Nell's Woodland Arts Festival
Sunday, September 14
11 AM to 3 PM
A vibrant collective of Art, Wellness, and Ecology enthusiasts, conservation educators, and woodland guides will come together at Nell’s Woodland to celebrate the Art’s and their profound impact on wellness, and raising awareness for the importance of Earth’s natural resources.
Come experience an engaging educational session, spend quality time with family and friends, explore the woodland’s hidden treasures, and immerse yourself in the beauty, tranquility, and healing power of nature to nurture your wellbeing and personal growth!
No registration required!
If Woodland parking fills, overflow parking and SHUTTLE Transit will be provided at no-cost. Shuttle transportation from parking lot at Ottawa Warehouse Bargains, located at 101 W Etna Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350. Shuttles will be available for transport every thirty minutes beginning at 11:00 am. The shuttle is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
ALL Events and Activities are Complimentary
Complimentary Nells Woodland Bags and Children’s Painting Kit while they last
Food by The Family Taco will be available for Purchase
Event Partners
City of Ottawa
Illinois Valley Community College
The University of Illinois Extension
OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center Behavioral Health
The Conservation Foundation-Dayton Bluffs Preserve
Friendship House
Reddick Library
Nell's Woodland
Exhibitors
City of Ottawa Visitors Center
City of Ottawa Childrens Museum
Reddick Public Library District
The University of Illinois Extension 4H
Lasalle County Health Department
Lasalle County Soil and Water Conservation
Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
Dayton Bluffs Preserve
Featured Presenters
Violinist
With over 20 years of experience, Rachael Miller is a versatile and accomplished violinist. Trained in the Suzuki method from age four, she excels in both playing by ear and sight-reading across multiple genres. A full-time performer in the Chicagoland area, Rachael has played prestigious venues, from chamber ensembles to high-profile corporate events. She has made performances with Michael Bublé and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and others.
Storyteller
Bill Myers
Bill Myers began his literary experience as a child in his Earlville home. Myers spent his childhood entangled with nature, telling stories and playing imaginatively. This introductory engagement gave Myers the creative roots he needed to explore the storytelling world. Through Myers's words and actions, he pours his heart into the stories he tells. By using his life experiences and the charm of his linguistics, Myers brings a light to all who hear his stories.
.png)
Beekeeper
Jim Loveland
As a passionate hobbyist beekeeper, Jim has spent years observing and learning from these incredible creatures. Through his hands-on experience, he’s developed a deep appreciation for the essential role honeybees play in our environment and food systems.
Singer - Song Writer - Musician
Christina Eltrevoog
Eltrevoog's musical journey started in Ottawa, where she was introduced to spiritual, folk, and classical music. Christina is a singer-songwriter and musician. Her musical journey has led her to collaborations and performances across the country. In 2017, she formed the acoustic duo "Michael & Christina Marie (MMCM)" with Matthew Pittman, performing their original songs throughout the U.S. and releasing their debut EP "In Between" in 2020. In 2021, she released a solo Christmas EP dedicated to her father and has plans for more solo recordings in 2025. In 2022, she collaborated with TM Shaw to form "BEYOND the STARS," releasing the album "One Planet" in 2024 and touring various regions of the country. When in Illinois, Eltrevoog performs with local bands "The Belle Rangers" and "The Morning Larks". She also organizes the "Fresh from the Midwest" music festival in Marseilles, IL, featuring Midwestern songwriters.
Reddick Library Librarian
Elizabeth Small
Elizabeth brings her passion for books, nature, and early childhood learning to story time at Nell's Woodland. She loves helping kids find the books that “wow” them—stories that spark imagination, build vocabulary, and make reading something they want to do. Her story times here at Nell's blend nature-themed books with movement songs, crafts, and short hikes. But for Elizabeth, story time is about so much more than reading aloud. It’s a joyful, meaningful space where kids build empathy, work on their gross and fine motor skills, stretch their critical thinking, and express themselves. Elizabeth especially loves the hike, where families are encouraged to slow down, look closely, and connect the stories to real-world wonders—like blooming wildflowers, mushrooms hiding under leaves, or watching a bug make its way up and around the plants. A gardener and nature lover herself, she hopes families walk away feeling more connected to the outdoors—and to each other.
Irish Fiddler
Charlene Adzima
Ohio-born Charlene Adzima has been playing the fiddle for over 30 years, with a foundation in the Suzuki Method and a deep-rooted passion for Traditional Irish Music.. With over 25 years of creative teaching experience, she brings both technical expertise and a love of music to her students.In 2005, Charlene won Senior Fiddle at the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil, a prestigious Irish music competition, and has twice represented the Midwest at the All-Ireland World Championships or the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Activities & Programs
The Importance of Bees
Jim Loveland
Have you ever wondered why the bee is so important? These small creatures make a powerful impact on our daily lives! Join hobbyist beekeeper Jim Loveland in his presentation about honey bees to learn more about their family, day-to-day duties, habitat, pests, and other interesting facts.
Nature's Paint Box
U of I Extension & 4H - Shasta Hladovcak
Learn to make your own paints from Items like berries, leaves, flowers, and soil. Then create a piece using the paints you created!
En Plein Air Art Display
Ottawa Arts Council
View the talents and inspirations of the final nature masterpieces created by the artists competing in the En Plein Art competition. The art exhibition can be found in the hallway of the Wellness Building.
Sound Healing Demonstration
Abby Zukowski
With sound healing, breathwork, mantrand meditation, you can embark on a deep inner journey through space, conscious awareness, breath, tone, and vibration to access the well of knowledge and self-healing available to all of us.
Nature Journaling Woodland Tour
U of I Extension Emily Hansen
With sound healing, breathwork, mantrand meditation, you can embark on a deep inner journey through space, conscious awareness, breath, tone, and vibration to access the well of knowledge and self-healing available to all of us.
Fall Foliage Hike
U of I Extension Emily Hansen
Join Emily to walk amongst the woodlands to slow down, connect with nature, and deepen your appreciation for a dazzling palate of autumn colors.
.jpg)
Catering by The Family Taco
The Family Taco
This cozy family Mexican restaurant in Marseilles since 2018 is known for serving absolutely delicious, fresh and flavorful tacos, burritos, and other casual eats with a variety of several individual toppings. They offer carry outs, delivery, and buffet style for social events.
Forest Bathing Tour
Joe Jakupack
This woodland tour includes a 1 mile leisurly walk narrated by Joe. Learn about Joe’s passion fro geology, native wildlife, and local history.
Local Artist Exhibition
Natalie Zellman
Visitors can be in awe viewing Natalie’s collection of personal pieces on display in the Coneflower Room. She is a visual artist. She works in mediums of ceramics, multibedia sculpture, textile, and cosplay.
Face Painting, Balloon Artist, & Snow Cones
Lollipop T’ Clowns
From 11:30 - 2:30 enjoy the talents of two clowns. One will be in a tent with free face painting and be sure to locate the other one roaming around showing off skills with balloon creations. Enjoy a free fronzen treat under the veranda of the Ecology Building served by Nell’s Woodland voulunteers.
Butterfly Art
4H Pouncing Panthers
Visit their table and create a beautiful butterfly art craft to take home and display.
Story Telling
Bill Myers
Let your imagination wander when listening to a story by Bill Myers. As the language of the story transports you to a different time and place, Bill's words, actions, and sounds will leave you in wonder when listening to this family-friendly story. Through Myers's words and actions, he pours his heart into the stories he tells. By using his life experiences and the charm of his linguistics, Myers brings light to all who hear his stories.
Complementary Gift
Nell's Woodland
Upon arriving the event all visitors will be offered a canvas bag along with a mini canvas and a paint brush as long supplies last. The mini canvas can be used at the Nature’s Paint Box Exhibit.
Mindfulness Nature Hike
U of I Extension Master Naturalist
Join a master naturalist to walk amongst the trees and flora in the woodlands. Indetfy things that make you pause and find awe, as well as collect items for the impartment art display.
Reddick Library Craft & Storytime
Reddick Library Elizabeth Small
Visit the library’s tent to enjoy a nature themed story and design a craft.
