Festival Blends Nature And Creativity At Plum Creek

Celebrate the many ways nature inspires creativity during the Festival of Arts Through Nature on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township.

The free event is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and it will offer many hands-on opportunities for all ages to engage in art, music, movement and food.

“So much art is inspired by the nature all around us,” said Heather Van Zyl, facility supervisor at Plum Creek Nature Center. “And so many things that would be considered artistic qualities occur naturally if we just take a closer look or listen.”

From the intricate patterns on butterfly wings to the rhythms in birdsong, the event aims to highlight the beauty and creativity of the natural world. Participants can explore the arts through a wide range of guided and self-guided activities, including:

Audio experiences:

• Try a variety of musical instruments with Plum Grove Strings’ “musical petting zoo.”
• Join interactive music sessions that explore sound and mimic nature.
• Create your own DIY wind chime to take home.

Visual arts:

• Contribute to four different community art projects using natural materials.
• Capture the late-summer prairie in bloom with “en plein air” art, using supplies provided by Crete Creative Gallery and School.
• Stop in the nature center to view the “Prairie Reverie” exhibit by artist Carrie Carlson.

Movement and mindfulness:

• Take part in outdoor yoga sessions in the hummingbird garden. Classes are open to all ages and experience levels and combine gentle stretches, calming poses and breathwork. Participants should bring a mat or blanket; chairs will be provided for those who need them. No registration is required, and sessions are first-come, first-served.

Culinary arts:

• Learn about foraging and watch cooking demonstrations by Odd Produce Inc.
• Food vendors will include the Crete Cadets, Tacos Maui and The Bean Wagon Coffee Co., offering a variety of fresh and flavorful options.

Artists row and vendors:

• Shop from vendors offering handcrafted, nature-inspired items such as jewelry, woodwork, birdhouses, felted animals, art prints, culinary treats and more.
• Featured vendors include Wild Birds Unlimited, PK’s Wood Things, Judi B. Designs, Re-Crafted Crochet, Crystal Winds, Sleepy Ginger Designs and the Forest Preserve's own Outsider Threads.
• The nature center gift shop also will be open with Prairie Reverie-themed items, honey and more.

“This will be a fun day out for the whole family with activities for all ages,” Van Zyl said. “I hope visitors find their nature’s muse in the details in the world around them and new ways to spark creativity.