"Unplug for the afternoon and come to the river! Experience art, music and nature while strolling paved trails at this unique, all ages event. Watch, listen or participate in a sampling of creative arts inspired by the natural world. Explore on-going performances and exhibits throughout the preserve at your own pace. Discover something new at every bend in the trail!"

Proposals for participation are being accepted for the inaugural Arts & Nature ~ On the River, a free, all ages, public event to be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016, from 1:00-5:00 PM. The event will take place at several informal venues along paved trails surrounding Four Rivers Environmental Education Center at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s McKinley Woods-Kerry Sheridan Grove preserve in Channahon, Illinois. Four Rivers is nestled among oak trees and restored prairies and positioned where the Des Plaines, DuPage and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River. Artists may use the natural setting of Four Rivers, or any element of nature, as a cue for linking their art form to this year’s theme of “Discovering Connections.”

Four Rivers is seeking 10-20 individuals, or small groups, from a variety of disciplines who can help reach the goal of connecting people with nature and the art it inspires. This includes four categories: exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and participatory or hands-on activities. Exhibits and activities will be on-going. Demos and performances should be no more than 15 minutes and will be scheduled multiple times during the event. Artists will be required to be present for the duration of the event and interact with the public, while representing their art form to new audiences.

Artist proposals will be reviewed and selected by staff to represent as many art forms as possible within the space available and in keeping with the format for the event. Selected artists will receive a small stipend. No sales or vending will be allowed at the event. However, artists will be able to promote their own work to visitors through approved means. Please note that this is an “unplugged” event. No power or amplification will be provided or allowed. Most of the event area is outdoors with very limited indoor space available. The event will take place rain or shine.

Please forward a brief artist bio, description of your work and a representative photo, video, or audio file along with your take on this year’s theme of “Discovering Connections” to FourRivers@fpdwc.org. Additional questions or inquiries can be sent to the same address. Deadline for proposals is March 15 with artist notification by April 1.