Artist-in-Residence Joel Sheesley – Lecture and Guided Hike

Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) and the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery (the Depot) have partnered to bring plein air artist, Joel Sheesley to our community as the first SHLT artist-in-residence. Over the last two years and in all four seasons, he visited Shirley Heinze nature preserves and Beverly Shores properties to create a collection of 15 paintings. The exhibit titled, Learning the Land: Stewarding Beauty, is a visually stunning reflection of the wide array of landscapes Shirley Heinze has preserved.

Make plans to join us and the artist at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve on August 10, 2024 from 10 am – 1 pm. In this co-led hike, Joel Sheesley will speak about what he learned as he painted complex landscapes at Meadowbrook.  He will discuss his painting methods and techniques, his conceptual understanding of landscape painting, and the sense of meaning he finds in landscape painting. Eric Bird will talk about the ecology of the locations where Joel painted.

The guided hike may occur along the ½ mile accessible trail of flat, compacted gravel and other portions of the preserve where terrain varies from gravel and dirt paths with some moderate inclines and stairs.

This event will have accessible outdoor restrooms and light refreshments available.

Be sure to view Joel’s work at the Beverly Shores Depot Gallery between July 12 – August 25, with an opening reception and lecture on July 12. Visit bsdepot.org for additional details.

About the Artist

Joel C. Sheesley | MFA, University of Denver, School of Art | BFA, Syracuse University, School of Art | Emeritus Professor of Art, Wheaton College

Joel Sheesley, Emeritus Professor of Art at Wheaton College, is a painter whose current work focuses on the landscape. Sheesley has been a recipient of an Illinois Artist’s Fellowship, has exhibited his work in Chicago galleries, and had a solo exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center. His work has also been widely exhibited in university galleries. He lives with his wife, Joan, in Wheaton, IL.