The response to the DuPage Monarch Project and Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s call for art for The Art of Pollinators, opening on May 2nd at Mayslake Peabody Estate was enthusiastic with nearly a 100 submissions. For many people, a likely response to spotting a bug is to swat, squash or spray it but when artists spot an insect, the encounter may be transformed into art. The exhibit offers the public an opportunity to view the community of pollinators through the eyes of an artist.
Great Migrator Rest Stop – Benjamin Calvert III wood relief block print
The exhibit showcases photographs, watercolors, acrylics, an altered book, block prints, and paper cuttings. “The work really is eclectic,” said Kendra Strubhart, Heritage Interpreter – Mayslake Peabody Estate. “Each artist has interpreted the theme with their own unique perspective.”
Bees and butterflies are popular subjects but moths, wasps and hummingbirds are also represented.
Milkweed – Ann Grill – watercolor
“As many artists, I’m drawn to butterflies, bees, birds and industrious winged creatures of all sorts…” writes Cherylyn Gnadt of her submission, Telling the Bees: Delicate Deconstruction. “How will I tell my daughter and my daughter’s daughter that we knew years ago of the plight of the honeybee and it’s dwindling numbers…How can we help resolve the dwindling dilemma with newfound solutions? I don’t have the answers, only questions. How will we tell the bees?”
.There will be a host of pollinators at the exhibit shown in fascinating detail and ways you haven’t yet imagined. It’s an opportunity to be inspired and learn more about the critical role pollinators play and the challenges they’re facing.
Some exhibit pieces are available for purchase with prices ranging from $25 – $2,000.
The Art of Pollinators
May 2nd – June 1st.
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mayslake Peabody Estate
1717 W 31st Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523
A free reception will be held Monday, May 7 at 6 p.m.
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dupage monarch project: communities protecting pollinators 