. With my ten siblings, material possessions of any sorts or extras were nonexistent, only to be found by making your own magic. This left mountains of room for our collective imaginations to put our heads together and make rivers flow. I believe this freedom crafted an artist life for me.
Fascination with oil slicks in summer rain puddles, clear glistening drops on blades of grass, ice crystals clinging to barren trees still inspire my art. My art is motivated by and depicts struggles and everyday observations, collective actions, and creative synthesis.
Stained Glass, Watercolor, Printmaking, oil paints and oil sticks are my mediums of choice along with collage, found objects and whatever means express the action or emotion. With a focus and reverence to the natural environment as a reference.
I also enjoy the vast resources of our museums and glean inspirations from my visits.
Art is a shared experience and the streams of color and mark making become the language for me. I work both figuratively and abstract, drawing from current events or memories. Nature is a constant influence with its brilliant hues, tones, lines, and balance. Responding and reacting I attempt to disseminate feelings and emotions into the piece. Success is when a connection is made with the viewer and maybe inspiring their creative sparks too.”
Image: When Sister Forest Sings, by Maryann Wattelle
Media: Acrylic on canvas
Artist of the Month Events
June 28 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free
Open Art Workshop with Maryann Wattelle
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!
Image: More Than a Tree by Maryanne Wattelle
Media: Acrylic on canvas
July 16 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | $20
Create & Sip – Constructing and Deconstructing
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 enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Image: Collage by Maryann Wattelle.
Media: Mixed media, paper
