Sponsor the 42nd Annual Smith Nature Symposium!

August 23 @ 3:00 pm 7:30 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

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.

July 19 @ 3:00 pm 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

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.

__

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.

Virtual Event Virtual Event

May 27 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club – Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey

Announcing a book club for Veterans and members of the military community with local author and Veteran Leland Austin Gagnebin, focused on his book  Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey.

From an idyllic childhood to the brutal realities of war, join Leland as he guides you through the struggles in the jungles of the A Shau Valley and rugged Annamite Mountains during the Vietnam War—and experience how, decades later, he journeyed back to this source of troubling dreams and PTSD in search of peace and closure. And found it.

As Veterans and military community members, we will explore Veteran stories and how these experiences impact the author, ourselves, and our community. Leland and Brushwood Center hope that his story can be a source of healing and story sharing for the military community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm from April 22 – May 27. Books are provided.

Questions? Please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Activity expectation is sitting.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. Virtual Class.

About the Book

Where The Light Enters is a memoir about the impact the Vietnam War had on one soldier’s life. It is a healing story, a spiritual journey, and the path taken in search of redemption, reconciliation, and reconnection. It is not a war story but rather a story of war.

Through a collection of short pieces, the author conveys the transformation from a loss of innocence and purity of heart through the struggles endured as an Infantry Rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the historic Battle for Firebase Ripcord — from the disillusionment, betrayal, and the loss of self to what the author endured after returning home. It is about the path followed in pursuit of as full a measure of peace in life as might be possible and encourages others to pursue theirs.

Moreover, this memoir shines a light on the noble and heroic story of what heart and strength of character it takes for men to struggle through years against themselves and the intense, inner wound of PTSD, and succeed.

This memoir transcends the Vietnam War, giving voice to all those struggling to put words to their own mental narratives. It further suggests a social prescription to assist reintegration into community. This finely crafted work has many layers — emotional, physical, behavioral, ethical, political, spiritual, the importance of family, and the bonds with fellow soldiers — all woven artfully into the tapestry of the author’s life story.

Conveyed in a raw, straightforward presentation without being crass or superfluously graphic, its descriptions are vibrant and visual, drawing emotion from the reader. This memoir shines a ray of hope upon both veteran and non-veteran, and anyone seeking redemption and forgiveness.

Virtual Event Virtual Event

May 13 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club – Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey

Announcing a book club for Veterans and members of the military community with local author and Veteran Leland Austin Gagnebin, focused on his book  Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey.

From an idyllic childhood to the brutal realities of war, join Leland as he guides you through the struggles in the jungles of the A Shau Valley and rugged Annamite Mountains during the Vietnam War—and experience how, decades later, he journeyed back to this source of troubling dreams and PTSD in search of peace and closure. And found it.

As Veterans and military community members, we will explore Veteran stories and how these experiences impact the author, ourselves, and our community. Leland and Brushwood Center hope that his story can be a source of healing and story sharing for the military community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm from April 22 – May 27. Books are provided.

Questions? Please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Activity expectation is sitting.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. Virtual Class.

About the Book

Where The Light Enters is a memoir about the impact the Vietnam War had on one soldier’s life. It is a healing story, a spiritual journey, and the path taken in search of redemption, reconciliation, and reconnection. It is not a war story but rather a story of war.

Through a collection of short pieces, the author conveys the transformation from a loss of innocence and purity of heart through the struggles endured as an Infantry Rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the historic Battle for Firebase Ripcord — from the disillusionment, betrayal, and the loss of self to what the author endured after returning home. It is about the path followed in pursuit of as full a measure of peace in life as might be possible and encourages others to pursue theirs.

Moreover, this memoir shines a light on the noble and heroic story of what heart and strength of character it takes for men to struggle through years against themselves and the intense, inner wound of PTSD, and succeed.

This memoir transcends the Vietnam War, giving voice to all those struggling to put words to their own mental narratives. It further suggests a social prescription to assist reintegration into community. This finely crafted work has many layers — emotional, physical, behavioral, ethical, political, spiritual, the importance of family, and the bonds with fellow soldiers — all woven artfully into the tapestry of the author’s life story.

Conveyed in a raw, straightforward presentation without being crass or superfluously graphic, its descriptions are vibrant and visual, drawing emotion from the reader. This memoir shines a ray of hope upon both veteran and non-veteran, and anyone seeking redemption and forgiveness.

Virtual Event Virtual Event

May 20 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club – Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey

Announcing a book club for Veterans and members of the military community with local author and Veteran Leland Austin Gagnebin, focused on his book  Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey.

From an idyllic childhood to the brutal realities of war, join Leland as he guides you through the struggles in the jungles of the A Shau Valley and rugged Annamite Mountains during the Vietnam War—and experience how, decades later, he journeyed back to this source of troubling dreams and PTSD in search of peace and closure. And found it.

As Veterans and military community members, we will explore Veteran stories and how these experiences impact the author, ourselves, and our community. Leland and Brushwood Center hope that his story can be a source of healing and story sharing for the military community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm from April 22 – May 27. Books are provided.

Questions? Please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Activity expectation is sitting.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. Virtual Class.

About the Book

Where The Light Enters is a memoir about the impact the Vietnam War had on one soldier’s life. It is a healing story, a spiritual journey, and the path taken in search of redemption, reconciliation, and reconnection. It is not a war story but rather a story of war.

Through a collection of short pieces, the author conveys the transformation from a loss of innocence and purity of heart through the struggles endured as an Infantry Rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the historic Battle for Firebase Ripcord — from the disillusionment, betrayal, and the loss of self to what the author endured after returning home. It is about the path followed in pursuit of as full a measure of peace in life as might be possible and encourages others to pursue theirs.

Moreover, this memoir shines a light on the noble and heroic story of what heart and strength of character it takes for men to struggle through years against themselves and the intense, inner wound of PTSD, and succeed.

This memoir transcends the Vietnam War, giving voice to all those struggling to put words to their own mental narratives. It further suggests a social prescription to assist reintegration into community. This finely crafted work has many layers — emotional, physical, behavioral, ethical, political, spiritual, the importance of family, and the bonds with fellow soldiers — all woven artfully into the tapestry of the author’s life story.

Conveyed in a raw, straightforward presentation without being crass or superfluously graphic, its descriptions are vibrant and visual, drawing emotion from the reader. This memoir shines a ray of hope upon both veteran and non-veteran, and anyone seeking redemption and forgiveness.

Virtual Event Virtual Event

May 6 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club – Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey

Announcing a book club for Veterans and members of the military community with local author and Veteran Leland Austin Gagnebin, focused on his book  Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey.

From an idyllic childhood to the brutal realities of war, join Leland as he guides you through the struggles in the jungles of the A Shau Valley and rugged Annamite Mountains during the Vietnam War—and experience how, decades later, he journeyed back to this source of troubling dreams and PTSD in search of peace and closure. And found it.

As Veterans and military community members, we will explore Veteran stories and how these experiences impact the author, ourselves, and our community. Leland and Brushwood Center hope that his story can be a source of healing and story sharing for the military community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm from April 22 – May 27. Books are provided.

Questions? Please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Activity expectation is sitting.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. Virtual Class.

About the Book

Where The Light Enters is a memoir about the impact the Vietnam War had on one soldier’s life. It is a healing story, a spiritual journey, and the path taken in search of redemption, reconciliation, and reconnection. It is not a war story but rather a story of war.

Through a collection of short pieces, the author conveys the transformation from a loss of innocence and purity of heart through the struggles endured as an Infantry Rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the historic Battle for Firebase Ripcord — from the disillusionment, betrayal, and the loss of self to what the author endured after returning home. It is about the path followed in pursuit of as full a measure of peace in life as might be possible and encourages others to pursue theirs.

Moreover, this memoir shines a light on the noble and heroic story of what heart and strength of character it takes for men to struggle through years against themselves and the intense, inner wound of PTSD, and succeed.

This memoir transcends the Vietnam War, giving voice to all those struggling to put words to their own mental narratives. It further suggests a social prescription to assist reintegration into community. This finely crafted work has many layers — emotional, physical, behavioral, ethical, political, spiritual, the importance of family, and the bonds with fellow soldiers — all woven artfully into the tapestry of the author’s life story.

Conveyed in a raw, straightforward presentation without being crass or superfluously graphic, its descriptions are vibrant and visual, drawing emotion from the reader. This memoir shines a ray of hope upon both veteran and non-veteran, and anyone seeking redemption and forgiveness.

Virtual Event Virtual Event

April 29 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club – Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey

Announcing a book club for Veterans and members of the military community with local author and Veteran Leland Austin Gagnebin, focused on his book  Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey.

From an idyllic childhood to the brutal realities of war, join Leland as he guides you through the struggles in the jungles of the A Shau Valley and rugged Annamite Mountains during the Vietnam War—and experience how, decades later, he journeyed back to this source of troubling dreams and PTSD in search of peace and closure. And found it.

As Veterans and military community members, we will explore Veteran stories and how these experiences impact the author, ourselves, and our community. Leland and Brushwood Center hope that his story can be a source of healing and story sharing for the military community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm from April 22 – May 27. Books are provided.

Questions? Please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Activity expectation is sitting.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. Virtual Class.

About the Book

Where The Light Enters is a memoir about the impact the Vietnam War had on one soldier’s life. It is a healing story, a spiritual journey, and the path taken in search of redemption, reconciliation, and reconnection. It is not a war story but rather a story of war.

Through a collection of short pieces, the author conveys the transformation from a loss of innocence and purity of heart through the struggles endured as an Infantry Rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the historic Battle for Firebase Ripcord — from the disillusionment, betrayal, and the loss of self to what the author endured after returning home. It is about the path followed in pursuit of as full a measure of peace in life as might be possible and encourages others to pursue theirs.

Moreover, this memoir shines a light on the noble and heroic story of what heart and strength of character it takes for men to struggle through years against themselves and the intense, inner wound of PTSD, and succeed.

This memoir transcends the Vietnam War, giving voice to all those struggling to put words to their own mental narratives. It further suggests a social prescription to assist reintegration into community. This finely crafted work has many layers — emotional, physical, behavioral, ethical, political, spiritual, the importance of family, and the bonds with fellow soldiers — all woven artfully into the tapestry of the author’s life story.

Conveyed in a raw, straightforward presentation without being crass or superfluously graphic, its descriptions are vibrant and visual, drawing emotion from the reader. This memoir shines a ray of hope upon both veteran and non-veteran, and anyone seeking redemption and forgiveness.

April 16 @ 5:30 pm 7:30 pm

Initiatives

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

April 11 @ 10:00 am 1:00 pm

Initiatives

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

Virtual Event Virtual Event

April 22 @ 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club – Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey

Announcing a book club for Veterans and members of the military community with local author and Veteran Leland Austin Gagnebin, focused on his book  Where the Light Enters: A Soldier’s Journey.

From an idyllic childhood to the brutal realities of war, join Leland as he guides you through the struggles in the jungles of the A Shau Valley and rugged Annamite Mountains during the Vietnam War—and experience how, decades later, he journeyed back to this source of troubling dreams and PTSD in search of peace and closure. And found it.

As Veterans and military community members, we will explore Veteran stories and how these experiences impact the author, ourselves, and our community. Leland and Brushwood Center hope that his story can be a source of healing and story sharing for the military community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm from April 22 – May 27. Books are provided.

Questions? Please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org.

Activity expectation is sitting.

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. Virtual Class.

About the Book

Where The Light Enters is a memoir about the impact the Vietnam War had on one soldier’s life. It is a healing story, a spiritual journey, and the path taken in search of redemption, reconciliation, and reconnection. It is not a war story but rather a story of war.

Through a collection of short pieces, the author conveys the transformation from a loss of innocence and purity of heart through the struggles endured as an Infantry Rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the historic Battle for Firebase Ripcord — from the disillusionment, betrayal, and the loss of self to what the author endured after returning home. It is about the path followed in pursuit of as full a measure of peace in life as might be possible and encourages others to pursue theirs.

Moreover, this memoir shines a light on the noble and heroic story of what heart and strength of character it takes for men to struggle through years against themselves and the intense, inner wound of PTSD, and succeed.

This memoir transcends the Vietnam War, giving voice to all those struggling to put words to their own mental narratives. It further suggests a social prescription to assist reintegration into community. This finely crafted work has many layers — emotional, physical, behavioral, ethical, political, spiritual, the importance of family, and the bonds with fellow soldiers — all woven artfully into the tapestry of the author’s life story.

Conveyed in a raw, straightforward presentation without being crass or superfluously graphic, its descriptions are vibrant and visual, drawing emotion from the reader. This memoir shines a ray of hope upon both veteran and non-veteran, and anyone seeking redemption and forgiveness.

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