EXHIBITS & ART AT THE GARDENS
Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the premiere locations for world-class art, special exhibits and innovative programs.
Exhibition details subject to change. Visit www.botanicgardens.org for details.

ART AT THE GARDENS

Signature Exhibition:
KIZUNA: WEST MEETS EAST
May 5 – November 4
Denver Botanic Gardens
This season Denver Botanic Gardens proudly unveils the new Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion and Tea Garden with an expanded Japanese Garden (Shofu-En). Kizuna, meaning “the bonds between people” in Japanese, celebrates the profound influence Japan has had on the West by presenting large site-specific art installations in bamboo by internationally-known artists Tetsunori Kawana and Stephen Talasnik. Explore bamboo’s power and versatility in a variety of forms, including living plant displays.

Tetsunori Kawana is a contemporary Japanese installation artist and ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) master. His bamboo installations have been exhibited internationally at institutions including the New York Botanical Gardens, the Moscow National Museum of Russian Fine Art, the 1996 Arte Sella Biennale (Italy), and the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia. Kawana has long held natural materials close to the heart of his artistic practice. A student of Hiroshi Teshigahara, third grand master of the progressive Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Kawana’s background in living materials and responsiveness to the rhythms of nature lent itself naturally to sculpture with similar sensibilities. Kawana translates the philosophy of ikebana into architecturally-sized bamboo sculptures emphasizing the beauty, strength, and flexibility of the medium. With acute sensitivity to both the drama and subtlety of nature, he transforms poles of bamboo into breathtaking structures of energy and power. His works not only engage an individual’s five senses, but also harness the principles of godai, the Japanese philosophy of five elements: Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Void (sky). Kawana works in green bamboo, which he splits, bends, and manipulates into surprising forms that are individually designed for each site.

Stephen Talasnik is a critically-acclaimed draftsman, sculptor, and installation artist whose work reflects a conversation between fine art and architecture. Featured in the New York Times and in Sculpture magazine, Talasnik has exhibited internationally at institutions including Storm King Art Center (NY), Marlborough Gallery (NYC), the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (Germany). His work is held in the permanent collections of institutions throughout the world, with notable collections including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.; the Metropolitan Museum (NY); the British Museum in London; the Smithsonian Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C.; and the Albertina, Vienna.

A graduate of the famed Rhode Island School of Design, Talasnik spent several years teaching in Tokyo and studying architecture before moving to New York in 1991. Talasnik draws on many influences, ranging from 1960s futurism to urban planning and visionary architecture. Also present in his work are the fluid forms of nature and the exacting skill of both Piranesi and Brunelleschi.

In 2000 Talasnik began producing both large- and small-scale bamboo sculptures of the same complex, visionary structures that seem to hang weightless in his drawings. Forms meander like rivers or appear to float in space.

After an intense design process, Talasnik uses hundreds of bamboo poles to construct large, site-specific structurally-transparent sculptures

EXHIBITION GUIDED TOURS

KIZUNA: WEST MEETS EAST TOURS
Celebrate art, culture, and garden tradition through marvelous bamboo displays, the Japanese Garden complex and other standing focal points for Kizuna, our 2012 signature exhibition. Gardens docents will take you on guided tours through our grounds to discover western and eastern bonds between people, art and plants. 

Drop-in tours are available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. Free with admission, dependent on guide availability.

Tours can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more with three weeks advance notice.

For more details about guided tours, contact tours@botanicgardens.org or 720-865-3539.

GATES GARDEN COURT GALLERY EXHIBITIONS

KENICHI NAGAKURA: FLUID DUALITY
May 12 – Aug 5
Gates Garden Court Gallery
Denver Botanic Gardens
Nagakura expands the Japanese tradition of bamboo baskets, moving beyond the functional into the realm of abstract sculptural forms. Using splitting and plaiting techniques learned from his grandfather, the artist creates forms that are bold and expressionistic. Organized in collaboration with Tai Gallery, Santa Fe.
Reception: Wednesday, May 16, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Curator Talk: 6:30 p.m.

EXHIBITION-RELATED PROGRAMS
 
CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY AND THE OPENING OF KIZUNA:
WEST MEETS EAST
May 5
Denver Botanic Gardens
In Japan May 5 is Children’s Day, when families celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of children. It became a national holiday in 1948, but has long been celebrated. Visit child-friendly stations and see large, carp-shaped streamers. Visit website for details.

Global Gardens Family Night: Evening Activities. Visit website for details.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

PAPERMAKING: EASTERN TECHNIQUES
Study the different fibers that can be used in handcrafted paper including cotton, kozo and other raw materials to create a unique paper. The focus of this class will be hands-on experience in Japanese papermaking.
Cost: $70 member, $85 non-member. No prerequisites.
*Sat., May 5, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
(Workshop held at KOZO-Fine Art Materials, 10 E. Ellsworth Ave., Denver)
Instructor: Patricia Branstead, KOZO

EVENTS

MEMBER ONLY MORNINGS
Friday, May 5
7 – 9 a.m.
Gardens members gain access to the city’s oasis prior to the general public. Something special every time.

2012 ORANGERY DISPLAY: BULB DISPLAY
Through August 27
Specialty annuals will be placed on display in our new Orangery. Come walk among the bright, sunny colors of spring and learn a little about these plants.

EVENTS AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
Our calendar includes many more events, classes and lectures.
For more details including class listings and/or to register, visit http://catalog.botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580.

CHILDREN’S CLASSES AND CAMPS
SEEDLINGS CLASSES FOR TODDELERS AND PRESCHOOLERS (AGES 18 MONTHS TO 6 YEARS)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning mid-January
Denver Botanic Gardens
Seedlings classes offer a fun, hands-on way for young children, ages 18 months to six years, to explore the plant world while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants and their impor¬tance. Classes include interactive explorations, nature walks and stories for children and their caregivers. Seedlings programs are offered for three different age groups and are modified to fit the developmental needs of each group.

18-24 months, Tuesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Stimulate the senses through hands-on experiences with nature.
Cost: $8 member, $10 non-member.

24-36 months, Thursdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Experience nature through art, movement, songs, stories and the senses.
Cost: $8 members, $10 non-member.

3-5 years, Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. - noon
Dig deeper into the subject with fun activities and projects to take home.
Cost: $10 member, $12 non-member.

GARDEN CAMPS FOR KIDS (AGES 6-12)
Denver Botanic Gardens

WEEK-LONG CAMPS
Grow your mind, plant a new friend and dig into the Gardens with our week-long day camps. Each camp contains a variety of activities that allow you discover the world of plants through art, science, cooking, gardening and outdoor exploration.
Cost: $239 member, $259 non-member. Scholarships are available, call for details.

MINI-CAMPS
Spend your day off of school at the Gardens exploring the amazing world of plants. We’ll fill each day with garden explorations, games, activities, projects and take-home gardens.

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Mordecai Children’s Garden
Denver Botanic Gardens
Gather the family together on the first Saturday of each month, April to October, for a unique opportunity to explore nature at night in Mordecai Children’s Garden. Each month brings a new theme with performers in Sagebrush Stage, snacks by the campfire, moon gazing on Marmot Mountain and other fun night time activities. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy in the Children’s Garden. For updated information, please visit our website and let your family’s nightlife bloom.

Global Gardens – May 5, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost per night: $20 member for a family of four, $3 for each additional person. $25 non-member for a family of four, $4 for each additional person. Children two and under are free of charge.

PLANT SALE PREVIEW PARTY
Thursday, May 10
4 – 8 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Plant enthusiasts who want the very best selection can purchase plants before the general public during the Plant Sale Preview Party! Enjoy appetizers, wine and beer while you shop. Our plant experts will be on-hand to answer your gardening questions.

SPRING PLANT SALE
Friday and Saturday, May 11- 12
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Gardens’ Plant Sale will kick off the spring season with more than 85,000 plants for sale, featuring rare and unusual plants that are non-invasive. Horticulture experts will be on-hand to answer questions and assist shoppers in choosing the right plants for their garden. Admission to the sale is free. While visiting the Gardens, guests can enjoy the 2012 signature exhibition, Kizuna: West Meets East.

 
BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION CLASSES
Art meets science in this certification program for the dedicated illustrator, as well as the devoted amateur. With more than150 classes and workshops offered, artists combine scientific accuracy with an aesthetic vision to create beautiful botanicals. Whether you have painted for years or did your last great work in grade school, our instructors will meet you where you are to begin your botanical art journey.
To register for a class, visit http://catalog.botanicgardens.org/Default.aspx?tagid=10 or call the registrar at 720-865-3580.

COLOR LAYERING FOR COLORED PENCIL
Friday – Sunday, May 4 – 6
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Colored pencil presents a special challenge: mixing color directly on your drawing! Learn to use a simple color mixing method adapted to the application of colored pencils.
Cost: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Instructor: Susan Rubin

INTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION
Friday – Sunday, May 25 – 27
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Are you new to drawing? If you can write with a pencil, you can draw with one. Step-by-step, acquire the techniques you need to draw what you see. Build drawing skills to enter the Botanical Illustration Program with confidence.
Cost: $192 member, $243 non-member.
Instructors: Renee Jorgensen, Karla Beatty

BOTANY FOR THE BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATOR
Monday, April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
6 – 9 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The science of the subjects you draw determines what you see! Take a close look at plant anatomy and learn to recognize botanical details that will make your drawings more accurate and realistic.
Cost: $192 member, $245 non-member
Instructors: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski, Renee Jorgensen, Libby Kyer

COLOR MIXING FOR ARTISTS
Wednesday, May 2, 6 – 9 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The first step to watercolor painting is mixing colors. Learn a system for combining colors consistently to eliminate frustrating trial and error. You’ll gain confidence and skills to improve all of your color work.
Cost: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Instructor: Constance Sayas

COLOR LAYERING FOR COLORED PENCIL
Friday – Sunday, May 4 – 6
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Colored pencil presents a special challenge: mixing color directly on your drawing! Learn to use a simple color mixing method adapted to the application of colored pencils.
Cost: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Instructor: Susan Rubin

CASE BINDING
Tuesday, May 1, 8, 15
6 – 9 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Do you subscribe to a newsletter or journal, but can’t find the issue you are looking for? Case bind your journals to organize them and protect them for the future. In this class you will work with case bound structures, which are the most basic of book structures.
Cost: $215 member, $290 non-member. Fee includes supply kit for the books produced during the class. No prerequisites.
Instructor: David Ashley

PAPERMAKING: EASTERN TECHNIQUES
Saturday, May 5
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
KOZO-Fine Art Materials
10 E. Ellsworth Ave., Denver
Study the different fibers that can be used in handcrafted paper including cotton, kozo and other raw materials to create a unique paper. The focus of this class will be hands-on experience in Japanese papermaking.
Cost: $70 member, $85 non-member. No prerequisites.
Instructor: Patricia Branstead, KOZO

THE ELEGANT LINE: CALLIGRAPHY II
Mon., May 7, 14, 21
1 – 4 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Whether working in a formal or an informal script, the brush is natural for creating elegant letterforms. Learn how to maneuver the lively springy character of the brush to bring life to letterforms and decorative strokes. Explore media other than black ink to add the final, personal touch to every artwork.
Cost: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Instructor: Constance Sayas

CAFÉ BOTANIQUE
Every First and Third Thursday
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
This lecture environment provides an atmosphere where botanical science, research and the arts come together for academia, artists and the general public to enrich understanding of plants, art and people and engage in community dialogue. There is no admission fee and pre-registration is not required. Refreshments will be provided. Highlighted events include:

Colorado Bees: 946 species and counting
May 17
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Instructor: Virginia Scott, CU Boulder

2012 BONFILS-STANTON LECTURE SERIES
Keep up with current trends and innovative gardens by attending lectures by renowned speakers from around the country. Here is your chance to learn from the best.
To register, visit www.botanicgardens.org and click on the “programs” link, e-mail registrar@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3580.

2012 BONFILS-STANTON SERIES
BEYOND BARK: PLAYING, LEARNING, GROWING IN DENVER’S CANOPY
A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease.
John Muir

In this Year of the Tree, we are reminded of what these magnificent creations mean to us and what their very idea has (and will continue to) conjured up and stirred within each of us.

Our 2012 series will feature a variety of speakers who have each been immensely inspired by trees and the natural world. Their inspirations have led the speakers to diverse expressions from the building of fantastical tree houses, to creating a miniature depiction of nature with bonsai, to seeing beyond the ordinary and capturing the uniqueness and beauty of bark on camera.

A parallel series of smaller more intimate workshops will accompany the lectures and provide personal opportunities to create, to grow and to experience. Be sure to visit the Bonfils-Stanton Series page on our website for more information on the series and speakers.

MAY LECTURE:
TREEHOUSE TALK
Pete Nelson
Thursday, May 24
7 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street
Mitchell Hall
Tree houses have something to say. They speak in an ancient language and the message is universal: climb up and be in harmony with nature. Let go of earthbound encumbrances and be free. Tree houses possess a transformative power. As soon as you climb through the threshold of a tree house, you’re a changed person. Being held up by the trunk and branches of a tree, surrounded by the raw energy of nature, the soul is inevitably rejuvenated and the spirit lifted.

Professional tree house creator Pete Nelson, shares his creations and stories – taking you on his personal journey that has been guided purely from his heart. The unlikely success of building tree houses for a living comes alive and serves to inspire others to live out their wildest dreams. Come with a happy heart and a hope to leave your earthbound life behind.

Nelson has traveled the world creating masterpieces of arboreal architecture, sharing his deep-felt passion and training with a new generation of tree house builders and dwellers. Nelson designs and builds tree houses with a talented group of individuals through his company, Nelson Tree House and Supply. He is the co-founder of TreeHouse Workshop, started in 1997, which teaches hands on tree house design and construction. He is also the co-founder and host of the Global Treehouse Symposium held annually in September and attended by tree house professionals and amateurs alike from all over the world. His most recent undertaking is Tree House Point, an environmental tree house hotel and retreat center in Issaquah, Washington. Nelson is the author of several books including his newest, New Treehouses of the World.

*Related Workshop*
Life in the Trees: Designing Your Own Treehouse, with Pete Nelson
Friday, May 25
Professional tree house designer, builder and author, Pete Nelson, shares all the ins and outs of how to design your very own tree house – from how to pick the right tree to many unique design ideas. As time allows, Pete will answer questions about your own projects.
 
Cost: Pre-registration for individual Bonfils-Stanton programs: $15 member, $20 non-member. Entire series: $60 member, $85 non-member. Space is limited. So, register early!

HELEN FOWLER LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
Enjoy extended hours to support the novice and professional plant enthusiast. Make use of journals, books, and video resources. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Friday.

View the online catalog at www.botanicgardens.org.

GARDENING HELP
We have answers to your gardening questions! Colorado Master Gardeners are available to answer questions on site from noon – 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Access our experts the following ways:
• In-person at the Gardens' Helen Fowler Library
• By phone: 720-865-3575
• Via email: gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org

Gardening Help is a joint program of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and Denver Botanic Gardens.