Written by Mikaela Ryan
This summer, The Arboretum invites you to explore the beauty of nature through art. Art in the Arb is a completely free, open-media art series welcoming creatives of all kinds to delve into unique natural themes. Each session will include a short introduction with a guided tour to explore the theme, followed by relaxed creative time outdoors or in our indoor workshop space with natural samples and images! Bring your own supplies, get creative, and enjoy the peace and beauty of The Arboretum’s grounds and gardens. All forms of media and experience levels are welcome!
There are seven unique sessions this summer, including:
In Full Bloom on Thursday, June 26, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
This creative session invites you to explore delicate structures, vibrant colours, and the beauty of summer flowers! Use this time to capture blooms in your craft. Get familiar with our gardens and use your creative vision to draw inspiration.
Pollinator Perspectives on Thursday, July 3, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Explore the buzz of pollinator life through your artistic lens. The Arboretum hosts many pollinator friends. Capture their hustle, bustle, and natural draw to our flowers your way!
Under the Canopy on Tuesday, July 8, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Let towering trees talk and play with structure, colour, light, and scale as you see fit. Our impressive, diverse forests have no shortage of inspiration. Tell their stories through your practice.
Natural Textures & Patterns on Tuesday, July 22, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Rough bark, layers of moss, soft petals, and grass carpets! Look closer and gather inspiration from endless details in nature. Nature is filled with textures and patterns; absorb yourself and create based on these often-overlooked elements.
Preserved Inspiration on Thursday, July 31, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Get a rare look at pressed plants from decades ago! In this indoor session, we bring the diversity of ecosystems to you using The Arboretum’s historic herbarium collection! Play with muted tones, delicate samples, and details frozen in time. Explore these specimens as artistic subjects and view a collection that has never been seen by the public before!
Summer Landscape on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Capture summer’s palette inspired by lush seasonal growth on our beautiful grounds. How do you picture summer? Bold greens, lively movement and rhythm, and warm sunlit foliage leave the creativity up to you! Take inspiration from our landscapes to their fullest!
Lines in Nature & Design: Manmade Beauty on Monday, August 18, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Symmetry, structure, and human influence shine in our groomed gardens. Through your artistic practice, discover the balance between nature and built beauty! Enjoy the peace and inspiration of our Japanese, English, and Italian Gardens.
Please register on the “Workshops” page of The Arboretum’s website or contact Mikaela Ryan, the Art in the Arb program coordinator, for more details! We are excited to create with you!
