Forest Preserve Hosts 'Arts & Nature on the River' in Channahon

Find your muse and get your creative juices flowing during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s third annual “Arts & Nature on the River” event set for Saturday, June 16.

This unique artistic celebration will take place from noon-4 p.m. at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, 25055 W. Walnut Lane, McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove. Informal venues and galleries will be sprinkled throughout the setting for visitors to view, absorb and interact with as they stroll at their own pace on the 0.66-mile paved trail loop.

“This year’s theme, Sharing Landscapes, invites artists and guests to explore the way in which we share landscapes both physically and artistically,” said Tina Riley, facility supervisor at Four Rivers. “The multidisciplinary experience will allow visitors to watch, listen or participate in a wide variety of musical, visual and performing arts in a fresh way.”

Artistic displays will include: folksinger Anna Stange, storyteller Oba William King, poetry collective Atrocious Poets, and rock balancing artist Matt Denault, as well as painters, photographers, a bonsai sculptor and a silverpoint artist. Exhibits and activities will be ongoing. Demonstrations and many performances will take place multiple times throughout the afternoon.

The rock cover band Portrait of Sound will entertain at the Four Rivers Shelter from noon-1:30 p.m. The ChickenFat Klezmer Orchestra will fill the air with lively klezmer music from 2-3:30 p.m. Also, Ephraim’s House Adaptive Art Center will offer hands-on, process-based art sessions that are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

A special feature this year will be a sneak preview of the Four Rivers portion of the “Inspired by the National Parks” quilt exhibit, scheduled to officially open simultaneously at four Forest Preserve District visitor centers on June 17. The exhibit was created in celebration of the National Park Service’s centennial anniversary.

“Arts & Nature” is free and registration is not required. The event is an environmentally sensitive “unplugged” affair. Visitors can bike or hike in via the I&M Canal State Trail. Bicycle parking will be available. Bring a refillable water bottle you can replenish at on-site water stations. Also, carpooling is encouraged.

Please leave pets at home. The trail loop will be limited to foot traffic. Strollers and accessibility aids will be allowed. The event will take place rain or shine. For information on additional Forest Preserve District programs and events, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.