Did You Know About All the Art & Photography Classes at Morton Arboretum? Check out these summer choices...
- Lynne Kornecki
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
PHOTO CREDIT: Morton Arboretum website
Thursday, Aug. 14 | 6 to 8:00 p.m.
$10
Join fellow fiber arts enthusiasts for a Bring Your Own Project (BYOP) session at The Morton Arboretum. Knit, crochet or weave in a supportive setting with guidance from skilled instructors. Open to all skill levels, this relaxed gathering is perfect for beginners with some basic knowledge as well as experienced crafters looking to connect and create. Learn more and register at mortonarb.org.
Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and Aug. 6 | 9 a.m. to noon
$230
In a multi-week painting course that takes place outdoors, intermediate and experienced artists will create artworks inspired by The Morton Arboretum’s prairie, forest and watershed landscapes. Participants will focus on composition, technique and observational skills. Learn more and register at mortonarb.org.
Wednesdays, July 16, 23, and 30 | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, July 19 and 26 | 8 to 11 a.m.
$210
In this five-session workshop at The Morton Arboretum, participants will learn techniques for capturing clouds and reflections using DSLR or smartphone cameras. Instruction will focus on composition, exposure, and post-processing; this course is recommended for participants with some photography experience. Learn more and register at mortonarb.org.
Saturday, July 26 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$39
In an outdoor workshop at The Morton Arboretum, participants will create woven pine needle baskets using modern techniques while exploring the cultural traditions and plant materials behind basketmaking. Learn more and register at mortonarb.org.
Painting Pollinators in Watercolor
Saturdays,
Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 23 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$160
Paint bees, butterflies and birds in this four-session watercolor workshop at The Morton Arboretum. The class will observe and sketch pollinators in the Arboretum's Fragrance Garden and then return to the classroom to create watercolor paintings. Participants will focus on essential watercolor techniques, such as mixing and blending, wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry color wash techniques, brushwork and composition. Learn more and register at mortonarb.org.
Native Wildflower Photography Workshop
Saturday,
Aug. 9 | 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
$80
This single-session workshop at The Morton Arboretum will cover techniques and camera settings for close-up photography, composing photos to draw focus to a subject, using light effectively and identifying summer wildflowers. The course is appropriate for all photographers looking to explore manual camera settings. Register at mortonarb.org.
Thursdays,
Aug. 14, 21, and 28 | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 4 | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m
$180
Participants in this workshop at The Morton Arboretum will study the work of Scottish botanical artist Rory McEwen and other artists to learn the technique of dry brush painting and then complete two paintings. The class is a partner program for the Driehaus Museum’s presentation of Rory McEwen: A New
Sumi-E Brush Painting Workshop
Saturday,
Aug. 16 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
$80
n a full-day workshop at The Morton Arboretum, participants will view examples of Sumi-e black ink painting and then create a painting based on photographs of flowers and plants. Sumi-e is a style of art in which emphasis is placed on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush. Learn more and register at mortonarb.org.
Saturday, Aug. 23 | 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$80
Photography beginners will learn to take beautiful nature photos in this day-long workshop at The Morton Arboretum. Students will build competency in foundational photography skills, from choosing the right camera settings to creating compelling compositions. This workshop is suitable for DSLR, point-and-shoot or smartphone cameras. Learn more and register at mortonarb.org.
