Keeler Gardens is so pleased to announce the creation of our Natural Materials Art Program, funded in part through a grant from The City of Chicago’s Chi Biz Strong Grant Program. Our newest program focuses on upcycling natural materials, wood and textiles, for example, into handmade custom works of art. We utilize materials that may otherwise have been disposed of, with the visions of our founder, Gina Iliopoulos, and the help of our new art director, Heather Goers, to create extraordinary, colorful, and inspirational works of art.

The initial work on this program is to establish a process by which we can teach community members how to upcycle various materials in simple, yet inspiring ways. By creating a sound program we will be prepared to offer an opportunity to the community on a reoccurring basis. We will showcase the many works of art created in the development process, and in future programing, at Keeler Gardens and hopefully, local art fairs.

Pictured are flowers created with paper and textiles and inspirational signs on wood that has been etched or burnt. We will also be working with stone, metal, glass, and utilizing old frames, mechanical pieces, and even jewelry remnants and antique buttons.

We are thrilled you can find these flowers at Triple R Gallery (Montrose and Milwaukee). What a phenomenal place to visit and be inspired, with their exceptional works, artists, and message “Restore – Repurpose – Reimagine Art”. You’ll see a bouquet of our lovely flowers displayed there. We hope to build support for our while sharing our creations with the community.

Keeler Gardens Vision Tree Experience

Keeler Gardens is excited to announce our newest addition to the Natural Materials Art Program, Vision Trees! Each Tree is a painted canvas wallpapered as a permanent installation. The Experience creates long-term change and improves quality of life with a shared investment that fosters arts and culture. This program is a tool for communities, guiding them to define what they want/need, to create a tangible representation through art by participating in experiential workshops. Each Vision Tree Installation creates a visual representation of the values expressed by the community.

To learn more about Paula and her wonderful creations of art, check out her website, lifeportrait.com.

Interested in learning more? Please contact us at Gina@KeelerGardens.org or 773-750-5482, we would be happy to plan a future program with you.