Daily Archives: February 23, 2022


Monday, February 28, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – The Geology of Georgia O’Keeffe’s New Mexico, Online

Join Smithsonian Associates and New Mexico geologist Kirt Kempter on February 28 online for an exploration of the dramatic landscapes that captivated Georgia O’Keeffe. The artist had northern New Mexico homes in Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch, separated by just 20 miles but worlds apart from a geologic perspective. 

O’Keeffe’s home at Ghost Ranch was situated on the edge of the scenic Colorado Plateau, while the Abiquiu site was in the Rio Grande rift, a geologic tear in the crust of New Mexico. Her paintings depict rocks and landforms shaped by erosion, including her favorite mountain, Cerro Pedernal, and a canyon she called the “White Place.” 

The geologic story of the area spans more than 300 million years and includes rock layers from ancient rivers, oceans, and sand dunes. The modern landscape of northern New Mexico is a result of widespread erosion during the Ice Age, as the Rio Chama and its tributaries relentlessly carved into the multicolored rock strata in the region that O’Keeffe called home.

$25 for Smithsonian Associates members, $30 for nonmembers. Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance. Register at www.smithsonianassociates.org

Photo: Kirt Kempter

Wednesday, April 6 – Saturday, April 9 – American Orchid Society Centennial Celebration

The Centennial Celebration of the American Orchid Society at the Historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, , postponed last year due to Covid-19 concerns, will take place April 6 – 9, 2022. You can book your space at the hotel now at www.aos.org

From its founding in 1921, the AOS has been the go-to resource for orchid growers of all stripes. Many members are hobbyists who enjoy growing orchids and want to learn more about them. Others enjoy the thrill of exhibiting their orchids in shows hosted by local orchid societies. And still, others aspire to become an orchid judge. Many are interested in the latest hybridizing trends, others in protecting orchids in the wild, and still others in research that advances orchidology.

From its award-winning Orchids magazine to the well-attended educational Webinars about all things orchid… from the expert speakers and outstanding vendors at the popular AOS members meeting to the highly respected system for awarding orchids of superior quality… from its conservation initiatives and support of research projects … the AOS is the connecting place for people whose common interest is the orchid.

The Board of Trustees and the Centennial Celebration Committee look forward to welcoming you to this momentous event and its Spring Members Meeting activities. Registration($100) includes a goodie bag, meet and greet social, preferred seating at the auction, and access to all lectures. The gala banquet on April 9 is $250. Register for either or both HERE.