About

Anne Nordhaus-Bike outdoors in sunglasses

I am a painter and mixed media artist. I make art to touch and inspire others through beautiful colors, luscious brushwork, and exquisite papers.

Through art, my soul can speak…in tangible ways…about beauty and passion and all the other deep things within us all.

The mystery of made things fascinates me, even after decades of looking at, studying, and creating art. I want to show others what intrigues me, help them see through my eyes and hear the echoes of my soul within their own.

I was born just outside Chicago and have lived in this area all my life. I have loved inventing and making things since I was a child. In high school, one of my prints won a Scholastic Gold Key art award and was exhibited locally. That success led to painting and design commissions and inspired me to major in art history at the University of Chicago.

In addition to watercolor painting, I have explored many media over the years, including X rays, oil painting, print making, fiber, jewelry, video, and performance. Anne Nordhaus-Bike outdoors holding her paint brushes Frequently, my work has combined watercolor with other media such as pen and ink; I also have focused on spoken word and other forms of communication in my career and have combined them with music, performance/public speaking, and video. This alchemical “spirit of combining” led me to offer my artist’s perspective and draw on my art historical training when I launched a fine arts column in a local newspaper, which ran for 20 years.

The early 2000s marked my deepening interest in nature and spirituality, which has been reflected in my art and my public appearances since then. In recent years, I returned to watercolor as a primary medium, and most recently I’ve been working frequently with mixed media.

I continue to explore the mysteries of life and art as I experiment with paint, papers, and textures, often combining these with thread and objects to fashion mixed media works.

Exhibitions

Anne’s work has been featured in numerous juried shows throughout her career as well as various other arts programs and exhibitions. See below for her solo and group exhibitions.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

Creating Peace: An Attunement With Rosicrucian Nicholas Roerich: Unveiling of Nicholas Roerich watercolor portrait Anne created for mystical workshop at Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Feb. 23, 2020.
Implied Horizons: Watercolors By Anne Nordhaus-Bike: Five Seasons Family Sports Club, Burr Ridge, IL, Dec. 7, 2018 – Jan. 5, 2019. Opening reception, Friday, Dec. 7; artist talks, Wednesday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 22.
Rosicrucian Inquiry On Astrology And Art: Featuring Mystical Portrait sculpture, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, July 12, 2018.
Implied Horizons: Watercolors By Anne Nordhaus-Bike: Five Seasons Family Sports Club, Northbrook, IL, Nov. 3 – Dec. 2, 2017. Opening reception, Friday, Nov. 3; artist talk, Sunday, Nov. 12.
The Way Of The Rose: Unveiling of Mystical Portrait sculpture as part of mystical artist talk, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Oct. 8, 2017.
Recent Work: Woman Made Gallery, yearly curated show for online member gallery, 2008 – present. See the current show on the Woman Made Gallery website: Anne Nordhaus-Bike member gallery.
Artist in residence: Curves of Brookfield, Brookfield, IL, November 2008-October 2009. During her residency, Anne curated 12 monthly exhibits of her paintings.
Going Home: Midwest Region AMORC Regional Conference, Schiller Park, IL, Oct. 3, 2008.
Claude Debussy and Rosicrucian Mysticism: A Total Artwork Experience: Capitulo Chicago, Chicago, Jan. 26, 2008.
The Natural World and Portraits: Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL, Jan. 2002.
Claude Debussy and Rosicrucian Mysticism: A Total Artwork Experience: Midwest Region AMORC Regional Conference, Racine, WI, Oct. 2001.
One-Term Presidents: Chicago Public Library Uptown Branch, Chicago, Aug.-Sept. 2000.
Portraits, Still Lifes, and Other Paintings by Anne Nordhaus-Bike: As You Like It Gallery, Evanston, IL, April-June 2000.
Presidential Presence: Burkhart Studios, Chicago, Feb.-March 2000.
Paintings by Anne Nordhaus-Bike: Builders Bank, Chicago, Aug.-Sept. 1999.
Recent Paintings by Anne Nordhaus-Bike: Café Penelope, Chicago, March-May 1999.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

Absurdity: In Dada We Trust: Woman Made Gallery, July – August, 2023.
Tickled Pink Show: Woman Made Gallery, July, 2023.
Small Works Members’ Show: Woman Made Gallery, Dec. 2022.
Small Works Members’ Show: Woman Made Gallery, Dec. 2021.
Small Works Members’ Show: Woman Made Gallery, Dec. 2020.
Loss, A Virtual Exhibition: Woman Made Gallery, September 2020.
Home, A Virtual Exhibition: Woman Made Gallery, July 2020.
Small Works Members’ Show: Woman Made Gallery, Dec. 2019.
Small Works Members’ Show: Woman Made Gallery, Dec. 2018.
Diversity And Inclusion Through The Lens Of The College Of Dentistry: University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry, Oct. 2018
12″ X 12″ Show: Dick Blick Art Supply, Wheaton, IL, Aug.-Sept. 2018
Implied Horizons: BNI Power Partners Business Expo, Five Seasons Sports Club, Burr Ridge, IL, Jan. 2018
Colors Of Inclusion: University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry, Oct. 2017
Reunion II: Woman Made Gallery, July – August 2017.
Roots of Diversity Through Arts: University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry, Oct. 2016
Adornments on Washington: Hinsdale Center for the Arts, Hinsdale, IL, Oct.-Dec. 2008
Works in Progress: Peter Jones Gallery, Chicago, Oct.-Nov. 2002
Portraits: Working Artists: Café 28, Chicago, Oct.-Nov. 2002
Chicago Art Open: Oct. 2002
Whimsy: CCT Gallery, Chicago, June-Sept. 2002
Chicago Art Open: Oct. 2001
Déjà vu: Excalibur, Chicago, May-Aug. 2001
Group Show: Contained Gallery, Chicago, April 2001
Watercolor Portraits: Eclectic Junction, Chicago, Nov.-Dec. 2000
Chicago Art Open: Oct. 2000
Many Lisas: Dix Art Mix, Chicago, Nov.-Dec. 1999
Chicago Art Open: Oct. 1999
Sixth Annual Members’ Exhibition: Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, Aug. 1999
Waterworks: insideART Gallery, Chicago, May 1999
Cows on Parade: Chicago Artists’ Coalition cow, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs outdoor art exhibit, Chicago, May, 1999
Apparitions: Excalibur, Chicago, Sept.-Nov. 1998
Chicago Art Open: Oct. 1998
Three Women: Church of the Epiphany, Chicago, April 1998

Published Works

Campaign Sign photograph: Gazette Chicago, December, 2018
Moonrise Over Lake Michigan II oil painting: Cosmic Inspiration News: Seasonal Currents newsletter, August 26, 2018, edition, and Heliastar astrology website, 2018
Darkening Woods photograph: Will and Guy’s Humour website, 2014
Scorpio watercolor: Scorpios for Hillary website, 2013
12 astrology watercolors (Aries through Pisces) and Jane Addams watercolor portrait: Featured images for the book Follow the Sun: A Simple Way to Use Astrology for Living in Harmony, published 2011
Glorious Sunrise oil painting: Cover image for the book Follow the Sun: A Simple Way to Use Astrology for Living in Harmony, published 2011
Autumn Walk oil painting and 13 nature photographs: Thanksgiving With You music video, 2010
Scorpio watercolor: Open House Staging website, 2009
Eggplant and Vegetables watercolor: “Carolyn” scene about fighting her insurance company, Sicko motion picture, directed by Michael Moore, released May (Cannes) and June (U.S.), 2007
Astrology watercolors: Living in Harmony monthly column, Gazette, May 2006-April 2007
Easter Lily pen and ink drawing: Near West Gazette, April 2, 1987; March 6, 1986; April 5, 1984
Cornucopia pen and ink drawing: North Shore Unitarian Church program cover, Nov. 1984
Fisherman pen and ink drawing: Near West Gazette, June 7, 1984
Rose pen and ink drawing: Near West Gazette, May 3, 1984
Valentine’s Day pen and ink drawing: Near West Gazette, Feb. 2, 1984
Sandwich pen and ink drawing: Near West Gazette, Feb. 2 1984
Wings acrylic painting: The Shadow of His Wings movie poster, 1982

Speaking Engagements and Multimedia Arts Presentations

Guest, Plum Luv Foods Podcast: October, 2022
Guest, KJAG Radio/Mic Online Magazine: October, 2022
Founders, Funders, and Feminists: Early AMORC Women: Online multimedia presentation on female mystics, the little known women who were crucial to AMORC’s founding and flowering in the early 20th century. Included original research, videos, performance, and guided meditation. Toronto Lodge AMORC Thursday night online workshop, Toronto, April 14, 2022
Guest, WRLR: December 2021
Guest, Gadfly Podcast with David Rych: December 2021
Hymn To Her: Finding YOUR Divine Feminine: Online multimedia presentation on the Divine Feminine in Rosicrucian mystical history, astrology, and alchemy. Included original research, videos, performance, and guided meditation, Nefertiti Lodge Tuesday night online workshop, Chicago, August 24, 2021
The Great Aquarian Leap: Our Next Mystical Era: Online multimedia presentation about the December 2020 grand conjunction in Aquarius and other key Aquarian indicators heralding humanity’s shift into the Aquarian Age. Presented original astrological research as well as music, exercises, and meditations. Asheville Friends Of Astrology, Asheville, NC, July 2021
The Great Aquarian Leap: Our Next Mystical Era: Online multimedia presentation, Toronto Lodge AMORC Thursday night online workshop, Toronto, April 8, 2021
Mystical Astrology Behind Self-Mastery And Fate With The Cycles Of Life: Online multimedia presentation on the true astrological basis for H. Spencer Lewis’s 1929 book, Self-Mastery And Fate With The Cycles Of Life. Included extensive findings from new historical and astrological research, period images, and mystical exercises and music. Toronto Lodge AMORC Thursday night online workshop, Toronto, March 25, 2021
Guest, Facebook Live With Elias Patras: February and March 2021; See video podcasts from Anne’s appearances with Elias (and other media appearances) on the podcast section of her Astrologer Anne site
The Great Year of Plato and the Theory of the Ages: Online presentation on the December 2020 grand conjunction’s great air mutation featuring article appearing in the Traditional Martinist Order’s Pantacle magazine (article presents material researched and written in part by Anne), Nefertiti Heptad monthly meeting, Chicago, January 17, 2021
Guest, Undebatable Podcast: January 2021; Hear podcasts from Anne’s appearance on Undebatable (and other media appearances) on the podcast section of her Astrologer Anne site
Guest, Vibe Selection Podcast: Astrology podcast with Host Kyra Mahoney, November 2020 and January 2021; Hear podcasts from Anne’s appearances on Vibe Selection (and other media appearances) on the podcast section of her Astrologer Anne site
The Mystical Power Of Reflection: Online multimedia presentation on the 2020 winter solstice. Included original astrological information as well as artwork, music, exercises, and meditations. Nefertiti Lodge Tuesday night online workshop, Chicago, Dec. 22, 2020
The Great Aquarian Leap: Our Next Mystical Era: Online multimedia presentation on the December 2020 grand conjunction in Aquarius and other key Aquarian indicators heralding humanity’s shift into the Aquarian Age. Included original astrological research as well as music, exercises, and meditations. Nefertiti Lodge Thursday night online workshop, Chicago, Dec. 10, 2020
Mystical Astrology Behind Self-Mastery And Fate With The Cycles Of Life: Online multimedia presentation on the true astrological basis for H. Spencer Lewis’s 1929 book, Self-Mastery And Fate With The Cycles Of Life. Included findings from historical and astrological research, period images, and mystical exercises and music. Nefertiti Lodge Thursday night online workshop, Chicago, Dec. 3, 2020
The Mystical Power Of Stillness: Online multimedia equinox celebration created and led by Anne Nordhaus-Bike. Like H. Spencer Lewis, Anne is a longtime mystic and professional astrologer. She helped participants follow in his footsteps by sharing the astrology related to equinoxes, the new season’s spiritual potentials indicated by current planetary positions, and the mystical opportunities available to Rosicrucians. The event included special seasonal attunements, art, astrology, and music as well as a closing meditation designed to experience personally the “mystical power of stillness” that arrives with Libra and the September equinox. Nefertiti Lodge Tuesday night online series, Chicago, Sept. 22, 2020
Creating Peace: An Attunement With Rosicrucian Nicholas Roerich: Multimedia workshop created by Anne Nordhaus-Bike about noted artist and mystic Nicholas Roerich and including biographical details, astrology analysis of Roerich’s chart, details on his mystical work and significance, readings from his writings, and musical selections chosen specifically to immerse attendees in Roerich’s artistic milieu. The event also included a mystical attunement and peace meditation in honor of Roerich’s extensive work for peace as well as the unveiling of a watercolor portrait of Nicholas Roerich created specifically for this event. Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Feb. 23, 2020
Artist Talk: Artist talk for solo watercolor exhibition, Implied Horizons, Five Seasons Family Sports Club, Burr Ridge, IL, Dec. 22, 2018
Star Arts: Hands-on workshop featuring astrological presentation and guided fingerpainting meditation, Nefertiti Heptad, Chicago, Dec. 15, 2018
Artist Talk: Artist talk for solo watercolor exhibition, Implied Horizons, Five Seasons Family Sports Club, Burr Ridge, IL, Dec. 12, 2018
The One Astrology Factor EVERY Business Must Know About To Be Successful: Chat @ 8 networking group, Five Seasons Family Sports Club, Burr Ridge, IL, Nov. 28, 2018
Rosicrucian Inquiry On Astrology: Special interview guest for weekly workshop, which included an in-depth interview, audience Q&A, and a guided meditation led by Anne; the evening also featured her Mystical Portrait sculpture, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, July 12, 2018
Artist Talk: Artist talk for solo watercolor exhibition, Implied Horizons, Five Seasons Family Sports Club, Northbrook, IL, Nov. 12, 2017
The Way Of The Rose: Featured speaker and artist; presentation showcased original writing and Mystical Portrait sculpture, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Oct. 8, 2017
Art and Astrology for Libra Time: Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Oct. 8, 2015
Art and Astrology for Mystics: Virgo and Our Quest for Perfection: Featured workshop speaker; presentation included astrology, original artwork, guided visualization, and closing meditation exercise, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Aug. 24, 2014
Take Care of Yourself Through Art, Astrology: Why Summer Solstice 2014 Is This Year’s Best Time for “Taking Care”: Sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors for the Women Engaged and Educated (WEE) women’s client group, Peaceful Parlour, Geneva, IL, June 4, 2014
Art and Astrology 2014: Opportunities for Mystics: Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Jan. 18, 2014
Art and Astrology 2013: The Year of Feeling and Great Opportunity for Women: Co-sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs for Women Engaged and Educated (WEE) women’s client group, Urban Grille, Geneva, IL, September 12, 2013
Art and Astrology 2013: The Spring Equinox ‘Power Time’: “Authors Articulating,” Talk Radio Network with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen, March 18, 2013
Astrology, Art, Music, and Mysticism: Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Oct. 18, 2012
Using Art for Life Balance and Time Management: “Authors Articulating,” Talk Radio Network with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen, Sept. 24, 2012
Book signing and author interview for Follow the Sun astrology and art book: DeLux Bar & Grill, Chicago, Aug. 5, 2012
Journey Within arts video screening and Going Home play’s art and musical highlight video screening: Nefertiti Lodge and Heptad and Logia Chicago Mystical Weekend, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, July 28 – 29, 2012
Who Was Louis-Claude de St. Martin: Some Astrological and Artistic Insights: Nefertiti Lodge and Heptad and Logia Chicago Mystical Weekend, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, July 29, 2012
Astrology and Art for Living in Harmony: Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Women Engaged and Educated (WEE) women’s client group, Makray Memorial Golf Club, Barrington, IL, June 20, 2012
Book launch for Follow the Sun: A Simple Way To Use Astrology For Living In Harmony: Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, April 22, 2012
Astrology and Art for Time Management: “Authors Articulating,” Talk Radio Network with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen, April 9, 2012
Going Home one-act play: Wrote, produced, and directed mystical play featuring original paintings and other arts and appeared as Narrator and as Sophie, Martinist Day, Midwest Region AMORC Regional Conference, Schiller Park, Illinois, Oct. 3, 2008
Astrology and the Way of the Heart: Nefertiti Heptad, Chicago, Aug. 18, 2007
A Mystical Interpretation of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 73: Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Feb. 24, 2005
Descent into Matter: The Story of the First Family: One-woman dramatization of Martinez de Pasqually’s Treatise Concerning the Reintegration of Beings featuring puppets, dolls, props, and artwork, Nefertiti Heptad, Chicago, Sept. 20, 2003
Color My World: Using Color on the Mystic Path: Nefertiti Heptad, Sept. 14, 2002
Claude Debussy and Rosicrucian Mysticism: A Total Artwork Experience: Solo art exhibit, lecture, piano recital, and poetry reading, Racine Marriott Hotel, Racine, WI, Oct. 2001
Artwork by Anne Nordhaus-Bike: Slide presentation and poetry reading, Nefertiti Lodge, Chicago, Sept. 27, 2001
How to Read a Poem, Part II: Workshop and poetry reading, Chicago, summer 2001
How to Read a Poem: Workshop and poetry reading, Chicago, summer 2000
The X ray and Watercolor Art of Anne Nordhaus-Bike: Sponsored by the Museum of Contemporary Art and presented at Excalibur, Chicago, Oct. 28, 1998
Women’s Voices in the Media: Are We Losing the Revolution?: Iota Sigma Epsilon Professional Journalism Sorority 59th Annual Writing Awards, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, May 17, 1997
An Evening of Piano Music: Piano for four hands duet recital, July 13, 1985
Sixth Annual Shakespeare’s Birthday Party and Sonnet Reading Marathon: Sonnet reader/participant, April 23, 1985, Loyola University Chicago
Transition: Created complete multi-arts Sunday worship service, including writing and delivering sermon on “transition,” North Shore Unitarian Church, Dec. 1980
Regular lector and presenter: Sunday services, including reciting poetry and presenting original writings, North Shore Unitarian Church, 1976 – 1982; 1990 – 1993
The Artist of the Beautiful: Appeared as Annie Hovenden in staged reading of short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, North Shore Unitarian Church, Aug. 26, 1979
Lives of Spoon River: Appeared as Minerva Jones, Marie Bateson, and Emily and gave solo vocal performance of “Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms,” North Shore Unitarian Church, March 25 and June 9, 1979
Solo piano performance,: North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield, IL, Sept. 17, 1978
The Special Occasion Players theatre troupe: Founding member, regular performer, Northbrook, IL, 1973 – 1979
Individual Events Competitions: Poetry compilation and performance for Northern Illinois competitions, 1976-1977

Education

A.B., art history, cum laude: University of Chicago, 1981

Activities and Affiliations

Member: Woman Made Gallery, 2008-present; 1997-2003
Judge: Impressions Photo Contest, Subcommittee of the Diversity Committee, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, 2012
Artist In Residence: Curves of Brookfield, 2008-2009
Member: Chicago Artists’ Coalition, 2008-2009; 1997-2003
Juror: Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, summer 2002
Juror: New East Side Art Works Art Show, 1998
Member: West Loop Gate Arts Council, 1997-1999

Awards

International Apex Awards of Excellence: Design, 2012, 2013; Arts and other writing, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2008
Palmer Award: Illinois Woman’s Press Association, for arts writing, 2003
National Women’s Hall of Fame: Named to Wall of Fame, Seneca Falls, NY, 1997
Business Insurance Awards: Video writing award, 1988
Florence James Adams Prize: For excellence in interpretive poetry reading, University of Chicago, 1980 (first place), 1978 (second place)
Scholastic Gold Key Art Award: Award included group exhibition of winning artwork, 1977

Arts Writing

Arts blogger: A Place For Art artist blog, 2017 – present; Living in Harmony arts blog, 2008 – 2016
Arts Journalist, Gazette Chicago: Associate Editor, 1993 – present; Contributing arts writer, 2008 – 2009; Fine Arts Editor, 1983-2003
Contributing arts writer: OpEdNews, 2009 – 2016
Contributing writer: Chicago Artists’ News, 1998-2002

Media Coverage And Appearances

Sicko motion picture, directed by Michael Moore: Eggplant and Vegetables watercolor featured in “Carolyn” scene about fighting her insurance company, film released May (Cannes) and June (U.S.), 2007
The Shadow of His Wings: Wings acrylic painting featured on The Shadow of His Wings movie poster, 1982
CLTV: Extended feature on Presidential Presence exhibit, Feb. 2000
WTTW: Artbeat Chicago, portrait of Marcel Proust featured in story on Chicago Art Open, fall 1998 (Proust painting appears at 00:42)
WGN TV: Personal appearance on WGN TV Daytime Chicago program, Dec. 2021
Anna & Raven Show: Regular monthly featured expert, nationally syndicated Anna & Raven Show, 2020 – present
WGN Radio, AM 720 Chicago: Regular guest, 2013 – 2022, with Phil Manicki and on Ji Suk Yi Show, Pete McMurray Show, and Frank Fontana Show
Plum Luv Foods Podcast, KJAG Radio/Mic Online Magazine, WRLR, Vibe Selection, Undebatable, Elias Patras, Asheville Friends Of Astrology, and Gadfly Podcast programs: Guest, various podcasts, 2020 – present

Astrology

Astrologer Anne: In addition to her career as an artist, Anne is a longtime professional astrologer and award-winning astrology journalist. To learn more – and to see her podcasts, astrology articles, and other astro resources – visit her Astrologer Anne website.

Anne Nordhaus-Bike's paint brushes in garden

Exhibitions

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

Published Works

Speaking Engagements and Multimedia Arts Presentations

Education

Activities and Affiliations

Awards

Arts Writing

Media Coverage And Appearances

BROADCAST

Motion Pictures

Television

Radio

Podcasts

PRINT

ONLINE, 2012 – PRESENT

Astrology