Tap into your creative side with an introductory nature art workshop at The Morton Arboretum. No experience is necessary! Offered in tandem with the Nature Artists’ Guild Spring Art Exhibit, these popular, beginner-friendly workshops are for anyone looking to explore a new passion or medium. No previous art experience is required and all supplies are included. Participants may sign up for one or both of the courses listed below.
Wildflowers in Watercolor
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Art educator Jill Adzia will demonstrate how to mix and blend colors to create a watercolor painting of a delicate spring flower in bloom. Participants will learn basic watercolor techniques under the encouraging guidance of a professional artist. Following the workshop, the class is invited to explore the Nature Artists’ Guild Spring Art Exhibit for more artistic inspiration.
Fruits and Vegetables in Colored Pencil
Saturday, April 12, 2025, noon to 3:00 p.m.
In this workshop, artist Kimberly Mullarkey will demonstrate how to work with colored pencils to create a still life drawing of fruits and vegetables. In a fun and supportive atmosphere, participants will learn basic colored pencil techniques. Come eager to learn and leave inspired to draw!
These programs meet in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Jill Adzia, artist and educator; Kimberly Mullarkey, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A046
Instructors
Jill Adzia, artist and educator
Jill Adzia has been teaching classes in a variety of artistic media since 2007 and received a certification from The Morton Arboretum in botanical art and illustration in 2001. She began blending art and nature study at a young age, taught by her artist mother, Ruth. She is the past president (2010–2012) and an active member of the Nature Artists’ Guild. She continues to exhibit and demonstrate techniques at shows and events and is represented in private collections throughout the United States and in Normandy, France.
Kimberly Mullarkey, artist
Kimberly Mullarkey has a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a master of fine arts degree from Northern Illinois University. She lived in France for six months, where she studied early Northern Renaissance painting. She teaches botanical art at The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. She also teaches drawing and design at the College of DuPage. Her work is included in the Best of Colored Pencil series. She has spoken at many local art leagues about creativity, botanical art, and her own work. To fulfill her wanderlust, she leads trips.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
This program is intended for beginners.
All supplies are provided.
Program Schedule
This program meets during these times; choose your sessions. Pricing is per session.
Wildflowers in Watercolor
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
Fruits and Vegetables in Colored Pencil
Saturday, April 12, 2025, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
