Lost Valley Center features 'The Color of Wild Things' exhibit through Sept. 2

The McHenry County Conservation District invites you to view "The Color of Wild Things" art exhibit by Karyl Shields on display through Sunday, Sept. 2, at the Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

This free exhibit is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

"The Color of Wild Things" is a collection of plein air and studio paintings featuring many McHenry County Conservation District sites and local vistas.

Since 2010, Shields has consciously developed her work around local conservation efforts in the county.

Her work is painted in oils, pastels and acrylics on site in the plein air style.

Larger ideas that require several visits to the canvas are taken into the studio where more time can be spent to capture a particular expression of the land. She focuses on using color to exemplify the inherent beauty found throughout McHenry County. Visit www.karylshields.net to view current and past works.

Although born in a suburb of Chicago, Shields knew little of the city. When she was four years old her father bought a 40-acre horse farm where she grew to love being outdoors.

She spent most of her childhood making friends with caterpillars and toads and climbing trees to watch the occasional car pass by. Her spirit developed through sounds of the wind and the conversations of birds.

Long vistas greeted her in the morning and open skies filled her nights. Because of her childhood memories she chooses to honor the landscape through her artistic efforts.

For more information, contact Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 or visit www.MCCDistrict.org.