18th Annual Meeting & Conference - 2012

Chic Chicago — and all that Jazz! 

Originally appeared in The Botanical Artist - Volume 18, Issue 1
 
Mark your calendars for ASBA’s Chicago Conference! You won’t want to miss the Windy City, our “toddlin’ town,” home to two fabulous World’s Fairs and now ASBA! Pre- and Post-conference Workshops 

We’re pleased to present Jean Emmons, who will offer two one-day pre-conference workshops (www.jeanemmons.com), and Alexander Viazmensky of Russia www.pelcor.com/mushrooms/SashaMushrooms) will offer a two-day preconference workshop. After the conference, spend three days with world-renowned Australian artist Beverly Allen (www.beverlyallen.com.au).  

UPDATE (5/25/2012) Karen Kluglein will teach a pre-conference class Creating Translucent Roses in Watercolor. Jean Emmons will not be offering the two pre-conference workshops as mentioned above.

The ASBA Annual Meeting and Conference 

The Reed-Turner Artist’s Circle is excited to host the 18th Annual ASBA Meeting and Conference and has put together a sizzling hot program featuring art, science and all that jazz! The conference kicks-off on Wednesday evening, October 17th. You’ll enjoy a gracious welcome reception at the comfortable and friendly Renaissance Hotel, only a stone’s throw from the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) (www.ChicagoBotanic.org). 

On Thursday, October 18th, buses take you to CBG to spend the day viewing artwork, watching demonstrations, taking a workshop or hearing a lecture. 

The theater district ©City of Chicago/GRC

A short stroll from the Visitors Center you’ll find the Regenstein Building where our activities will take place. Nichols Hall, a spectacular 3,000 square-foot space, promises to make Portfolio Sharing truly memorable. 

Connected to the Hall are the Greenhouse Galleries where ASBA’s Small Works Exhibition will be on display October 10-20. All conference registrants are eligible to submit a work for this non-juried display. Three greenhouses surround the galleries where you can spend some relaxing time and perhaps do a little sketching. 

Thursday luncheon is served in McGinley Pavilion - a canopied outdoor terrace beautifully situated on the water with spectacular views of Evening Island. 

We are delighted that CBG’s CEO, Sophia Siskel, is our luncheon speaker. Ms. Siskel joined staff in 2006, coming from The Field Museum, where she served as VP of Exhibitions and Education.

A serene pond at CBG ©City of Chicago/GRC

She was extremely supportive of “Losing Paradise?” ASBA’s exhibition shown there in 2010. 

The popular Techniques Showcase on Stage will take place in the large Alsdorf Auditorium. Other activities include classes, lectures and a walking tour of the Garden’s Dixon Prairie. 

Thursday’s finale is the Small Works Exhibition reception, Chicago’s Top 12, where People’s Choice and Anne Marie Carney Awards will be presented. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for your work to be square and be seen! Check out Calls for Entries (page 27) in this issue for more information – and why you’ll “be square!” 

On Friday, October 19th, you may choose to spend the day at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, an hour’s drive from our hotel.

You’ll see original paintings and drawings, including the works of Barbara Dietzsch, a late 1700’s painter, known for her black backgrounds, and William Bartram’s works.

A scrap of virgin prairie. ©City of Chicago/GRC

A narrated tram tour carries you through some of the most colorful fall trees in The Arboretum. Or, if the Arts and Crafts movement in art and architecture fascinates you, tour Ragdale (www.ragdale.org) and Crab Tree Farm (www.crabtreefarm.org). 

Back at the CBG, an array of stimulating hands-on workshops in a variety of media and lectures on science and art, are planned for your education and enjoyment. Returning to the hotel, after light snacks, you’ll hear about the exciting projects completed by ASBA Artists and Education Grant recipients. Wildflower Forum includes two exciting presentations: Flowers Changed the World and, if you never got over loving dinosaurs, Paleobotany Today. 

Saturday, October 20th, we return to the Garden for another outstanding collection of workshops, classes and lectures.

Or visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park, IL. If you’ve seen Fallingwater or Taliesin West at previous conferences, this is another feather for your cap. 

The mid-western tall grass prairie is an American ecological icon and treasure, which has mostly vanished. Tour a wild and precious remnant at Somme Prairie Grove, (www.sommepreserve.org) just minutes away from CBG. 

Returning to our hotel, don’t forget new opportunities await at this year’s Silent Auction. We’ve have some very special additions you won’t want to miss. The Silent Auction supports ASBA’s Artists and Education Grants and ASBA’s Journal The Botanical Artist. 

The banquet is followed by our Annual Awards presentation, which recognizes the contributions to art and service to the ASBA by our members. Truly, the awards represent the best in meeting the goals of the ASBA. 

We have expanded the Educators’ Forum to a full day, on Sunday October 21st, ending at 3 PM. The exciting agenda will be included in June’s Journal. Take advantage of the speakers and discussion groups, and have time to meet fellow teachers and exchange ideas. A must for all ASBA Educators! 

Have we whetted your appetite? Join us at the 2012 Chicago Conference, where art connects science to people – and all that jazz! 

The full schedule of conference activities and registration materials will be in the June Journal and will be available to view online shortly before registration begins. Check your emails for updates on registration online, at www.asba-conf.org. 

Every effort has been made to provide many opportunities for learning, but workshops fill up fast, so sign up immediately to avoid disappointment. 

Conference downloads:

ASBA-Chicago 2012 Bios.pdf
ASBA-Chicago 2012 Educators Forum.pdf
ASBA-Chicago 2012 Registration and Conference Policies.pdf
ASBA-Chicago 2012 Schedule at a Glance.pdf
ASBA-Chicago 2012 Session Descriptions.pdf
ASBA-Chicago 2012 Silent Auction.pdf
ASBA-Chicago 2012 Welcome.pdf

Our hosts from the Reed-Turner Artist Circle - all jazzed up!

Conveniently located near the Chicago Botanic Garden, this Marriott hotel makes our stay very affordable by its great room rate, which includes hot breakfast each day at no extra charge and free in-room internet.

Marriott’s Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel
933 Skokie Boulevard
Northbrook, IL 60062

Room rates: $109/night plus applicable taxes.
This ASBA block rate will be available through September 22.
After that rooms will be offered at the prevailing rate.

For reservations and conference rate:

-In all cases use the group code: ab2ab2a
-Call: The Renaissance toll free number: 1.800.468.3571
-Book on line: Marriott.com web page, select Northbrook as the location, then select the Renaissance Chicago North Shore, check availability by typing in the required dates, select the group code option, enter the code.

Conference Service Manager: Norma Batiz nbatiz@renaissancechicagons.com

Conference Roommate Coordinator: Elisabeth de Boor edeboor@aol.com

TRANSPORTATION

 

The main airport for this region is Chicago O’Hare
American Taxi - www.americantaxi.com

Entry Fees
The Chicago Botanic Garden & The Morton Arboretum: If you drive yourself to the Garden or Arboretum, rather than take provided transportation, you will pay their entry fee, unless you are a member of a botanic garden with reciprocal agreements.