Exhibition Application Form
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 take place at Waukegan’s Carnegie Library.
Nature Holds Our Stories invites veterans and their families to experience how nature can witness, reflect, and support the healing journey. Through narratives, artwork, photography, and reflection,
this exhibition honors the connection between service, storytelling, and the restorative power of the land.
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: Sunday, August 23
Notification of Acceptance: Tuesday, August 25
Deadline for Delivery of Artworks: Friday, October 2
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday, October 7 through Saturday, October 24
Artist Reception: Saturday, October 24, 1-3pm
Location: Carnegie Library, 1 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan, IL
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 the theme (Nature Holds our Stories) 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.