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Tag: Veterans

At Ease in Nature
Image: Stones with Feather, by Margarete de Soleil

November 9, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – November 30, 2025 @ 3:00 pm

Initiatives

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

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

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

At Ease in Nature

Join us to celebrate the healing power of nature and the arts. At Ease in Nature 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 highlights the diversity that can be found in nature and in the armed forces, making each stronger than they would be without it.

Started in 2015, Brushwood’s At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans initiative offers programs for Veterans, Service Members, and their families designed to empower wellbeing through nature-based art, music, and photography workshops. At Ease helps build skills in creative expression and provides Veterans with access to mental health support.

This exhibition will open with a reception and panel discussion on November 9, at 1 pm. 

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At Ease in Nature
Image: Stones with Feather, by Margarete de Soleil

November 9, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

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

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

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

At Ease in Nature Opening Reception

Join us to celebrate the healing power of nature and the arts. At Ease in Nature 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.

Started in 2015, Brushwood’s At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans initiative offers programs for Veterans, Service Members, and their families designed to empower wellbeing through nature-based art, music, and photography workshops. At Ease helps build skills in creative expression and provides Veterans with access to mental health support.

This exhibition will open with a reception and panel discussion on November 9, at 1 pm. 

REGISTER

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October 16, 2025 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

Veteran Art Tribe

View Organizer Website

American Legion Cicero Post 96

5820 W 35th St
Cicero, Illinois 60804 + Google Map

Digital Art for Veterans and Families

Enjoy learning about digital art with your fellow veterans and families members. Please download the proper software to your phone.

A smartphone is required for this class.

Prior to class Download ArtRage (free for Android, $2.99 for iPhone). Make sure to also open the app prior to class. This will ensure we can start right away if there are updates or login needed for the app.

Activity Expectation: Indoors and seated; a smartphone is required for this class.

Sensory Expectations: Indoors

Available Accommodations: No language interpretation available. 

Snacks will be served; please let us know if you have any food allergies. ​Registration required.

For questions, accessibility or mobility concerns, please contact Veterans Program Specialist, Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org

REGISTER

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An abundance of colorful painted skulls.

October 16, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans

Chicago Vet Center

View Organizer Website

Day of the Dead Art Workshop for Veterans

Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, lasts from October 31st until Nov 2nd. It is celebrated in Mexico and several other Latin American countries. This celebration is filled with rich symbolism and colorful traditions, offering families and communities an opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away.

Sugar Skulls are iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos which represent the cyclical nature of life and death, reminding us to celebrate the lives of our deceased loved ones. Please join other Veterans and family members at the Chicago Vet Center to create these beautiful cultural symbols at an art workshop.

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Please note, that this event is for Veterans, current service members, and their families only.

Contact Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org if you have questions or concerns.

Register Here

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November 16, 2025 @ 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

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

Nature, Art and Wellness Day for Women Veterans and Family Members

Join us at Brushwood Center for a day of recharging and relaxing in community with fellow women Veterans and family members in the peace and tranquility of Ryerson Woods. Enjoy wellness activities in connection with nature!

Activities for the day include: yoga, forest bathing, and a reflective art activity.

Breakfast & Lunch will be provided.

Please wear comfortable clothes and dress for the weather.

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Please note, that this event is for Veterans, current service members, and their families only.

Contact Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org if you have questions or concerns.

For questions and/or accessibility information, contact Veteran Programs Specialist Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org

REGISTER

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September 27, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

Veteran Art Tribe

View Organizer Website

Chicago Lighthouse

View Organizer Website

Jackson Park, Chicago

Stairs Overlooking the Columbia Basin – Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, 60637 + Google Map

Photography at Jackson Park for Veterans & Families

Come learn and enjoy photography at the historical and beautiful Jackson Park with your fellow veterans and family members. Enjoy the comradery, scenery, and history in one of Chicago’s finest parks. Brushwood Center will be able to loan cameras as needed. All skill levels welcomed.

Brought to you by Brushwood Center’s At Ease Program, Veteran Art Tribe, and Chicago Lighthouse!

​Registration is required.
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Please note, that this event is for Veterans, current service members, and their families only.

Contact Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org if you have questions or concerns.

Register Here

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September 23, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club: The Serviceberry, by Robin Wall Kimmerer

As Indigenous scientist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most? As Veterans and military community members, we will explore how these questions and ideas impact the author, ourselves, and our community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm on September 16th and 23rd. Books are provided. Please provide your phone number and address so the book may be shipped to you.

Brushwood Center will also have an in-person Nature Book Club meeting open to all on September 26th for The Serviceberry as well.

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

Register here

Related Events

September 16, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

At Ease Book Club: The Serviceberry, by Robin Wall Kimmerer

As Indigenous scientist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most? As Veterans and military community members, we will explore how these questions and ideas impact the author, ourselves, and our community.

This virtual book club will meet weekly on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm on September 16th and 23rd. Books are provided. Please provide your phone number and address so the book may be shipped to you.

Brushwood Center will also have an in-person Nature Book Club meeting open to all on September 26th for The Serviceberry as well.

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

Register here

Related Events

August 28, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

Veteran Art Tribe

View Organizer Website

Chicago Vet Center

8658 S. Sacramento Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60652 United States + Google Map

Veteran Paint and Plant

Nurture your creativity and your spirit. In this class, you’ll paint a pot with meaningful designs and re-pot a plant to take home—a living reminder of growth and resilience. This grounding experience blends artistic expression with the calming rhythm of nature and the therapeutic act of planting.

Register by calling the Chicago Vet Center at: 773-962-3740.

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December 10, 2025 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Initiatives

At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
Free

American Legion Cicero Post 96

American Legion Cicero Post 96

5820 W 35th St
Cicero, Illinois 60804 + Google Map

Veterans Acrylic Paint & Sip Nights


Join us for a fun and relaxing acrylic paint event led by Veteran artists. ​This event promises to be both educational and therapeutic. Take home your own hand-painted masterpiece!

All skill levels welcomed.

Non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase with the American Legion Cicero Post 96.​ Small snack items will be available for free.

Brought to you by Brushwood Center’s At Ease Program, Veteran Art Tribe, and the American Legion Cicero Post #96!

​Registration is required.

REGISTER

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