Hidden Oaks Nature Center is hosting an adorable art exhibit that shows tiny acorn characters and their intimate interactions with nature.

“Becorns: Little Acorn People Living Big Lives” features David M. Bird’s photography and one 3D example of tiny acorn people that live in nature.

The free, all-ages exhibit will run from Saturday, May 3, to Sunday, June 29, at Hidden Oaks in Bolingbrook. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. on May 3 to coincide with the Oak-tacular Comeback Celebration that marks the reopening of Hidden Oaks Nature Center after extensive remodeling. For the remainder of the Becorns exhibit, hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

Bird, a former Lego designer who lives in Rhode Island, creates Becorns out of acorns, sticks, pinecones and other materials he finds in nature that are hot glued together. Once a Becorn character is assembled and named, it is stationed outside in nature and Bird waits until the photo he has envisioned materializes. Then he snaps the shot. Sometimes he waits hours for the photo, sometimes weeks. 

The photo exhibit on display at Hidden Oaks features Becorns with flowers blooming, birds eating, insects emerging and mammals snuggling. 

“The Becorns exhibit will steal your heart and ignite your imagination,” said Angie Trobaugh, facility supervisor at Hidden Oaks. “The exhibit couldn’t be more perfect for us to host considering Hidden Oaks Nature Center has an oak tree theme.”

Visitors who view the exhibit will get to see a snapshot of the Becorns in action out in the wild and they can create their very own Becorn story. They also will learn about the artist and how his creations came to life.

“Each work of art is more wondrous than the one prior,” Trobaugh said. “They will take your breath away with cuteness.”

Becorn-related items will be available for purchase in the Hidden Oaks gift shop.