Nina Weiss is an artist based in Chicago who has been painting and drawing landscapes for over 30 years. She spent 18 of those also teaching at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and other various appointments.

Coming to the Midwest after growing up on the East Coast, Weiss was enthralled by the wide open fields and drawn to depict this new and exotic landscape. She seeks to create a heightened view of the natural world with dramatic, lush and complex colors beyond the expected greenery. Rhythm, light and color all dominate her wonderful prairies and waterways, many of which are local in Illinois.

Winter is on the way, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay away from Illinois’ parks. Some of them have fun activities during every season.

Located in Adams County, Siloam Springs State Park has opportunities for ice skating, ice fishing, cross country skiing and sledding when winter conditions permit.

Siloam Springs has gorgeous wooded terrain and is known for being one of the most beautiful parks in the state. During warmer months, visitors can enjoy camping and picnicking. Family friendly picnic areas have grills, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, shelters and tables.

Michael Aldag is a fine artist from Southern Illinois. He draws inspiration for his work from his environment, childhood and faith. Art for him is not only a means of self-expression, but for self-reflection. The media and subject matter vary, however one thing is consistent; a sense of sobriety. This tone is ever-present in the world and it pervades Michael Aldag's artistic vision.

ILI: How long have you been an artist or when did you start? Was there a single incident or moment when you realized this was your passion and if so, tell us about it?

Located in Bourbonnais, Kankakee River State Park has a rich history that includes being inhabited by Native Americans, traders and farmers.

Recreational opportunities are available throughout the year.

A main attraction at Kankakee River State Park is the Kankakee River. Enveloping both sides of the Kankakee River, the park has 4,000 acres.

Hale Ekinci is a Chicago-based Turkish artist focusing on narrative and intercultural connections. She completed her MFA in Interdisciplinary Art and Media at Columbia College Chicago and is currently teaching at North Central College.

Her work consists of mixed media, installations, collages and illustrations to touch on social issues, traditions and political unrest. For example, in her installation Let’s Resist she uses photo, video and interactive yarn to “commemorate non-violent resisters and spread their individual stories,” in an attempt to abstractly document the Gezi Park Protests in Istanbul.

Her work provides a platform for people of all kinds to contemplate cultural customs, current issues, transmuted memories, idioms and translations that make up our world.