“Botanical art connects science to people with one finely tuned, articulate voice. And it draws us to plants, to conservation, and to a sense of awareness and concern that without plants we are nothing. All of which makes the subject of botanical art so enormously relevant - more relevant today, perhaps, than it has been for generations.” -Derek Norman

Welcome to Reed-Turner Botanical Artists

Each year Reed-Turner Botanical Artist (RTBA) brings local botanical artists together to educate each other and the public about botany and the conservation of our natural resources through their artwork. Members have achieved success in presenting their botanical artwork at exibitions in the community. Members have also achieved success in national and international exhibitions, written articles in ASBA The Botanical Artist magazine, and published books on botanical art. Reed-Turner Botanical Artist have made great strides in their 20 years.

Reed-Turner Botanical Artists is a Circle affiliated with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA).  Artists’ Circles are independent associations with a mutual interest in botanical art whose participants may be comprised of ASBA members and non-members. Reed-Turner Botanical Artists also maintains an ongoing relationship with the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Members meet monthly throughout the year. Meetings give members the opportunity to gather together with fellow botanical artists, learn botanical art techniques, become educated about botany, and share their botanical artwork.

Important Dates

April Meeting of Reed-Turner Botanical Artist Circle

Members will be meeting at Reed-Turner Woodland on April 25, 2026.

Sarah Schultz will be giving a wildflower walk at Reed-Turner Woodlands. After which, the board will be reviewing any updates with the committees. Members will also have the opportunity to show their latest works of botanical art.

Exhibitions

2026 RTBA Annual Exhibition The Beauty of Plants

May 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026

Heller Nature Center in Highland Park, Illinois

2821 Ridge Rd, Highland Park

Heller Nature Center has a rich history rooted in a generous donation and a commitment to environmental education. Construction of the center began in 1979, with the official dedication occurring in 1980 as the Walter E. Heller Nature Park and Interpretive Center. The center was made possible by the Heller Foundation and family members, alongside a federal grant. A notable feature is the Goodman Cabin, a historic log cabin designed by Jens Jensen, which was moved to the site in 1981.

MEMBERS CAN GO HERE AND SIGN IN FOR FORMS

From Our Blog

Botanical Sketches and Rambles

Chronicling the interests and activities of Reed-Turner Botanical Artists Circle

Dues are $25 for the year. These dues are put towards programs, website and exhibition costs.

Memberships are for a calendar year, January through December.

Benefits

• Shared community of local botanical artist with common goals

• Stay up-to-date with the botanical arts events

• Workshops, lectures, and field trips throughout the year

• Annual local exhibition opportunity

• Listing of members websites and artwork in exhibition galleries

  Contact us for more information about joining Reed-Turner Botanical Artist

Membership

Background artwork: George Dionysius Ehret (1708 - 1770)