About our Judge: Shilin Hora

Growing Up Outdoors

My childhood was spent navigating between the neighboring peach orchard, grape vineyard, and corn field in St. Joseph, Michigan. As a teen I worked for my grandfather as a hired-hand on his blackberry farm and Christmas tree farm. I remember then being drawn to the magnificent micro world of botany that I still know and love today. Developing Craft- Undergraduate fine art studies took me inside the sculpture and printmaking studio at Grand Valley State University (B.F.A. 2001), where I developed my craft for collecting and illustrating nature. I learned to observe with intention and perfect the art of “seeing nature” through extensive botany collections and botanical illustrations. Here is where I learned the significance of the seed and learned to “hear” the voice of nature.

Community Engagement

In 2007 I founded Grow Studio, a youth and families outreach program. The program facilitates workshops that explore dendrology, fine arts and the practice of observing and exploring nature in urban environments. Its mandate is to foster partnerships within disciplines in educational organizations by facilitating inter-generational Seed Hunts and Quilting workshops. All year round Seed Hunting and Quilting workshops are offered at local libraries, public, and private schools. View some of our community work at www.GrowStudio.org

Botanical Artist

I care about the environment and its direction. I add value to the world by leading folks back to an appreciation and reverence for nature through beautiful botanical artworks. My dedication to craft and curating content that speaks about nature’s value is what makes me most proud and it’s what sets me apart from others. In November 2020 I opened The Seed, a botanical boutique located at 38 East Ave. Riverside, IL. The Seed provides a unique botanical shopping experience featuring local fine art and horticulture talent. View my natural history museum Botanical Boxes at www.ShilinHora.com. Visit @theSeedRiverside on IG and FB.