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Tag: Art

The Future Voyagers Exhibit

May 18 @ 12:00 pm – July 6 @ 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

Chicago Voyagers

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Chicago Voyagers:The Future Voyagers Exhibit

America has always had a fascination with exploration and the outdoors. We’ve memorialized it in paintings, history books & statues where proud explorers pose heroically—their foot propped on the prow of a canoe or rocky precipice, surveying the American west. But there’s one thing all of these artworks have in common:

They’re of Caucasian men.

In partnership with Chicago Voyagers, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower local, underrepresented youth through outdoor adventure therapy programs, seven Chicago-based artists will present an exhibition that visualizes the future of American exploration: one where adventure knows no gender or color. 

Each piece features the portrait of a youth who currently participates in the Chicago Voyagers program. A youth is using outdoor exploration as a means to become a leader and impact the world in a positive way. A portion of the proceeds from artwork sales will be donated to Chicago Voyagers.

Featured Artists:

Kevin West

Dwight White

Morgan Nicolette

Rae Denise

Arrington

Sam Kirk

Edo

Related Events

May 4 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Enriching Life: Closing Reception

Take one last look at the 10th Anniversary Enriching Life – Retrospective Exhibition. The exhibition showcases botanical works by artist Heeyoung Kim and current and invited students of the Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy she founded a decade ago at Brushwood Center. These exceptional artworks connect viewers to our wondrous planet by revealing the plant world’s most intricate details and its intimate relationships in a complex ecological web.

Register for the reception

Related Events

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 Katelyn Patton

Katelyn Patton is a visual artist working in Chicago who was born and raised in the Midwest. Her practice focuses on the urban ecology and biodiversity of plants in the city and beyond, the ways that material and color can be naturally derived from them, and how this hyper-localized knowledge can be used as a vessel for connecting multiple overlapping histories, stories, and meanings.

Katelyn has been the Maker-In-Residence at the Harold Washington Library, received a DCASE award in 2020, and has had solo shows at Extra Projects, the Lillstreet Arts Center and the NEIU Fine Arts Center Gallery. In 2024 she received her MFA in studio art from UIC. She also received an award from the UIC Sustainability Fund to establish the Art Garden, a space for cross-disciplinary explorations with plants and alternative materials.

Katelyn’s Artist Statement

Common Songs (August) by Katelyn Patton Media: Hollyhock, Coreopsis, Scabiosa, Safflower, Bachelor’s Button and Hopi Black Dye Sunflowers imprinted on silk and linen. The flowers were steam or hammer printed in the shape of bird calls recorded at the site of their harvest.

“My practice focuses on the urban ecology and biodiversity of plants in Chicago (my home), the ways that color can be naturally derived from them, and how this hyper-localized knowledge can be used as a vessel for connecting overlapping histories, stories, and meanings.

To do this, I research different types of plants that can be foraged or cultivated in the city and use these plants to create pigments, dyes and paints through traditional techniques. By grounding this research in my immediate habitat, I am able to confront the complexities and contradictions of the effects of climate change, colonization, and globalization on an accessible community-level scale. My work functions at the border of ecological science communication and fine art.

I believe that artistic interpretation creates an emotional connection beyond datasets and that art changes the emphasis of the questions asked during scientific research and recontextualizes observations. I established the Art Garden within the Plant Research Laboratory at UIC with the aim of generating awareness of the benefits and accessibility of natural fibers, fungi and pigments; fostering an understanding of sustainable materials; and cultivating cross-disciplinary connections. I also maintain a practice of foraging weeds within the city, as they play a fundamental role in urban biodiversity. My graduate thesis focused on common buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica, an invasive plant that is dominating the forests of the Midwest. I facilitate community dye workshops with buckthorn in order to complicate the simplistic negative narratives surrounding invasive species and encourage people to engage with their environment.”

Image: Common Songs (August) by Katelyn Patton
Media: Hollyhock, Coreopsis, Scabiosa, Safflower, Bachelor’s Button and Hopi Black Dye Sunflowers imprinted on silk and linen. The flowers were steam or hammer printed in the shape of bird calls recorded at the site of their harvest.

Artist of the Month Events

Image: Tagma by Katelyn Patton. Media: Coreopsis, Buckthorn and Scabiosa dyes on silk on panel

March 29 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Open Art Workshop with Katelyn Patton

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!

This month, our April Artist of the Month Katelyn Patton will be our guest artist. Katelyn is a visual artist working in Chicago who was born and raised in the Midwest. Her practice focuses on the urban ecology and biodiversity of plants in the city and beyond, the ways that material and color can be naturally derived from them, and how this hyper localized knowledge can be used as a vessel for connecting multiple overlapping histories, stories, and meanings. Stop by to learn from Katelyn!

Image: Tagma by Katelyn Patton.
Media: Coreopsis, Buckthorn and Scabiosa dyes on silk on panel

Register for the open art workshop
Image: Orbweaver by Katelyn Patton. Media: Buckthorn bark dye on silk wheat pasted onto wood panel.

April 16 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Create & Sip – Natural Dyes with Invasive Species

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.

Katelyn Patton, who will teach us to make Natural Dyes with Invasive Species. For a sneak peek of this project, visit Brushwood’s Open Art Workshop on Saturday, March 29 where Katelyn will be demonstrating from 10-4 pm. You can also see Katelyn’s work displayed in the Brushwood Center Gallery from March 29 – April 24.

Image: Orbweaver by Katelyn Patton. Media: Buckthorn bark dye on silk wheat pasted onto wood panel.

Register for Create and SIp

April 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans and Public Arts Programs
Free

Art Impact Project

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Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center

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Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center

2007 N Civic Center Way
Round Lake Beach, Illinois 60073 United States + Google Map

Family Night Out: Connecting Through Art

Create lasting memories with your family by creating your own Prompted Painting Project together.  We provide the acrylic paint and canvas; you provide your imagination! This fun project requires no art experience, Art Impact Project gives you the subject matter, then walks you through the painting process, step-by-step, and provides all you need to leave with your own unique painting. Adults and adolescents have time to bond together while we provide age-appropriate art projects for children.This is a collaborative program, presented by LCCAC Blue Kids Lake County, Art Impact Project, and Brushwood Center.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS

Related Events

April 11 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans and Public Arts Programs
Free

Art Impact Project

View Organizer Website

Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Connecting Families Through Art & Nature

Come relax and create art in a beautiful setting with Art Impact Project’s Neurographic Art Project. Neurographic drawing is a term coined by Dr. Pavel Piscarev to describe this form of doodling. Neurographica has been scientifically validated and is a widely used form of art therapy. It creates a mindful and meditative, yet aware state, through the creation of new neural connections. This watercolor project is great for everyone, and no art experience is needed!  Adults will have the opportunity to complete this project while we provide age-appropriate art projects for children and adolescents. This is a collaborative program, presented by LCCAC Blue Kids Lake County, Art Impact Project, and Brushwood Center.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS

Related Events

April 6 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Enriching Life: Botanical Art Demonstration

Sunday, April 6 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Free

Join Heeyoung Kim and Brushwood Botanical Artists for an artist demonstration at Enriching Life. 
Stop by Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods to view the exhibition, meet the artists in an intimate setting, and learn about their work processes and the materials they use.

The demonstrations will include:

  • Watercolor (Joann Dinneen & Heeyoung Kim)
  • Pen and Ink (Jean Meilinger & Heeyoung Kim)
  • Graphite (Pamela Najarian & Judy Woznyj)

Related Events

March 16 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Enriching Life: Botanical Art Demonstration

Sunday, March 16 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Free

Join Heeyoung Kim and Brushwood Botanical Artists for an artist demonstration at Enriching Life. 
Stop by Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods to view the exhibition, meet the artists in an intimate setting, and learn about their work processes and the materials they use.

The demonstrations will include:

  • Watercolor (Joann Dinneen & Heeyoung Kim)
  • Pen and Ink (Jean Meilinger & Heeyoung Kim)
  • Graphite (Pamela Najarian & Judy Woznyj)

Related Events

May 10 @ 10:00 am – May 11 @ 5:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Mother Earth Market 2025

Saturday, May 10, 10 am- 5 pm
Sunday, May 11, 12 pm- 5 pm

Taking place every Mother’s Day weekend, the Mother Earth Market features and celebrates local artists, makers, vendors, and organizations who are inspired by “Mother Earth” and are working towards a more sustainable future. Check out the vendors, then join us for art, nature, and wellness activities at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods.

RSVP to the Market

Registration is not required, and this event is free. Your RSVP helps the Arts and Public Events team plan.

Events at Mother Earth Market

Save your spot at the art and nature events at the Market!

May 10 Events

May 10 Pre-Market Bilingual Family Bird Walk 9 AM
May 10 Haiku reading 11 AM
May 10 Forest Bathing 12 PM

Related Events

March 2 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

Enriching Life: Opening Reception

Join us for the opening of the 10th Anniversary Enriching Life – Retrospective Exhibition. The exhibition showcases botanical works by artist Heeyoung Kim and current and invited students of the Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy she founded a decade ago at Brushwood Center. These exceptional artworks connect viewers to our wondrous planet by revealing the plant world’s most intricate details and its intimate relationships in a complex ecological web.

Register for the reception

Related Events

March 2 @ 1:00 pm – May 4 @ 3:00 pm

Initiatives

Public Arts Programs
Free

Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy

View Organizer Website

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

21850 Riverwoods Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015 United States + Google Map
224.633.2424

10th Anniversary Enriching Life Retrospective Exhibition

The 10th Anniversary Enriching Life – Retrospective Exhibition showcases botanical works by artist Heeyoung Kim and current and invited students of the Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy she founded a decade ago at Brushwood Center. These exceptional artworks connect viewers to our wondrous planet by revealing the plant world’s most intricate details and its intimate relationships in a complex ecological web.

Featuring the work of: Carole Cleaver, Joann Dinneen, Marcia Glenn, Edith Harte, Nancy Johnson, Sandra Kessel, Heeyoung Kim, Andrea Kirjassoff, Claudia Lane, Meredith Lincoln, Jean Meilinger, Monica Munaretto, Pamela Najarian, Ramiro Prudencio, Sandra Robinson , Barbara Rose, Rita M Rosen, Linda Schmitt, Jane Sturgeon, Kathy Walsh, Sandra Wilcoxon, Susie Williams, and Judy Woznyj. 

Opening Reception: March 2, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Closing Reception: May 4, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Related Events

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