Boston Flora

Tag: art

  • Wednesdays, October 15 – November 19 – Mixing the Autumn Palette (Waitlist Only)

    As the leaves ignite in fiery reds, golden yellows and rich siennas, Berkshire Botanical Garden becomes a living canvas — just waiting to be captured in paint. Join acclaimed artist Pat Hogan for a six-week immersion into the art of autumn, where you’ll learn to mix the season’s signature hues, explore the power of a limited palette, and master techniques like glazing with transparent pigments to bring glowing depth to your work. Each session invites you to slow down, observe, and draw inspiration from the garden’s ever-changing tapestry. Whether you’re new to painting or looking to deepen your skills, this class is a colorful celebration of nature’s most dramatic season.

    Pat Hogan’s work is inspired by nature, particularly the Berkshires, the Maine Coast and the vanishing islands of the Chesapeake Bay. To add your name to the waitlist, visit https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/mixing-autumn-palette-watercolor-series

  • Sunday, May 18, 2025 – Botanical Art Worldwide 2025

    Once again, botanical artists around the world will join together to curate simultaneous exhibitions of botanical art to raise awareness of the rejuvenation of this artform and bring attention to plants and their importance to humanity. Special events will also be held to celebrate the Worldwide Day of Botanical Art on May 18, 2025.

    The second Botanical Art Worldwide Project will focus on and celebrate biodiversity in the crops that have been closely associated with the human species over thousands of years. The theme is designed to draw attention to the vast variety of food and useful plants available, in contrast with the relatively few varieties currently used in mass cultivation. Plants eligible for inclusion are those cultivated for food, textiles, building, energy, and medicine.

    Currently, many heritage species and varieties are only cultivated in small quantities by specialist growers on a limited scale. It is vital to promote this genetic diversity in a world challenged by a growing population, changing climate, and habitat losses.

    Possible subjects include heritage plant cultivars developed by traditional means (selection, hybridization, and propagation) and their wild relatives, as well as ancient heritage crops being brought back into cultivation.

    HERITAGE CROPS: Crops that are not used in modern, large scale monocultural agriculture. Crops chosen should have been in cultivation for a minimum of 50 years.

    CROP WILD RELATIVES: Wild species that can be hybridized with cultivated crops to impart a new characteristic to the cultivated crop, or that are foraged wild plants.

    ANCIENT CROPS: Those that have been cultivated for hundreds or thousands of years in the same form.

    For information on participating, visit https://www.botanicalartworldwide.info/

    © 2013 Joan McGann, Arizona Barrel Cactus (detail)

  • Through September 4 – CowParade New England

    Welcome to the 2023 CowParade New England, presented by Herb Chambers to the Greater Boston area now through September 4, to recognize and celebrate 75 years of progress and impact made possible by the Jimmy Fund community. The 75 one of a kind cow sculptures were designed, painted and transformed by talented artists throughout New England. View the pasture map, share photos on social media, and tag @TheJimmy Fund and #CowParadeNE to enter the weekly photo challenge. Meet the 75 one-of-a-kind cow sculptures by clicking on the hyperlink. Three cows are in Martin’s Park on the Waterfront.

  • Wednesday, October 18 – Friday, October 20, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Painting Fall Treasures

    Learn to paint the autumnal treasures that can be found in abundance at this time of year, in this three-day Wellesley College Botanic Garden workshop with two noted botanical artists, Dianne Sutherland and Shevaun Doherty. You will draw and paint a small “table top” collection of subjects, such as richly colored leaves, seed pods, and small, jewel-like fruits. You are encouraged to bring in your own subjects, but subject material will also be provided. Dianne specializes in leaves and Shevaun in fruits, but they are both familiar with all subjects. Benefit from more individual instructor time per student as both Dianne and Shevaun work cooperatively to support the class in the learning process. You will learn about lighting subjects, composing the page, and watercolor techniques such as washes and color mixing. The class takes place October 18 – 20 from 9:30 – 3:30. Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Garden $450, nonmembers $550. Register at 781-283-3094, or email wcbgfriends@wellesley.edu. Image copyright Shevaun Doherty.

  • Friday, October 21, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – The Art of the Woodturner II Opening Reception

    Woodturning has a long history, going back to 1300 BC Egypt. Unique in relation to most woodworking, due to its use of a lathe, woodturners turn out practical, functional pieces or “turn” to the purely aesthetic. Each craftsman brings their own personal artistic vision to the objects he or she creates, and the pieces in maple, cherry, and other wood from far and near (look for work turned from Arnold Arboretum deaccessioned trees), offer a unique look at the “personality” within the wood itself. The exhibition, running through Sunday, October 23 at the Hunnewell Building in the Arnold Arboretum, is sponsored by the Association of Revolutionary Turners (ART), Central New England Woodturners, and Massachusetts South Shore Woodturners. The three woodturning associations  have come together for this very special Arnold Arboretum exhibition, and will bring their own creativity and technical expertise, displaying more than 60 unique pieces for utilitarian use and aesthetic enjoyment. Join them as members demonstrate their skill working the lathe throughout the week-end.

    Free, no registration required. Opening reception from 5 – 7 on Friday, October 21 from 5 – 7. Select works will also be on display in the Hunnewell Visitor Center through November 20.

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  • Friday – Sunday, August 19 – 21 – 9th Annual Boston GreenFest

    On Friday – Sunday, August 19 – 21, come to the region’s largest free multicultural environmental music festival located at Boston City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Hall and the adjacent Sam Adams Park. This year will feature a Showcase of Innovation. Find out how salt, water and vinegar can be more powerful than bleach. Try out apps that can make your life easier and our world greener. Discover ways to grow a mini-farm in your kitchen. See how easy it is to give new purpose to household objects. Appreciate art and jewelry made from recycled materials.

    At this free event you can experience live music and dance performances from more than 20 countries, watch an eco-fashion show featuring local designers with models walking the runway in upcycled fashion, create a community-wide art piece, view a green film festival, test drive an electric car, listen to inspiring speakers, take a ride on a bike that generates electricity, taste healthy international cuisines, have a drink at the beer and wine garden, and much more.

    Learning comes in many forms. Boston GreenFest is a community classroom. It allows everyone to learn and explore together. It will bring the innovator out that is in each one of us.

    Boston GreenFest is a celebration of life and possibility, providing you with ideas and experiences that can shape your life and the life of your community. When summer comes to a close, see that it closes by opening a door to a greener future. Turn off your AC, call your friends and neighbors, and come explore Boston GreenFest! For more information, and hours, visit http://bostongreenfest.org/

  • Sunday, May 18, 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm – Petals & Palettes on a Sunday Afternoon

    Andover Garden Club’s Petals & Palettes On a Sunday Afternoon will feature artists, floral design, live music, art for sale, and appetizers and beverages. The event takes place Sunday, May 18, from noon until 5 at the Essex Art Center, Lower Level, 56 Island Street in Lawrence.

    More than 70 pieces from two score of the community’s best artists will be displayed, including sculpture, watercolor, oil painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, and fiber arts. Select pieces will be interpreted in floral arrangements à la “Art in Bloom.”

    Much of the artwork will be offered for sale, with a percentage of the proceeds going to support the work of the club.

    The exhibit of art and floral design will offer attendees a chance to take in the fragrance of fresh spring flowers, contemplate the colorful collection of art pieces, tap their feet to the tempo of a live jazz band, sample savory appetizers, and sip select beverages, including wine and beer.  $40 entrance fee.  For more information visit www.andovergardenclub.org, or call 978-475-7119.

    http://static.squarespace.com/static/52321238e4b07e97b45071fd/t/530a8343e4b0dd985a45a285/1393197900027/P&P%20web.png

  • Saturday, August 10, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Estuaries, Oysters and Art

    The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a gala fundraiser, “Estuaries, Oysters and Art,” from 6 to 9 p.m. August 10 at the reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway (Route 28), East Falmouth. The event will feature art inspired by the estuaries, live music, hors d’oeuvre, an oyster bar, an open bar and silent auction.
    Tickets are $60 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 508-457-0495, ext. 155, or online at www.waquoitbayreservefoundation.org.

    http://bytheseaphotos.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Waquoit-00054.jpg

  • Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19, and December 3, 9:30 am – 11:30 am – The Art of Botanical Drawing

    Explore the beauty and variety of plant forms using pencil, paper, watercolor, and colored pencil during adult drawing classes at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Taught by artist and educator, Erica Beade, this four-week course will introduce botanical drawing techniques through close observation and practice with contour, gesture, foreshortening, shading and color. All skill levels are welcome. The four-week series meets November 5, 12, 19 and December 3, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the Harvard Museum of Natural History. (Please note: There will be no class on November 26.) $140 non-members; $126 members (10% discount) Class sizes are limited and advance registration is required. Call 617.495.2341 or email reservations@hmnh.harvard.edu. Payment confirms registration. You may cancel up to two weeks before class and receive a refund less a $30 fee. After that time, no refunds can be made. A full refund is issued if the Museum cancels the program.

  • June, 2008 – Yvette Stenzel Exhibit

    Garden Club of the Back Bay member Yvette Stenzel has a new show of her floral oil paintings at St. George Gallery, 245 Newbury Street, Boston, May through June, 2008. The opening reception will take place Thursday, May 29, from 6-8 pm. Gallery Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11 – 5:30, Sunday Noon – 5 pm.