New Art Exhibit Opens At Hidden Oaks Nature Center

BOLINGBROOK, IL — "The Natural World Art Exhibit" is set to open on Dec. 1 at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, according to a release from the forest preserve.

The free, all-ages exhibit will be on display from Dec. 1 through Jan. 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

An opening night reception is set for 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 1.

The exhibit is being presented in collaboration with the Bolingbrook Arts Council, the preserve said. Local artists will be displaying artwork that depicts or is inspired by nature. The exhibit will include oil, acrylic and water color pieces and also mixed media.

“We have always been interested in working within our community here in Bolingbrook to foster collaborations that promote the great things going on right in our own backyard,” Angie Trobaugh, facility supervisor at Hidden Oaks, said in a release.

Suzy Lyttle, a program coordinator at Hidden Oaks, said it’s always exciting to bring more artistic views and perspectives to the Forest Preserve District.

“The Bolingbrook Arts Council has been a joy to work with and we have so many more ideas for the future,” Lyttle said. “We hope this exhibit inspires visitors to get out of the house during the winter to view these beautiful artistic creations. The nature scenes are sure to warm your bones and spirit!”

Lyttle encouraged people to attend the opening night reception because it will blend art with the outdoors.

“Take a lantern-lit hike outside and then head indoors to get cozy around the fire and be inspired by the art,” she said in a release. "We are hoping to make this exhibit more interactive with a scavenger hunt activity and holiday nature crafts for visitors to get a little more immersed in the details!"

Exhibit visitors are also encouraged to vote for their favorite art pieces for the People’s Choice and the Kids’ Choice awards. An I Spy Art Scavenger Hunt will be held to see who can find intricate details in the artwork that may have been missed at first glance.