The Smith College Botanic Garden is proud to unveil a new 60-foot mural, consisting of eight panels depicting great moments in plant evolution. While there are numerous depictions of animal evolution, until now there has been no mural devoted specifically to the evolution of plants. Seeing this opportunity, the Botanic Garden stepped in to commission a mural and fill the void. The stunning paintings were created by muralist Robert Evans. With a specialty in natural history, ethnography, and history, his work can be found at the Smithsonian, Mount Vernon, and numerous museums, zoos, and aquaria. This is his first installation at a botanical garden.
To celebrate the opening of Plant Life Through the Ages, they have invited paleobotanist James W. Walker to speak about plant evolution and the mural. The lecture will take place in the Campus Center Carroll Room. Dr. Walker is Paleobotanical Consultant on the Mural and Emeritus Professor of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The talk will be followed by a reception and viewing of the mural at the Lyman Plant House.
The eight panels will permanently reside along the corridor to the Palm House.
