CHICAGO.- The Notebaert Nature Museum is exhibiting more than 100 floral photograms created by artist and nature activist Ken Schaefer, February 9 through April 13, 2007. Schaefer has been artistically documenting the textures and shapes of plants from the grounds of Oakton Community College in suburban Des Plaines since spring 2003. Located on the Des Plaines River, the campus includes 55 acres of restored woodlands, wetlands, native seed gardens, and reconstructed prairie. Much of the natural area restoration has been done by the artist himself, who also is the college’s groundskeeper and naturalist.

To create his photograms, Schaefer picks each plant in full flower and takes it to a photo darkroom on campus. After carefully arranging the specimen on photo printing paper, he exposes the plant and paper to light for a few seconds. This process creates a simple image that reveals the plant’s character and architecture. In each photogram, the area most exposed to light – the background behind the plant – becomes black, and the area where the light is blocked by the plant’s opacity appears white. Parts of the plant that allow some light to pass through like flower petals or leaves, appear in shades of gray. This is the first time a comprehensive exhibit of Schaefer’s work has been displayed.

“The Nature Museum became interested in showing Ken’s work because it highlights the simple yet amazing natural beauty that exists right here in the Chicago region,” says Jill Riddell, director of conservation. “His unique process in creating this body of work depends on having access to this particular location, and cannot be accomplished any other way.”

Because the plants he uses quickly begin to change their appearance after they are picked, Schaefer must rush them to the campus darkroom, where they are captured as photograms. None of the plants Schaefer uses in his art are threatened or endangered species. While many are relatively uncommon to the Chicago area and depend on natural habitat, most were originally planted by Schaefer or his crew. No habitat is disturbed by the art project.

Oakton Community College’s program to revitalize natural areas began in 1992 and remains an ongoing priority. “The issues of conservation are everyone’s concern,” says Margaret Lee, president of Oakton. “Our efforts to become increasingly ‘green’ provide an example for our students and our neighbors. We try to make it a participatory learning experience.”

Radiant Plants will be on display at the Notebaert Nature Museum February 9 through April 13, 2007 and is free with general admission ($7 adult general admission; $5 students and seniors; $4 children; Thursdays free.)