12 PM to 4 PM
Join us for our 2nd Arts & Nature on the River! This event combines the beauty of nature with a sampling of the creative arts it inspires. Stroll the paved trails around Four Rivers Environmental Education Center while exploring several informal venues and galleries located throughout the preserve. Visitors will discover numerous art exhibits, live music, intriguing performances, creative demonstrations and hands-on activities. Exhibits and activities will be on-going. Demonstrations and performances will be scheduled multiple times throughout the afternoon. Arts & Nature is an “unplugged” affair with an environmentally sensitive approach. Bring a refillable water bottle and replenish at several stations throughout the site. Visitors can bike or hike in via the I & M Canal Trail. Bicycle parking will be available. The event route is a 2/3 mile long accessible trail loop and will be limited to foot traffic for the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Wear comfortable walking shoes and come explore at your own pace. Take in the sights and sounds and discover something new at every bend in the trail!
All (no electricity)
None
Proposals for participation are being accepted for the second annual Arts & Nature on the River, a free, all ages, public event to be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017, from Noon-4:00 p.m. 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 “Finding Flow”.
Four Rivers is seeking 12-20 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 “Finding Flow” to FourRivers@fpdwc.org. Additional questions or inquiries can be sent to the same address. Deadline for proposals is April 1.
