Joliet, IL – Visitors to two Forest Preserve District of Will County nature centers can explore new art exhibits beginning Friday, Aug. 1, with displays highlighting wildlife-inspired paintings and artwork created by Forest Preserve employees.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, two exhibits will open at visitor centers in Bolingbrook and Channahon, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy art while visiting the preserves.
At Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, “Hummingbirds in Motion: Zarinelli Art” features approximately 20 original works by Lombard artist and actor Jeff Zarinelli. The exhibit runs through Friday, Oct. 31.
The collection showcases hummingbirds and other wildlife painted primarily in oil using the classic chiaroscuro technique, which emphasizes dramatic contrasts between light and shadow. One acrylic painting, titled Touring Tuscany, was created in the plein air style. According to Hidden Oaks facility supervisor Angie Opiola, prints on paper and canvas, along with select original works, will be available for purchase.
Meanwhile, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon will host “The Arts of the Preserves: A Showcase of Will County Forest Preserve Employee Artists” through Saturday, Aug. 30.
The exhibit features works created by Forest Preserve employees, including watercolor paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles and poetry. Subjects range from native wildlife, including great egrets and spiders, to feathers, bones and handcrafted blankets.
According to Four Rivers facility supervisor Jerome Gabriel, the exhibit was designed to showcase the artistic talents of employees whose work typically focuses on conservation, education and stewardship of the District’s more than 24,000 acres of protected land.
Both exhibits are open during regular visitor center hours and are included with admission, providing residents and visitors another way to experience the Forest Preserve District’s educational and cultural offerings this summer.
