Accompanying Programs:
3pm: Introduction and welcome by Marcy B. Freedman, curator of A Plethora of Plants, and Elizabeth Hammer. Exhibiting artists available for questions and discussion, refreshments available.
Guild Hall
A Plethora of Plants:
Real, Observed, Imagined
A Statement from the Curator, Marcy B. Freedman
From the extraordinary botanical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci to the strange plant/human hybrids created by Odilon Redon, the flora of our planet has inspired artists around the world to create great works of art – for centuries. And contemporary artists are no different! As demonstrated by the paintings, drawings, photographs, textiles, sculptures and video works in this exhibition, it is clear that many artists of today strive to continue the tradition of closely observing the natural world, while others use nature as the starting point for an imaginative adventure of creative invention. In order to enhance the experience of our visitors, the exhibition also includes real plants, an interactive display of plant-based fragrances, and an original, plant-inspired soundscape.
Visual Artists in the Exhibition:
Lisa Breznak, Marsi Burns & Nickolas Riggs, Ivy Dachman, Loren Eiferman, Carla Rae Johnson, Natalya Khorover, Janice LaMotta, Corinne Lapin-Cohen, Rita Maas,
Mary McFerran, Linda Nemergut, Loretta Oleck,
Gene Panczenko, Leslie Pelino, Richard Rosenbaum,
Ilse Schreiber-Noll, Thomas Sarrantonio, Devin Siglock, Tom Smith
Soundscape by Skin Against Metal
Fragrance display by Nell Valentine Cote
The blossoming of the Hammond’s Kwanzan and Weeping Cherry Trees is one of our favorite spring events. This year the exhibition A Plethora of Plants: Real, Observed, Imaginary makes this celebration even richer. Join us for an afternoon enjoying these wonderful trees and the art they inspire.
Parade of the Plant People
Spring is the time when plants put on their vibrant floral fashions and fill our Japanese Stroll Garden with color. Share the beauty and joy of spring blossoms by dressing up as a plant or in your favorite floral attire and join together to create an explosion of color in the garden and exhibition. Don’t miss seeing several exhibiting artists in their floral regalia!
Early in 2024, Marcy B. Freedman invited a talented group of writers and musicians to create new works about . . . plants! On May 5th at 3pm, museum visitors will be able to experience the extraordinary results of Freedman’s request, which vary from silly to solemn. This multi-disciplinary performance will delight art lovers and nature lovers, alike.
The Musicians: Skin Against Metal
The Writers: Andrew Acciaro, Jeff Fuerst, Loretta Oleck, Nina Semczuk, Ted Taylor
Part Ridge: Flos Vitae Musical Improvisations
Free with museum admission
Please join us for an afternoon/evening of modern music! As part of A Plethora of Plants: Real, Observed, Imagined exhibition, Part Ridge will perform Flos Vitae, an original work that reflects the stages of flower development, and other improvisational works consistent with the theme of the exhibition.
Connect, Collaborate, and Create Dance Workshop with Marsi Burns
Saturday, June 8, 11am-12:30pm
Tickets: $25 per person
Enliven your body in this improvisational, multigenerational, multigender dance workshop for teens through seniors (16-90’s). In this workshop we will connect to ourselves, connect with each other and connect to the environment and art in a site responsive workshop open to all levels of movers, non-dancers and dancers. We will dance with and among the current art exhibitions in the museum and, weather permitting, the Japanese Stroll Garden.
Flowers! In Western Art and in Marcy’s Closet
Free with museum admission
Artist and art historian Marcy B. Freedman will address the world of flowers in two ways: she will present an overview of floral paintings in Western Art from the Renaissance to the present, and she will conduct an interactive performance using floral garments from her own closet. This event will mark the closing of the exhibition A Plethora of Plants: Real, Observed, Imagined.
PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY
ARTSWESTCHESTER
WESTCHESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT