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Art Inspired by Ryerson Woods

Art Classes
Art Exhibits

Kathryn Gilbert

Kathryn Gilbert specializes in oil paintings and resides in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

"Fifteen years ago our family would ride bikes to Ryerson Woods and stop to watch the sheep feed at 4 o’clock."  I took many photos of our children at that time and found myself  taken by the barn and animals almost as much as the children and began photographing Ryerson Woods; the sky, the old barn, the buildings and of course, the sheep. Our children are now grown and we no longer see the sheep feed  but Ryerson continues to be a wonderful topic for me to paint any time of year."

View more art by Kathryn Gilbert

Judith Joseph

http://www.judithjosephstudio.com

Painter, calligrapher and educator Judith Joseph is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"My favorite thing about Ryerson Woods is the old-growth trees, especially the oaks. They are a treasure, and being in their presence makes me truly feel like I've been in a wild place."

View more art by Judith Joseph

William Marvin

http://www.williammarvinfineart.com

William Marvin is privileged to be able to capture the ever-changing moods of nature, out in the open, fresh and unspoiled. These special moments have been saved by a man who has lived his whole life with one eye on the great outdoors.

"Ryerson is unique. I frequently have enjoyed painting there."

View more art by William Marvin

Frances Vail

http://francesvailfineart.com

In her art, Fran captures the landscapes, people and creatures with whom she shares her life.

"It seems drawing and painting have always been a part of my life. Both of my grandmothers were artists, so this passion has been nurtured from the start with classes and workshops. I enjoy capturing the feeling of light particular to an area and a "sense of place" in my landscapes."

Joseph Kayne

www.josephkaynephoto.com

Joseph Kayne photographs the North American natural landscape, Midwest barns and Native American archaeological sites and dwellings with a 4x5 large format camera.

"I have been fortunate to photgraph in the mountains of Colorado, the canyons of Utah, and the forests of New England, however, it is the jewel in my backyard, Ryerson Woods, that is an intimate family member and rewards me with equal, if not more, inspiration and satisfaction."

View more photos by Joseph Kayne

Justin Wambold

www.jw-photography.com

As a photographer, Justin tries to promote and document the conservation of our wild lands, plants and animals.

"Whether I am shooting a spectacular Sandhill crane migration or merely a blooming, spring wildflower, I hope to use my skills as a photographer to portray the beauty and inspiration of the natural world."

Gary Hogrefe

Gary is a long time Buddhist meditator who thinks of Ryerson Woods as a cathedral out of doors.

Smith River Cabin

As I enter the woods
There isn’t the slightest breeze.

The forest is quiet.
The autumn leaves lie sere and brown
On the ground.
Trees and rocks
Stand impassively.
While the white belly of a
Scampering grey squirrel
Flashes before me.

As I walk, my footsteps and heavy breathing
Break the silence
Aided by an annoying airplane engine.

Finally, I reach Smith River Cabin,
And in the quiet of its lap
I sit on a wooden bench to write.

For me silence
Is the most delicious thing
In all the world.

September 2007

Read more poetry by Gary Hogrefe

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