Patterned by Nature

Patterned by NaturePatterned by Nature

June 7 – September 21

From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style

This summer, celebrate our universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired art that’ll stretch your imagination. Discover installations and garden beds featuring dynamic patterns, transformational art, and upcycled fashion. 

Special Event Highlight

Garden Game Nights and Puzzle Hunt
June 26, July 17 & 31, August 14 & 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.

  • Life-sized lawn games on the Esplanade for all ages
  • Pop-up bars stocked with refreshing cocktails and mocktails
  • A special puzzle hunt game designed by The Mystery League
 

Nature,
repeating herself

Our gardens steal the spotlight in this summer’s exhibition, where flowers and foliage transform each space into eye-catching patterns—think paisley created from succulents, agave, and spirals, or tartan created from different hues of daisies.

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Future –Raquel RodrigoA Better Pattern – Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion
Noticing – Kristin FieldInstallation by Rachel B. Hayes
 

Pattern play through artists’ eyes

Discover how carefully curated patterns connect art, design, and horticulture. Art installations include:

Future by Raquel Rodrigo, who is also known as Arquicostura, imagines a future in harmony with the natural world—bringing embroidery to large-scale public art featuring the native Echinacea flower.

Noticing, by Kristin Field, invites us to pause and discover nature’s subtle wonders through naturally dyed textiles, created using time-intensive practices like growing dye plants and weaving on a floor loom.

Ebb and Flow and Radiate, by Rachel B. Hayes, uses vibrant fabrics that respond to the changing light and winds of the day, creating an environment to explore and meander.

A Better Pattern, a collaboration with Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion, celebrates emerging designers who incorporated Garden-sourced materials and textiles into couture-inspired fashion creations.

Special Events & Classes

Find summer fun! Check out our lineup of special Patterned by Nature events and classes below.

Featured Highlights

Beats in the Garden
with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios

July 5, August 2 & September 6, from noon to 4 p.m.
Make hip-hop beats inspired by nature at an outdoor mobile music studio.

Poems While You Wait

July 19 & August 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Get a personalized poem inspired by patterns, typed on a manual typewriter.

Upcoming Schedule

Patterned by Nature – Prints and Patterns with artist Camille Billie

Prints and Patterns

Printmaking with artist Camille Billie

Sunday, June 22
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Walking Tours

Patterned by Nature Walking Tours

Monday – Friday
June 9 – September 19
11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m.

Game Night

Garden Game Nights

Thursday, June 26
6 – 8 p.m.
Esplanade

Kristin Field – Artist

Create and Talk

with Kristin Field

Saturday, June 28
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
East Courtyard

Adult Ed Wellness Singing Bowl Meditation

Singing Bowl Meditation

Multiple Dates Available

Patterned by Nature – Beats in the Garden

Beats in the Garden

with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios

Saturday, July 5
noon to 4 p.m.
Esplanade

 
Patterned by Nature

is generously supported by

Endeavor Health
Ball
ITW
North Shore Gas