Art in Nature

 Contact: Crabtree Nature Center                                                                                                                     847-381-6592                                                                                 BARRINGTON HILLS -- Fifty artists will display their painting skills at the 5th annual “Art in Nature” celebration on September 21, at Crabtree Nature Center, Forest Preserve District of Cook County. They will create artworks of the forests, wetlands and prairies that comprise the 1,000 acre forest preserve during their 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. stint. More than 3,000 spectators attended last year’s exhibition. After watching the artists at work, visitors were encouraged to vote for the best paintings. There will be ribbons and monetary awards for the best artworks again this year, some decided by visitors and others selected by fellow artists. Most of the artists reside in Illinois and Wisconsin and are members of plein air and other art organizations. Many are full-time professionals and perennial art show award winners.   Visitors can also visit a large display of the artists’ past work depicting local nature for sale throughout the event.  Several of the paintings produced on site will later be offered for sale during the award ceremony. The Sunday exposition will be embellished by music, craft and painting activities.  Art in Nature provides free art classes and other activities throughout the year.  Visit our exhibit building to see framed local nature artwork on display and for sale all year long.