At Ease in Nature: Nature Inspired art by Artists with a Military Background
CALL FOR ART
At Ease In Nature
Brushwood Center invites artists in all media and of all levels with a US Military background (current service member, veteran, or their immediate family members or caregivers) to submit their work for consideration in our upcoming exhibition, "At Ease In Nature." This year’s exhibition will highlight the diversity that can be found in nature, but also exists in the armed forces, making each stronger than they would be without it. In keeping with this theme, we welcome any media of art, any style, and any level of artistic expression that uses nature somewhere in its inspiration or creation.
In 2015, Brushwood Center began its At Ease initiative, offering programs for Veterans, Service Members and their families designed to empower their wellbeing through nature-based art, music, and photography workshops. The only program in the region offering a nature-based approach, At Ease helps build skills in creative expression and provides Veterans with access to mental health support. Through this exhibition, we will feature work created during our At Ease programs, as well as work inspired by experiences in nature from other members of this community.
Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: September 14, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: September 19, 2025
Deadline for Delivery of Artworks: October 19, 2025
Exhibition Dates: November 2 – November 30, 2025
Artist Reception: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 1-3pm
Location: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL 60015.
Submission Guidelines:
1. Eligibility: This exhibition is exclusively open to artists with a US Military background (including active duty, veteran, or their immediate family members or caregivers).
2. Artwork: Submissions can be in any visual medium, but should be suitable for display in a gallery setting. Each artist may submit up to 3 pieces. No AI generated or altered art please.
3. Artwork Details: Please include a brief description for each artwork, explaining how it relates to the theme, or describing what experiences in nature have meant to you. We welcome a wide range of artwork, including but not limited to paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, mixed media, and digital art. Submitted artwork MUST IN SOME WAY BE RELATED TO NATURE. Pieces that in some way highlight or reference diversity (in nature or in people) are especially welcome.
4. Submission Fee: There is no submission fee for this exhibition.
5. Sales: Artists may decide whether or not to offer their artwork for sale, and what price to set. If a piece of artwork does sell, the artist will retain 85% of the sale price.
For inquiries and questions, please contact Julia Kemerer, jkemerer@brushwoodcenter.org.
