"American Botanicals: Mid-Atlantic Native Plants: Exhibit

The reception at the United States Botanic Garden

By Judy Rodgers

On February 15, 2014, the weather outside was snowy, cold, and windy – rather frightful.  Inside the U.S. Botanic Garden it was warm, with music in the background, beautiful original art for viewing, laughter and accolades.  The Botanical Artists for Education and the Environment held the kick-off reception for their exhibit, ‘American Botanicals: Mid-Atlantic Native Plants'.  The exhibited paintings are included in the BAEE book, American Botanical Paintings: Native Plants of the Mid Atlantic, which is available for purchase at www.starbooks.biz. All profits generated by book sales will be donated to nonprofit organizations supporting art and the environment.

Tomoko Connolly with  Cypripedium kentuckiense, Kentucky Lady's Slipper

Despite the unpredictable weather, the reception was very well attended and received.  Two CVBA members who attended are pictured here with their beautiful paintings.  The exhibit will be in place until June 19, 2014. Don’t miss it.

Judith Towers with Osmunda cinnamomea, Cinnamon Fern

The book, open to Cercis canadensis, Eastern redbud by Juliet Kirby

Visitors to the exhibit February 22 through April 27, 2014 will have an added bonus as the USBG Orchid Show is in place in the Conservatory.  It features orchids from all over the world in a multitude of environments. Visitors will see desert orchids, jungle orchids and even orchids used in medicine and cooking against the gorgeous backdrop of the U.S. Botanic Garden collections.  Once you enter the doors of the Conservatory, you will quickly forget the weather.