Nature Fiber Art Exhibit Opens April 1 At Hidden Oaks Nature Center

BOLINGBROOK, IL — A "Nature Fiber Art Exhibit" that celebrates the spirit of Earth Month will open at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook on April 1.

The exhibit will be available for viewing through May 7, according to a news release from the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Thirty-two pieces of art created by members of the Professional Art Quilt Alliance will be on display in the second-floor library during the free exhibit, the preserve said. A variety of techniques will be featured including quilting, embroidery, felting and more.

Artists will be on site performing demonstrations during the Earth Day Festival set for noon to 4 p.m. on April 22, at Hidden Oaks.

“The artwork is a perfect addition to celebrate Earth Month,” said Suzy Lyttle, a program coordinator at Hidden Oaks. “They show how beautiful and creative nature can be!”

The artwork is dynamic and it highlights the many colors, patterns and techniques that can be used in fiber art, including sewing, quilting, needlepoint, macramé, weaving, felting and more, Lyttle said in a release.

The pieces will spark curiosity in the natural scenes that are depicted and the techniques used, and the exhibit connects really well with Earth Month and Hidden Oaks, she added.

“This art exhibit is a great way to experience nature through an artistic lens,” Lyttle said in a release. “You can explore forests, flowers and even wetlands all in one room.”

The pieces portray trees, leaves and critters including beetles, bees, Northern cardinals, mallards and red-winged blackbirds.

“The Hidden Oaks team is so thrilled to host this exhibit for many reasons,” Lyttle said. “We love supporting local and regional artists. And this gives us a chance to show community members how talented their peers are.”

“We encourage the public to reach out to the artists to purchase their artwork after the show ends on May 7,” Lyttle said in a news release.

Each piece of art will feature a placard with the title, artist, the medium and the cost of the piece if the artwork is for sale.