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In the Brushwood Gallery

Two people view a piece of art that stretches down Brushwood Center's hallway.

The Brushwood Gallery hosts exhibitions that reflect diverse voices exploring themes on equity, justice, and the impact of nature on wellbeing.


In the Gallery Now

Now Showing

Rooted in the Shadow of Coal: Botanical Treasures of the Waukegan Dunes. Painting "Walking Up the Dune" by Josie Levin

Rooted in the Shadow of Coal: Botanical Treasures of the Waukegan Dunes

July 13 – August 31, 2025

Brushwood Center presents a new exhibition, Rooted in the Shadow of Coal: Botanical Treasures of the Waukegan Dunes. It is presented in partnership with the Driehaus Museum to explore perspectives on art and nature in association with their summer exhibition featuring acclaimed botanical artist Rory McEwen, Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature.

Rooted in the Shadow of Coal embraces the tradition of botanical art while expanding to include a wider range of artists and media, all focused on the resilient plants of the Waukegan Dunes. Each artwork in the show includes a reference to at least one, and sometimes several, of these botanical wonders. What has proximity to pollution done to the site? What does it mean to have this surviving and thriving natural environment next to coal ash ponds? In this exhibition, botanical art becomes a lens to consider health, equity, and nature.

When Sister Forest Sings, by Maryann Wattelle

July Artist of the Month: 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.

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