FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 15, 2026
Contact:
Press: Lisa Bralts | lbralts@prairierivers.org
Appointments: Madelyn Witruk | mwitruk@prairierivers.org
Prairie Rivers Network and the Cohen Exhibition Workshop Combine Art and the Natural World in a Powerful Exhibition Up Through May 29
Urbana, Ill. – “Groundwork: Land, Water, and Opportunity for Illinois’ Landscape”, a collection of work from local artists exploring the future of the Illinois landscape as shaped by environmental restoration and resilience, will be on display at the Cohen Building in Urbana, Illinois through Friday, May 29.
“Illinois’ landscape tells a powerful story: fertile soils, vast prairies, winding rivers, and communities deeply connected to the land,” offers the exhibit’s description. “Today, that landscape also holds extraordinary opportunity—to restore natural systems while building a healthier and more resilient future for all who call this place home.”
This exhibition explores the intersection of art and the natural world—how they shape and inform each other in countless ways. Featured artists include Kim Curtis, Kelly Hieronymus, Robert Peterson, Peg Shaw, and Tali Weinberg.
GROUNDWORK is open to the public every Friday from 5-8pm and by appointment through the end of May.
The public is also invited to attend the GROUNDWORK Closing Reception and Artist Talks on Thursday, May 28th from 5-9pm. Join Prairie Rivers Network and the Cohen Exhibition Workshop for a last-chance look at the GROUNDWORK exhibition and to hear directly from the featured artists. The artists will take visitors through their process for each piece in the show, and will explain their connection to the natural world. Artist talks will begin at 6pm.
At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. To learn more please visit www.prairierivers.org.
