Crete Township, IL – The Forest Preserve District of Will County is inviting the public to experience the intersection of nature and creativity during its annual Festival of Arts Through Nature, taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Plum Creek Nature Center. Admission is free, and activities are open to all ages.
According to event organizers, the festival will feature a wide range of art, music, movement and culinary experiences inspired by the outdoors. Visitors can explore a “musical petting zoo,” join interactive jam sessions, and craft wind chimes from natural materials. Additional highlights include outdoor yoga in the hummingbird garden, community art projects, and “en plein air” painting sessions with supplies provided.
The festival will also showcase the “Prairie Reverie” art exhibit by Carrie Carlson, as well as live cooking demonstrations by Odd Produce Inc., focusing on foraging and seasonal ingredients. Food vendors such as Crete Cadets, Tacos Maui and The Bean Wagon Coffee Co. will offer a variety of refreshments.
Shoppers can browse handcrafted, nature-themed goods from local artisans, including jewelry, woodwork, art prints and birdhouses. Featured vendors will include Wild Birds Unlimited, PK’s Wood Things, and Judi B. Designs. The Plum Creek Nature Center gift shop will also be open, offering themed merchandise and local honey.
“This will be a fun day out for the whole family,” said Heather Van Zyl, facility supervisor at Plum Creek Nature Center. “I hope visitors find their nature’s muse in the details in the world around them and new ways to spark creativity.”
Plum Creek Nature Center is located at 27064 S. Dutton Road, north of Goodenow Road, in Crete Township near Beecher. Additional details are available at ReconnectWithNature.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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