The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition, Vivid Creatures: Colorful Sculptures as Tall as Trees, is now fully installed and open to the public—offering visitors a summer of vibrant outdoor art and nature exploration. This five-piece installation by Portland-based artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz welcomes visitors of all ages to discover colorful, whimsical animal sculptures nestled among the Arboretum’s tree-filled landscapes. Vivid Creatures, which will run through spring 2027, features five animals essential to the Illinois ecosystem—a white-tailed deer, sandhill crane, fox squirrel, brittle button snail, and blue dasher dragonfly—ranging from 8 to 23 feet tall. Vivid Creatures is accompanied by a range of engaging summer experiences for all ages running through Labor Day weekend:

• Wonder Woods Mini Golf (open now through Sept. 1): This nine-hole, tree-themed course blends fun with science, sharing stories about tree rings, root systems, and forest biodiversity. Timed tickets, which must be purchased in addition to general Arboretum admission, are available online.

• Vivid Creations Art Workshop (Saturdays and Sundays, through Aug. 31): Free with general admission to the Arboretum, this hands-on artmaking activity in the Arboretum’s Children’s Garden lets families create their own works inspired by a different Vivid Creatures sculpture each month.

Northern Trust is the presenting sponsor of Vivid Creatures. For more information, or tickets visit mortonarb.org.

Photo Credit: The Morton Arboretum