The fotoMuses open ‘Nature Down the Road’ exhibit on July 2

Posted June 30, 2024 10:53 pm

Submitted by Marita Blanken

The “Nature Down The Road” features work by fotoMuses members, including Marita Blanken of Downers Grove, Ann Frantzen of West Chicago, Janice Henry of Bloomingdale, and Joan Kalmanek of Lisle. Courtesy of fotoMuses

The fotoMuses, a group of women photographers, are opening their latest exhibit, titled “Nature Down The Road” on July 2 to Aug. 24 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St. in Oak Brook.

A complimentary artist reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17.

Life can bring stressors one cannot avoid. More recently for the world, that stressor was COVID. It was then, as the creative members of the fotoMuses were seeking solace, that they found soul-soothing moments with nature, behind the lens of their camera.

Janice Henry of Bloomingdale and Marita Blanken of Downers Grove coordinated this nature exhibit.

“COVID times brought such angst to many. Our thought was to overcome it with a positive,” said Henry, adding, “This theme was a twofold; providing a calmness while unleashing our creative energy.”

So it was then that this group of 12 women took solace in nature, finding their peace through nature.

While nature photography is common to many, this project seemed different to Blanken.

“Our eyes seemed to reveal the hidden beauties that one might have missed before,” she said, adding, “We took more time peering into the depths of nature, finding hidden creatures, while colorful blooms became even more alive.”

Henry agreed. “Whether it was in a backyard or on a journey through a nature center or forest preserve, nature did not disappoint.”

“Nature Down The Road” exhibit features work by fotoMuses members, including Linda Markese of Downers Grove, Kim Stines of St. Charles, Joan Trushin of West Chicago, and Barb Work of Wheaton. Courtesy of fotoMuses

She invites the community to come experience these beauties at Mayslake, a nature center that’s a masterful beauty in itself, and one that should not be missed.

The fotoMuses, a group of women who share a love of photography, display their photos in a creative, professional way. The group is currently made up of 12 women, many of whom met while discovering their creative sides together through the photography program at the College of DuPage.

Members also include Anne Frantzen and Joan Trushin of West Chicago, Joan Kalmanek of Lisle, Judy Kinal of Roselle, Joan Ladendorf of Hanover Park, Linda Markese of Downers Grove, Cheryl Rausch of Lombard, Marje Reichart and Kim Stines of St. Charles, and Barb Work of Wheaton.

Work by fotoMuses members Judy Kinal of Roselle and Joan Ladendorf of Hanover Park. Courtesy of fotoMuses

The Mayslake Peabody Estate gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more on Mayslake Peabody Estate, go to www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/centers/mayslake-peabody-estate, or call (630) 206-9566.

Learn about the fotoMuses at their new website at thefotomuses.com.

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