You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘botanical art exhibition’ tag.
by Deb Shaw

Hylocereus undatus pitahayas, Pitaya or Dragon Fruit, watercolor by Diane Nelson Daly, © 2016. The dragon fruit is the fruit of a cactus species indigenous to the Americas. The fruit is sweet and crunchy with a flavor that is a cross between kiwi and pear.
Cornucopia, a botanical art exhibition of all things edible by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC) will open Friday, September 23 in the Ecke Building at the San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG). The exhibit runs from September 23 – November 18, and includes 47 artworks by 21 BAGSC artists, illustrating the diverse plants that people use all over the world for food, drink and flavorings. The paintings are accompanied by descriptions, stories or recipes written by the artists.
The opening reception will be Friday, September 23, from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. The public is invited; the exhibition is free with paid admission or membership.
Artists in the exhibition include: Bonnie Born Ash, Nancy Beckham, Jan Clouse, Diane Nelson Daly, Estelle DeRidder, Asuka Hishiki, Cynthia Jackson, Susan Jackson, Clara Josephs, Teresa Kuwahara, Patricia A. Mark, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Kathy Morgan, Terri Munroe, Alyse Ochniak, Mitsuko Schultz, Janice Sharp, Deborah Shaw, Ellie Yun-Hui Tu, Leslie Walker, Jude Wiesenfeld.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, California 92024, 760.436.3036. Directions can be found on the SDBG website. Download the postcard invitation featuring a watercolor by Teresa Kuwahara: cornucopia-invitation-postcard.
by Susan Jackson, posted by Deb Shaw
A new exhibit has just opened at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park that botanical artists would find quite interesting. It is located in the Eleanor and Jerome Navarra Special Collections Gallery on the third floor of the museum. It is a permanent exhibition called Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People: A History of Citizen Science which features rare books, art, photographs, maps and historical documents that pay homage to the past, present, and future of citizen science.
The upper mezzanine features an exhibit that a botanical artist will not want to miss. On display are nine “Plant Portraits” by the early twentieth century painter, A. R. Valentien. He was commissioned by the philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps to paint California wildflowers. Over a period of ten years, Valentien traveled around California creating exquisite watercolor and gouache scientific illustrations. Part of the collection of 1,094 paintings, all done on 13x 20 paper, will be rotated in this gallery. A book which includes photographs of all the paintings can be found in the gift shop, however, it is no substitute for seeing the real thing. Bring your magnifying glass.
The gallery also has original catalogs from Pierre-Joseph Redoute, William Curtis, Auguste Johann Rosel von Rosenhoff, and John James Audubon. These are huge volumes printed in black ink and then hand colored. They are a reminder of a time before photography when beautiful books were only available to the very wealthy. Although we frequently see prints that originated from these catalogs, there is something very special in actually seeing the originals.
More information about the exhibit and the San Diego Natural History Museum may be found on their website. There is also a short video about the Valentien Collection, which can be seen by clicking on the arrow located on the close up view of the Mariposa Lily. If you decide to visit, plan on spending several hours, because there are lots of other things to see as well.
The San Diego Museum of Natural History is located at 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Museum is open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, and until 8 PM on most Fridays this summer. Visit the website for ticket prices and specific daily hours; the Museum may close early on some days.
by Deb Shaw
Hunt 15th International Exhibition of Botanical Art and Illustration
Every three years the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) holds its annual conference in Pittsburgh, PA to coincide with the Hunt Institute’s International Exhibition. This year is no exception: the 15th International Exhibition will open on September 15, and will run through December 15, 2016.
The Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation established the International Exhibition in 1964 with the purpose of supporting and encouraging contemporary botanical artists. The upcoming exhibition features 43 works by 43 different artists from 15 different countries. A few selected works from the exhibition can be viewed on the website.
![Cover of the Hunt 15th International Exhibition Catalog. Cover art: Soft Tree Fern, Dicksonia antarctica [Dicksonia antarctica Labillardière, Dicksoniaceae], watercolor on paper by Laurie Andrews (1936–), 2008, 76.5 × 56.5 cm, HI Art accession no. 8078, reproduced by permission of the artist.](https://bagscblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/hibd-15th-international-title.jpg?w=300&h=476)
Cover of the Hunt 15th International Exhibition Catalog. Cover art: Soft Tree Fern, Dicksonia antarctica [Dicksonia antarctica Labillardière, Dicksoniaceae], watercolor on paper by Laurie Andrews (1936–), 2008, 76.5 × 56.5 cm, HI Art accession no. 8078, reproduced by permission of the artist.
The opening reception on October 13, from 6 pm – 9 pm is open to the public, and also is a highlight of the ASBA conference. The curators of the exhibition will give a short introduction to the exhibition in the gallery at 6:30 pm. Catalogues will be available for sale at the opening.
The Hunt Institute is located at: 4909 Frew Street, 5th Floor, Hunt Library. The exhibition will be on display on the 5th floor of the Hunt Library building at Carnegie Mellon University and will be open to the public free of charge. Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–4 p.m. (except 20 November and 24–27 November). Because the Hunt’s hours of operation are occasionally subject to change, please call or email before your visit to confirm. For further information, contact the Hunt Institute at 412-268-2434, or email.
Early Bird Registration for the 22nd Annual ASBA Meeting and Conference CLOSES AUGUST 7, 2016!
The deadline for early registration discounts for the 22nd Annual ASBA Meeting and Conference closes on August 7, 2016. Early registration fees (on or before August 7) are $360. Register now online. After August 7, registration jumps to $425. Registration closes September 4, 2016, no exceptions.
Join ten other BAGSC members who have registered for the conference so far. See old friends, meet new friends from all over the world, learn new techniques and get inspired.
The conference will be held at the Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center, just a few blocks from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, The Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. And, of course, there is the Hunt 15th Annual International Exhibition—one of the world’s most prestigious exhibitions of botanical art and a must-see.
BAGSC member Margaret Best will be teaching a one-day workshop on watercolor, “From the Ground Up.” BAGSC member Deborah Shaw will be giving an up-to-the-very-minute lecture about how to protect your images on the web, along with some tips and tricks and a list of helpful and fun apps.
There are still openings in various workshops, including graphite, colored pencil, and pen-and-ink. There are many fascinating lectures available at no additional charge. And there are openings available for a field trip to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater.
Read about the conference, sessions and instructors on ASBA’s website, make your selections, then go to the online registration site to register.
There are 193 ASBA members who have registered so far. Come join us in Pittsburgh!
by Deb Shaw

Prunus dulcis, Almond, watercolor by Margaret Best, © 2016, all rights reserved.
BAGSC members Margaret Best, Akiko Enokido, Asuka Hishiki, Mitsuko Schultz, and Deborah Shaw have been accepted into the 19th Annual International American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) and The Horticultural Society of New York.
Jurors Susan Fraser (Director, Mertz Library,The New York Botanical Garden), David Horak (Curator of the Aquatic House, Brooklyn Botanic Garden), and Catherine Watters (Botanical Artist) chose 48 artworks from 258 submissions. Works in the exhibition include artists from the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Camellia japonica ‘Hakuho’, Heirloom Camellia ‘Hakuho’ ‘White Phoenix’, watercolor on vellum by Akiko Enokido, © 2015, all rights reserved.
This year’s exhibition is in a new venue: it will be hosted by the New York Design Center and installed in their bright, airy, contemporary gallery space, 1stDibs, on the tenth floor. The Horticultural Society of New York, New York Design Center, and ASBA are designing special outreach events and programs, to be announced in September.
The opening reception will take place on Thursday evening, November 3, 2016 and will be on display through December 30, 2016. The catalog of artwork images will be posted on ASBA’s website the day of the opening. A full-color catalog will be published and available on ASBA’s website, as well as at the 1stDibs Gallery and at The Horticultural Society of New York. For further information please contact ASBA’s Exhibitions Director.
1stDibs is located on the 10th Floor of The New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, 10018. Gallery Hours are 9:30 – 5:30 Monday – Friday.

Solanum lycopersicm, Dancing Duo 34-A, Portrait of an Heirloom Tomato, watercolor by Asuka Hishiki, © 2016, all rights reserved.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus, watercolor by Mitsuko Schultz, © 2016, all rights reserved.

Opuntia spp. Fruit, Tunas or Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit, watercolor on vellum by Deborah Shaw, © 2016, all rights reserved.
by Deb Shaw

“Fragaria x ananassa ‘Fragoo Pink’,” Strawberry, watercolor by Mitsuko Schultz, © 2013, all rights reserved.
Submission deadlines for the The BAGSC exhibition “Cornucopia” at The San Diego Botanic Garden, Ecke Building are roaring up soon. Complete submission of up to three (3) artworks, forms, digital images and $35 entry fee are due by August 12, 2016.
“Cornucopia” will focus on all plants consumable. All life depends on plants, so let’s celebrate the diversity of plant life used in food, beverages and to enhance flavor. Draw or paint the weird fruit or vegetable found in the grocery store, the prize tomato from your backyard garden, an exotic spice or the essential ingredient of a beverage (such as hops!). If you can, include a recipe using your plant subject, or some information about how the plant is used. Submitted artworks can include any traditional media, including watercolor, colored pencil, graphite and pen and ink.
All current BAGSC members in good standing (dues paid) are eligible to enter up to three (3) two-dimensional artwork(s). High quality prints are acceptable, but no photos or digital enhancements please. We are encouraging all BAGSC members, of all experience levels to enter at least one piece.
This is not a juries show. Though not a juried show, if space becomes an issue, selections will be made to show a diversity of subjects and to include as many artists as possible.
The “Call for Entries” packet was sent via email blast to all BAGSC members. If you did not receive it, or have problems with the file, please contact Deb Shaw or Janice Sharp.
Looking forward to seeing your incredible edibles!
by Bonnie Born Ash, photos by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw
On Saturday afternoon, July 16, 2016, a festive opening reception for “Capturing the Arboretum: the Art of Botanical Illustration” was held in the newly renovated Arboretum Library. Participating BAGSC artists were Cristina Baltayian, Bonnie Born Ash, Diane Nelson Daly, Estelle DeRidder, Nancy Grubb, Cynthia Jackson, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Marilyn Parrino, Mitsuko Schultz, Janice Sharp, Deborah Shaw, and Beth Stone.
Artists and guests enjoyed viewing twenty-three fine works of art depicting plants of the Arboretum. Individual works were enhanced by comments from Jurors James Henrich, Arboretum’s Curator of Living Collections; Arboretum Librarian Susan Eubank; and Olga Eysymontt, Botanical Art Teacher. In addition, artwork signage gives the specific location in the reference library to find additional information on each plant illustrated.
Throughout the reception, Estelle DeRidder and Mitsuko Schultz demonstrated botanical art techniques. Additional artist demonstrations are planned in the Library on two Saturdays, August 27 and September 24. The exhibition continues through December 29. Many thanks to our jurors, volunteers, and congratulations to all participating artists!
Library Location
The Arboretum Library is located within The Arboretum. Go straight through the double doors on the left (east) of the entrance rotunda.
Library Hours
Tuesday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Susan Eubank, Librarian
Phone: (626)821-3213
Fax: (626)445-1217
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is located at 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007.
Click on an image below to enlarge and view through a slide show format.
By Tania Marien and Estelle DeRidder, posted by Deb Shaw

Patricia Mark at the opening reception “For the Love of Botanicals.” Photo credit: Tania Marien, © 2016.
This month BAGSC President Patricia Mark shared her passion for plants, gardens and art in her solo exhibition For the Love of Botanicals.
Twenty drawings and paintings adorned the walls of Bunny Gunner Gallery, a bright and airy gallery located along the quaint tree-lined streets of the historic Claremont Village, in Claremont, California.
The exhibition opened with a very successful reception on July 2. The gallery filled immediately with admiring and enthusiastic guests. Guests included members of the public, friends and current and former Guild members.
Patricia’s paintings were rendered on archival cotton rag in watercolor, colored pencil and graphite. The paintings range in size from approximately 10″ x 10″ to 16″ x 20″. With good street exposure, the artwork is clearly visible from outside the intimate gallery, which attracted members of the public who might not have had intentions of visiting a botanical art exhibition. During the reception the guests spent time examining the artwork up-close and admiring the detail. Many of the pieces have sold.

BAGSC members at Patricia Mark’s opening reception included (from left to right): Melanie Campbell-Carter, Patricia Mark, Marilyn Parrino, and Nancy Beckham. Photo credit: Tania Marien, © 2016.
Patricia earned a Botanical Art Certificate at Filoli. Her work has been shown at Filoli, Descanso Gardens, Chapman University Leatherby Library, Roger’s Garden, the Pasadena Showcase House, the Theodore Payne Gallery and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
This exhibit has been extended till August 3rd, with an additional Artists’ Reception on Saturday, July 30 from 6 pm – 9 pm.
The Bunny Gunner Gallery is located at 230 West Bonita Avenue, Claremont, California, 91711, 909.624.7238. The gallery is open:
Tuesday: 12 – 6 pm
Wednesday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 12 am – 4 pm

This notice of the Art Show appeared in the latest issue of the Arboretum Newsletter. Artwork by Diane Daly, © 2016, all rights reserved.
by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw
The Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California will present an exhibit of their work depicting Arboretum trees and flowers from July 16 to December 29 in the Arboretum Library at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Meet the artists featured in Capturing the Arboretum: The Art of Botanical Illustration at a reception:
Saturday, July 16, 2016
1 pm – 3 pm in the Arboretum Library
Members of the local chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists will demonstrate botanical art techniques including graphite, colored pencil and watercolor in the Library on two Saturdays, August 27 and September 24. Prints and cards will be sold during demonstrations, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Los Angeles Arboretum.
The Guild promotes public awareness of this artistic tradition.
BAGSC artists participating in The Art of Botanical Illustration include: Bonnie Born Ash, Cristina Baltayian, Diane Nelson Daly, Estelle DeRidder, Nancy Grubb, Cynthia Jackson, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Marilyn Parrino, Mitsuko Schultz, Janice Sharp, Deborah Shaw, and Beth Stone. Congrats to all!
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is located at: 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, 626.821.3222.
The Arboretum Library is located within The Arboretum. Go straight through the double doors on the left (east) of the entrance rotunda.
Library Hours are from:
Tuesday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
by Patricia Mark, posted by Deb Shaw

Invitation postcard for Patrica Mark’s exhibition, “For the Love of Botanicals.” Artwork by Patricia Mark, © 2016, all rights reserved.
BAGSC President Patricia Mark will be having a solo exhibition at the Bunny Gunner Gallery, in Claremont, California, in the Village. Entitled “For the Love of Botanicals,” the exhibition is in memory of Francis Beatty.
Opening night reception:
July 2, 6 – 9 pm
Exhibition:
July 2 – July 8, 2016
The Bunny Gunner Gallery is located at 230 West Bonita Avenue, Claremont, California. Hours are:
Tuesday, Noon – 6 pm
Wednesday – Friday, 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday, Noon – 4 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw

Download a PDF of plant introductions by the Los Angeles Arboretum, beginning in 1957 by clicking the link in the article.
Starting in 1957 and continuing through to the present, The Arboretum has been responsible for the introduction of plants from around the world to Southern California. Many of these plants are now indispensable elements in our Southern California Gardens.
Download a list of 116 plants that have been introduced by The Arboretum by clicking this link: Arboretum Plant Introductions. Of course, this list of plant introductions doesn’t even come close to identifying all the plants in the Garden, but BAGSC members may find it useful for creating artwork for the upcoming exhibition at The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens newly renovated library, “Capturing the Arboretum: The Art of Botanical Illustration”
This list was originally posted in our blog article some years ago about the Arboretum note card project. It contains the currant names of the introduced plants, the year of introduction, and the accession number. The form also includes whether the plant is from a cutting (“C”), a seed (“S”), a graft (“G”) or a scion (“Scion”). Plants in bold type and underlined happen to be favorites of Richard Schulhof, CEO of the Arboretum.
In addition to the plant listing is a list of botanical names, common names and where the plants are found around the world.

When you first click on the link in the story to the Google map of the locations of Arboretum introductions, this is what you’ll see; a list of all the plants with their locations as dots on the map. Click on “Satellite” view in the upper right corner of the map to see the information displayed over a photographic map.
If you want to find any of these plants while at the Arboretum, we have a link to a Google map of the locations of Arboretum introductions throughout the Arboretum grounds (thank you Frank!) which also was previously published on the BAGSC Blog in conjunction with the note card project.
This data is about nine years old, so some plants from the list may be missing from the maps, and vice versa, but it’s a start to the treasure hunt. When you open the site, click on “satellite” view and zoom in to see the paths and roads in the Arboretum to use as landmarks, and to find your way around.

“Satellite” view of the Google map of the locations of Arboretum introductions. Keep zooming in to see the paths, roads and landmarks in the Arboretum grounds.
Questions? Contact Janice Sharp.
Happy painting!
by Deb Shaw
Blick Art Materials is having a sale on a selection of their Bamboo Gallery Frames. Save 60 percent off list price for the 14 x 18, 16 x 20, and 24 x 36 sizes. The 16” x 20” (#18858-7916) is the frame specified for the upcoming BAGSC exhibition “Capturing the Arboretum: The Art of Botanical Illustration.”
Support ASBA while saving money! Go to the ASBA website > Support Us > Shop Dick Blick and click on the link (or click here: https://www.asba-art.org/support-us/dick-blick). ASBA receives a portion of your purchase price at dickblick.com when you link to their website from ASBA’s.
Questions about BAGSC exhibitions and framing? Contact Janice Sharp.
by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw

Akiko Enokido painted this watercolor of Chorisia speciosa, Floss Silk Tree, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The LA Arboretum has introduced four varieties of Chorisia speciosa. © Akiko Enokido, 2009, all rights reserved.
The Arboretum Library is a wonderful space for exhibiting art. [See the BAGSC News blog posting about the Arboretum Library here.] BAGSC members have been invited to participate in an art show in this newly renovated space. Entitled “Capturing the Arboretum: The Art of Botanical Illustration”, the subject matter is plants growing in the Arboretum. This is a juried show and art will be juried on its botanical accuracy and “art appeal”.
This exhibition will open July 16, 2016 and run until December 29, 2016. A reception will be held in the library on Saturday, July 16, 2016 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Questions? Contact: Janice Sharp.
Complete submission of up to three (3) artworks, forms, digital images and $35 entry fee are due by June 15, 2016. The official “Call for Entries” packet has been emailed to BAGSC members. Please contact Janice if you did not receive the Call for Entries packet.
Happy painting!
by Lesley Randall, posted by Deb Shaw

“Fragaria x ananassa ‘Fragoo Pink’,” Strawberry, watercolor by Mitsuko Schultz, © 2013, all rights reserved.
BAGSC Call for entries for Edible Plants: Eat, Drink and Spice it up!
This BAGSC Exhibition at the San Diego Botanic Gardens will focus on all plants consumable. All life depends on plants, so let’s celebrate the diversity of plant life that is used in food, beverages and to enhance flavor. Draw or paint the weird fruit or vegetable found in the grocery store, the prize tomato from your backyard garden, an exotic spice or the essential ingredient of a beverage (such as hops!). If you can, include a recipe using your plant subject, or some information about how the plant is used.
All BAGSC members in good standing (dues paid) are eligible to submit up to three pieces of two-dimensional art work. High quality prints are acceptable, but no photos or digital enhancements please. Email images and entry forms to Lesley Randall. CDs of artwork can be mailed to Lesley’s home address along with the paperwork and entry fee. A full “Call for Entries” packet will be emailed soon to all BAGSC members.
Venue: San Diego Botanic Garden, Ecke Building
Dates: Sept 23rd through November 18th 2016
Submission Deadline: August 12th 2016
Entry fee: $35.00. Payable to BAGSC.
Framing and Matting: ASBA standard – light to medium, simple wood frame. White to off-white matt with no colored liner.
Notification of acceptance: August 19 2016. Though not a juried show, if space becomes an issue, selections will be made to show a diversity of subjects and to include as many artists as possible.
Happy painting, eating and drinking!
by Deb Shaw

Invitation postcard for “Looking for Flora,” Roger’s Gardens. Watercolor on vellum by Akiko Enokido, Camellia japonica ‘Kingyoba tsubaki’, © 2016, all rights reserved.
Roger’s Gardens Fine Art Gallery will be hosting a juried exhibition of BAGSC artists, entitled “Looking for Flora: An Exhibition of Botanical Art” from May 21 – June 5, 2016.
Several exhibiting artists will paint in the gardens on May 21, from 12 pm – 4 pm, followed by a reception with the artists in the Art Gallery from 4 pm – 6 pm.
Exhibiting artists include: Diane Nelson Daly • Estelle DeRidder • Akiko Enokido • Cynthia Jackson • Arillyn Moran-Lawrence • Joan Keesey • Suzanne Kuuskmae • Lesley Randall • Gilly Shaeffer • Janice Sharp • Deborah Shaw • Grace Swanson • Ellie Yun-Hui Tu
Download the complete postcard here: Looking for Flora-Postcard-2
Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, 949.640.5800. Hours are 9 am – 6 pm. Roger’s is dog-friendly.
Congratulations to all of the artists, and looking forward to seeing you at the Opening, May 21!










