From Oak Park Public Library:

Join us for a summer morning of sketching and appreciating nature led by the library's own graphic designer Gabriela Denton. The first hour will include a demonstration by Gabriela and an exercise to practice observational life drawing of plants. For the second hour we will head outside (weather permitting) to practice more drawing. All levels welcome. Beginners encouraged. Registration required here.

From Oak Park Public Library:

Join us as Cody Norman, a local artist and designer who uses an industrial robot and custom tools to turn recycled plastic into functional art pieces inspired by nature (and whose sculpture pictured you have probably walked by right in downtown Oak Park!), dives into his creative process and discusses how he promotes environmental awareness through a unique approach to art. Q&A will follow the presentation. Once registered, you will receive an email of optional recyclable items to bring along for Cody to turn into future art.

About the artist
Cody Norman is a Chicago-based artist, designer, and educator. He currently serves as part-time faculty in the Sculpture and Designed Objects departments at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He graduated with a BFA from SAIC in 2016 and earned an MFA in 3D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2020. Through a local network of households and small businesses, he collects post-consumer plastic to create work inspired by nature and sustainability. Norman’s process physically blurs the line between digital and hand craft creating works that resemble nature but have a chaotic and unpredictable materiality, challenging viewers to consider how the work is made. 

Register here.

From Oak Park Public Library:

Join us for an artist talk and panel discussion to learn more about  The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) and Lindsay's Olson's work as their first-ever artist in residence! Presentation to be followed by a Q&A session and closing reception in the Main Library Gallery.

See the exhibit October 10-November 11 
All around the world, wetlands support a tremendous diversity of plants and wildlife. These ecosystems also improve water quality, reduce erosion and flood damage, and even sequester carbon dioxide. But they continue to be degraded and drained at an alarming rate. Restoring these valuable, often-overlooked ecosystems is the work of The Wetlands Initiative (TWI). As their first artist in residence, artist Lindsay Olson draws inspiration from the funeral regalia of ancient Egypt, specifically, the fresh floral collars buried in the tomb of King Tutankhamun that have survived for thousands of years. These funeral collars were symbols of life death and rebirth. The metaphor of a collar also can be seen as a broken circle. Humans have forever interrupted the natural processes of wetlands. Wetland restoration is a way to reverse some of the damage caused and return these parcels of land into beautiful, functional wetlands again. Using various textile processes, Olson has created art that helps explain to the public the science, process, benefits, and joys of restored wetlands. 

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/artist-talk-and-panel-discussion-our-once-and-future-wetlands-art-ecology-and-engineering

From Mi Casa Holiday, BUILD Chicago and YourPassion1st:

Youth ages 15 to 24 are invited to attend a Pitch Competition to win $700 to $1,500 as well as workshops by industry leaders in art, music, entertainment, sports/wellness, or culinary/nutrition. The entire event will be streamed via MeetApp Go.

Registration deadline for the Pitch Competition is November 6. Apply here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4ab2aa4fec43-pitch

To lead a workshop that offers training, mentorship, internships, or jobs in art, music, entertainment, sports/wellness, or culinary/nutition, apply here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4ab2aa4fec43-virtual

Register for Virtual Workforce Readiness Festival here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-workforce-readiness-festival-tickets-123158499387

From Mi Casa Holiday, BUILD Chicago and YourPassion1st:

Youth ages 15 to 24 are invited to attend a Pitch Competition to win $700 to $1,500 as well as workshops by industry leaders in art, music, entertainment, sports/wellness, or culinary/nutrition. The entire event will be streamed via MeetApp Go.

Registration deadline for the Pitch Competition is November 6. Apply here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4ab2aa4fec43-pitch

To lead a workshop that offers training, mentorship, internships, or jobs in art, music, entertainment, sports/wellness, or culinary/nutition, apply here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4ab2aa4fec43-virtual

Register for Virtual Workforce Readiness Festival here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-workforce-readiness-festival-tickets-123158499387

Enjoy the wildlife photos of featured artist, Wyndie Giles, on display June through August. Meet her at a reception. Sponsored by Forest Preserves of Cook County.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County provides live animal models and scenic views – and artists to advise you on how to best capture their beauty. You bring the medium of your choice. Call 708-366-6530 for questions.