UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens’ 2nd annual Bigleaf Magnolia Art and Garden Festival will include art workshops for adults and families, two exhibits, trail tours, and a silent auction. The festival will take place from May 15th – 17th.
In advance of the festival, artists are encouraged to submit work to two juried exhibits highlighting botanical and garden-inspired art: Flower Encounters (2-D art to be displayed in the Rowe Galleries at UNC Charlotte) and Bigleaf Magnolia Totem Trail (a display of garden art totems to be displayed in our lovely woodland garden, the Van Landingham Glen).
In addition, artists (all experience levels) are invited to register for a free Garden Totem open-paint event the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens (April 25th, 9 am – 4 pm). Totems created during this event will be displayed during the Festival.
The festival kicks-off on Friday, May 15th with a day of adult art workshops and an opening reception for Flower Encounters and our Bigleaf Magnolia Totem Trail from 6 – 8 pm. Adult workshops continue through Saturday, May 16th.
Family workshops are scheduled for Sunday, May 17th, and tours of the Totem Trail are scheduled all weekend.
Both exhibits will be on view through June 15. All garden totems will be offered for silent auction and the art works in Flower Encounters will be offered for silent auction or sale.
The totem open-paint is free, but requires registration. The exhibits, opening reception, and trail tours are free and open to the public. All workshops require registration (registration opens March 15).
Questions may also be directed to AmyTipton@uncc.edu with “Garden Arts” in the subject line.
“Flower Encounters” Botanical Art Contest and Exhibit
We are currently seeking entries of drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, and 2-D mixed media for a juried exhibit of botanical art. Entries are due April 15, 2020. Exhibit from May 15 – June 15, 2020 in Rowe Gallery, UNCC. Contact amytipton@uncc.edu for more information.
Garden Totems Contest and Exhibit
Help us create an art trail in the Van Landingham Glen as part of our Big Leaf Magnolia Art and Garden Festival! Donate your artwork and see it installed along our trails prior to being auctioned to benefit the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.
CALL TO ARTISTS: See more information including rules and deadline for submissions here.
ENTRY FORM: Download and complete the official entry form here.
Garden Totem Open Paint Event
Saturday, April 25: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
McMillan Greenhouse Classroom
Make a Garden Totem at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens! We will provide 4″ x 4″ x 6′ primed treated lumber posts and paint. We will seal finished totems with Polycrylic to ensure weather resistance. Participants are encouraged to bring additional materials for their totems if they choose, but please keep in mind that the finished totems will need to be able to withstand NC weather.
Garden Totems will be installed in the Van Landingham Glen to create an art trail for our Big Leaf Magnolia Art and Garden Festival!
Donate your artwork and see it installed along our trails prior to being auctioned to benefit UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens’ educational programming.
Free. All basic materials provided. Bring your lunch for a picnic in the outdoor gardens if you wish. Registration is required to assure we have enough materials available for all participants. Register for the totem-making event by emailing amytipton@uncc.edu.