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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING CAROL FOSTER, FOUNDER OF ARTISTIC JOURNEYS, FOR HER DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP TO THE FINE ARTS SUSTAINABILITY IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Carol Foster, a 38-year resident of the western suburbs of Cook County, has lived in Barrington, Illinois since 1996; and
WHEREAS, Carol and her husband John discovered Crabtree Nature Center while in search of an area near their home to support their love for birding and beautiful nature trails; and
WHEREAS, cooking, music and art have been lifelong creative outlets for Carol. Her musical talents are vast--she played the flute, clarinet, and piano. Photography became her passion during her college years. In 2004, during her early retirement, she started art lessons, and created her own business, “Foster Moments,” in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Carol has always had a love for the environment. She is passionate about gardening, nature walks, and birding. She has always had a concern for wildlife and has tried to save all types of injured birds, rabbits, spiders, and even worms. She has been involved with several animal rescue groups including “Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio” where she adopted her current companion, Abby; and
WHEREAS, Carol started several art groups, around 2008, along with coordinating plein air events, and pop up art shows in the northwest suburbs. Her most recent group Artistic Journeys formed in 2014. Artistic Journeys members are an assemblage of fine artists, whose like minds uplift and inspire and who love to share their knowledge and joy of creating with others. Artistic Journeys has been active in the community by supporting small businesses, educating students, and conducting painting classes for seniors, special need groups, dog rescues, and more; and
WHEREAS, in 2011 Carol was the co-creator of Crabtree Nature Center’s September art-focused event, now known as Art in Nature. Carol worked with the Crabtree staff to coordinate a plein-air competition with her fellow artists. Carol volunteered her time for the last 11 years supporting 11 Art and Nature events which involved coordinating up to 40 artists to enter the competition, as well as finding sponsorships and donations from local businesses. What started as a simple plein-air competition had turned into a community festival with music, dance, and other nature-related organizations that helped to network and promote their love of the arts. During the pandemic in 2020, Carol helped to coordinate a virtual Art in Nature program that included the many aspects of the in-person event to bring the celebration of the fine arts into home during the pandemic; and
WHERAS, Carol also coordinates the Crabtree Nature Center “Art All Year” workshops which are a branch of the Art in Nature Festival. Carol has organized and coordinated artists who have offered over 45 classes to the public year-round. She has also coordinated a rotating art exhibit at the center; and
WHEREAS, Carol’s volunteer work for Crabtree Nature Center, which connects more people to nature through art based activities, is invaluable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President and the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners endorse with this resolution to recognize Carol Foster and her hard work and dedication to promoting the fine arts for and at Crabtree Nature Center and in the northern Cook County community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Carol Foster in recognition of her significant contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
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