Rooted in the Shadow of Coal - Botanical Treasures of the Waukegan Dunes
Located in the northeastern corner of Illinois, the Waukegan Dunes is an area of great environmental and historical significance that is home to hundreds of species of native plants worth celebrating. The fact that this scrap of nature has survived and thrived thanks to community engagement is significant not just for its biodiversity, but also because of its location next to a recently closed coal plant, where remaining coal ash ponds continue to leach toxic pollutants. What has proximity to pollution done to the site? What are the plants that survive, and why are they important? In this exhibition, Brushwood Center will celebrate the plants of the dunes that remain, and also address the Dune's environmental importance and the dangers that it and the community that live around it face.
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is proud to partner with the Driehaus Museum in support of their upcoming exhibition Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature which will be on view in Chicago May 16th through August 17th. This exhibition will feature 85 watercolors on both vellum and paper and will be the first exhibition of this artists work in the Midwest. This is an exceptional opportunity for gardeners, flora-and-plant lovers, and watercolor enthusiasts to experience the Driehaus Museum as well as groups to tour this exhibition. More information can be found at https://driehausmuseum.org/exhibitions.
Rooted in the Shadow of Coal - Botanical Treasures of the Waukegan Dunes is part of Brushwood Center’s 2025 Smith Nature Symposium programming.
Submission Guidelines:
The subject of submitted artwork must include at least one species of native plant that can be found in the Waukegan Dunes. Traditional Botanical Art is welcome, but so are other styles and interpretations. All mediums are welcome, including but not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media, digital art, video, and poetry. Performing arts may also be considered for inclusion during special events like the opening reception. Each artist may submit a maximum of three works. There is no fee to submit. Artwork can be for sale (with a 15% commission to Brushwood Center in the event of a sale) or not, at the discretion of the artist. Eligible artists must be over the age of 18.
Exhibition Details & Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: June 8, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: June 16, 2025
Delivery of Artworks: June 28 - July 6, 2025
Exhibition Dates: July 13 – August 31, 2025
Opening Reception: Sunday, July 13, 2025, 1-3pm
