At Ease in Nature is an art exhibition that features artwork created during our 2025 At Ease programs, as well as work inspired by experiences in nature from members of the Military Community.

This year’s exhibition will highlight the diversity that can be found in nature and in the armed forces, making each stronger than they would be without it.

November Artist of the Month: Julia Kemerer

Julia Kemerer is a mixed media artist and an avid maker of all things. She paints and sculpts with paper, found objects, fabric, wood, and clay, and has a passion for creative reuse, or what she refers to as “using what you have to make what you need.” Julia’s creations will often make appearances at Brushwood Center, where she is the Director of Arts and Administration. Through her work at Brushwood, she curates shows and art markets, runs the Brushwood Art Supply Exchange, and teaches classes in addition to working behind the scenes on several area public arts projects. Julia attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and holds a degree in Art History from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She lives in northern Lake County, Illinois with her husband and daughter in a 100 year old lake house full of pets, art,and plants.

See Julia’s art on display at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods October 25- November 30, 2025.

Image: The Nightwatch, by Julia Kemerer
Media: Mixed media sculpture