Programs and Events

Activities and events for every age group occur year round at theNate. Instagramers impress their followers with the unique shots of art and nature at theNate; Outdoor and Fitness Enthusiasts enjoy walking, jogging and exploring the grass paths through 100 acres of open landscape; Art Lovers visit this important world-class collection often - always finding something new; Nature Experts of all ages celebrate the Illinois prairie restoration of the Butterfly Ranch, chronicling the abundant Illinois native plants, insects, birds and animals. Join us for one of our community events, or explore on your own using the free Otocast app on your smart phone.

2023 Calendar of Events at theNate

 
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Thursday, March 30, 2023 - 21c Museum Hotel

Curatorial Conversation:

theNate Director and Curator Jeff Stevenson

and artist Bernard Williams

 March 30 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Free - register here

21c Museum Hotel Chicago is honored to collaborate with theNate on this month’s Curator Conversation. Director and Curator of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (theNate) and the Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University, Jeff Stevenson will be in conversation with artist Bernard Williams. theNate is receiving a new sculpture by the artist and together, Jeff and Bernard will discuss the integration of Art and Landscape within the 100-acre expanse of theNate.

The Illinois Capital Development Board, Art in Architecture, Percent for Art Program, identified funds generated from the renovation of the F Wing / Science Area at Governors State University (GSU).  The best use of these funds was to commission a new sculpture for theNate. 27 artists submitted applications and three finalists were identified. Bernard Williams’ design was chosen because of its response to the site and the collection, and how it will serve as an observation deck for visitors to take in the views of the 12-acre native prairie. The direct connection between the sculpture, the prairie conservation project, and the science program at GSU demonstrates the beauty of Art in Education.

Join us for a wine reception and talk:

Thursday, March 30, 2023

5:30 – 7pm wine reception

With remarks at 6pm

 

21c Museum Hotel 

55 E. Ontario St. 

Chicago, IL 60611 

Free and open to the public, RSVP requested, walk-ins welcomed.

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Saturday, April 22, 2023 - Earth Day "Fresh Air Walk"

2023Earth Day Fresh Air Walk

 FREE - register here

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Saturday, June 17, 2023 - Juneteenth 

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Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - Wright in Kankakee Summer Solstice - Sip, Shop & Stroll

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Saturday, September 9, 2023 - Sculpture, Wine & Dine

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Saturday, December 9, 2023 - Winter Walk, Empty Bowls 

 

If you are like us, you enjoy looking ahead and planning your calendar, so make sure you add these events now, and watch for more details closer to the date.

 Here is a downloadable pdf 

    2023GeneralCalendar 

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   Facebook @thenate.gsu 

Denise Milan: The Language of Stones

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Download the pdf of the PRESS RELEASE

ONGOING:

   Volunteer for theNate 

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   Ambassadors for theNate  

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      Wish for the World 

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     If you missed it, watch it NOW! Prairie Party: A Date With theNate   2020 recording

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Check out our    Young Artist Sculpture Projects downloadable PDF - and by young we mean: we're all young at heart when it comes to making art - have fun on your own or with the kids. Post pictures of your results and tag us on Instagram so we can all share the results!

 #thenate  

#thenatechallenge

@_thenate_ 

And on Facebook: @nathan.manilow.sculpture.park 

https://www.facebook.com/nathan.manilow.sculpture.park/

Thank you for planning a visit to theNate! Free admission, free parking, open dawn to dusk 365 days a year. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our visitors.  Covid19 guidelines available https://www.govst.edu/covid-19/ 

Most events are free and open to the public, parking free, and the Metra Electric Line connects us to Millennium Park Station in Chicago. 

Stay up-to-date on new events through our website and social media pages:

     www.instagram.com/_thenate_

     www.facebook.com/nathan.manilow.sculpture.park/