The Anita Purves Nature Center is debuting a new sculpture, Tree-Newal, in conjunction with the opening of a fall art show, Capturing C-U in a Collaborative Collage: A Natural Portrait from Foraged Finds, and activities for Take A Child Outside Week. 

Everyone is invited to these free events and fun activities September 23, from 1 - 3 p.m.

 
•        Capturing C-U in a Collaborative Collage: A Natural Portrait from Foraged Finds Art Show Opening
Inside the Anita Purves Nature Center (1505 N. Broadway Ave, Urbana)
Stop by and talk with the artists Cris Hughes of Secret Gardens CU, and Julia Pollack of the Art of Science program at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. You will get see the final collage by Cris Hughes that was created from natural materials collected locally and donated by members of our community. A digital map of stories from the contributing folks will also be available, alongside featured Art of Science posters and microscopy images taken by youth who participated. Light snacks and refreshments available while supplies last.
 
•         Tree-Newal Sculpture Unveiling
Outside the nature center at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape
See the new carved tree sculpture by chainsaw artist Bill Baker from Top Notch Chainsaw Carving. The official ribbon cutting will take place at 1:30 p.m.
 
•         Nature Play Kids - STEAM with Sticks Activity
Outside the nature center at the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape
Sticks are a great and bountiful resource we have available, and the possibilities for engaging in STEAM are endless! We'll be focusing on engineering, art and math skills during this program where we'll have stations for wood carving as well as building stick rafts, towers, forts and more!

Come join the celebration! All activities are free, and no registration is required. Call 217-384-4062 for more information.