Whimsical wildlife takes over Morton Arboretum with "Vivid Creatures" exhibit

Get ready for a splash of color and creativity at The Morton Arboretum this summer. Beginning Saturday, May 17, 2025, visitors will be greeted by "Vivid Creatures: Colorful Sculptures as Tall as Trees," a brand-new exhibition featuring massive, eye-popping animal sculptures. 

On opening day, guests can dive deeper into the magic behind the art with the Vivid Creatures Walking Tour. Artists Heather and Fez Be Gaetz will lead visitors through the exhibit, sharing their inspirations from nature and revealing how they brought these colossal creatures to life. Tickets for the tour are limited and discounted for Arboretum members.

General admission starts at $16.95 when purchased online at mortonarb.org and includes free access to the exhibition. Members get in free, and discounts are available for seniors and children.

The exhibit showcases five larger-than-life sculptures, each representing animals crucial to Illinois ecosystems. From a sandhill crane with wide, feathery wings to a dazzling brittle button snail, these vibrant creations stand between 8 and 23 feet tall. Most of the sculptures are easily accessible near the Visitor Center, with one perched on a berm overlooking I-88, sure to catch the eyes of passing drivers.

Families visiting the Arboretum this summer will find even more to explore. The free Vivid Creations Art Workshop will run weekends from May 24 through September 1 in the Children's Garden, inviting young artists to create their own colorful masterpieces inspired by the sculptures. Emilian Geczi, PhD, manager of early childhood programs, emphasized the importance of "free play and hands-on discovery" in sparking creativity.

This summer also marks the 20th anniversary of the Children's Garden, a beloved four-acre haven for kids featuring streams, wading ponds, giant tree roots, and more. Special family-friendly events, including "Art in the Garden" and "Nature Play for All" weekend (May 31-June 1), will celebrate two decades of outdoor adventure.

And for those looking for a playful challenge, Wonder Woods Mini Golf returns May 23 through Labor Day. This tree-themed, science-infused nine-hole course offers a fun and educational spin on mini golf, bringing tree science to life in unexpected ways.