'Arts and Nature on the River' Rolls into Channahon June 18

Submitted by the Forest Preserve District of Will County

Photo: Artist Ryan “ARCY” Christenson, shown working on one of his outdoor murals, will be part of the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s new “Arts & Nature on the River” event on June 18 in Channahon.

Walk along wooded paths while absorbing the beauty of nature-based creative arts during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s new “Arts & Nature on the River” event in Channahon.

“Arts & Nature” will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, at the Forest Preserve District’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, in McKinley Woods. Visitors will get to explore and enjoy art venues and galleries, live music, intriguing performances, creative demonstrations and hands-on activities. Exhibits and activities will be ongoing. Demonstrations and performances will be scheduled multiple times throughout the afternoon.

Connecticut-based graffiti/mural artist Ryan “ARCY” Christenson will create a colorful 8-by-12-foot photo-realistic mural while visitors watch. Learn more about Christenson and his art at arcyofficial.com. Other artists will present painting and photography exhibits and demonstrations. Music-based entertainment will feature violin, French horn and flute and will include folk and bluegrass genres as well as dance performances.

“Arts & Nature” is an “unplugged” affair with an environmentally sensitive approach. Visitors can bike or hike in via the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail. Bicycle parking will be available. Registration is not required for this event. Please leave pets at home. Wear comfortable walking shoes and explore at your own pace. Bring a refillable water bottle you can replenish at on-site water stations.

The free event route is a 0.66-mile accessible trail loop that will be limited to foot traffic. Strollers and accessibility aids will be allowed.

For more information on the event, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.