Lake County Museum Features Nature Art

Experience the whimsical world of popular nature illustrator and artist Charley Harper (1922-2007) at Beguiled by the Wild: The Art of Charley Harper exhibition on display starting Sept. 21 at the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda.

More than 20 prints, serigraphs (screen prints) and illustrations highlight Harper’s signature realistic minimalism style of portraying natural elements and wildlife. See how shapes, colors, patterns and lines can create familiar plants, animals and landscapes. The exhibition also includes interactive art activities such as large-scale puzzles, tangrams and rubbing stations to make your very own prints.

Join museum educators for a variety of specially-designed public programs and in-gallery activities throughout the run of the exhibition. Guided tours, hikes and art lessons will enhance the experience for visitors of all ages.

Beguiled by the Wild: The Art of Charley Harper is a nationally touring exhibition organized by the Virginia Living Museum. This exhibition is generously supported by the Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum and through support from our Media Sponsor, The Daily Herald.

Call (847) 968-3400 or visit LCFPD.org/CharleyHarper for more information about the exhibit or to download discount admission coupons. Follow the Museum on Facebook and Twitter @LakeCoMuseum or visit the website for dates and times of special Charley Harper programs and events.

Charles Harper (1922-2007) was a master illustrator and prolific graphic artist known for his colorful, bold and minimalistic interpretation of nature. Through the use of geometric shapes, color combinations, repetitive patterns and textures, Harper captures the essence of his subjects with the fewest visual elements possible. He is best known through his serigraph prints, book illustrations, and promotional materials for nature-based organizations, including the National Park Service. Harper illustrated "The Giant Golden Book of Biology," published in 1961 and beloved by generations of young readers.

The Lake County Discovery Museum is located on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road and east of Wauconda in Lakewood Forest Preserve. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors ages 55 and older and students ages 18 to 25, and $2.50 for youth ages four to 17. Children three years and under are free. On Discount Tuesdays, admission is $3 for adults, free for youth 17 years and under. Admission is always free for Museum members. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.