Ecology and Art: A Photographic Journey Through Nature

Ecology and Art: A Photographic Journey Through Nature

Join us for a unique fusion of nature and art as we explore the beauty of native plants from Northeastern Illinois and the Chicago Wilderness, captured through creative expression.

Ken Schaefer, a former campus naturalist at Oakton Community College, combines his passion for nature and art. With a Studio Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Schaefer has played a key role in ecological restoration, including leading the restoration of 50 acres of woodland at Oakton. He continues to volunteer as a site steward at local forest preserves.

This special exhibit features stunning portraits of local plants, photographed at Oakton College in Des Plaines by Ken Schaefer. The images are presented as photograms, a darkroom technique that requires no camera. This allows the intricate beauty details and character of each native plant to emerge in striking blacks, whites, and grays. Each…