FREE DAYS
Free days for Colorado residents are held throughout the year at both Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).
 
Free Days occur during regular Gardens hours only, and do not include ticketed events.
 
Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street location) on Friday, Nov. 2

Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield on Friday, Nov. 2

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 [1] for details.

KIZUNA: WEST MEETS EAST
Through 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 [2] or 720-865-3539.

GATES GARDEN COURT GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
 
SOMEONE LIKE YOU: PAINTINGS BY MARGARET KASAHARA
Through Nov. 4, 2012
Gates Garden Court Gallery
Denver Botanic Gardens
Artist Margaret Kasahara uses the lightness of kitsch and humor to explore the heavy topics of stereotypes and personal identity. As a Japanese American living in the West, her colorful images pull from Japanese pop culture and manga, as well as cowboy hats and hamburgers. Exhibition organized in collaboration with Sandra Phillips Gallery, Denver.

Margaret Kasahara was born in New York City, raised in Boulder, Colorado and currently resides in Colorado Springs. She received a BFA degree from the Kansas City Art Institute, where she graduated with honors. She has exhibited her artwork at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the Denver Art Museum, the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado, the Gallery of Contemporary Art at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico, the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California, and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center and Buell Children’s Museum in Pueblo, Colorado. Her paintings and drawings have been exhibited in gallery shows in Dallas; Houston; Kansas City, MO; New York City; Salt Lake City; Santa Fe and Toronto, Canada. She has been the recipient of national and regional awards for both her paintings and drawings. In addition to the inclusion in numerous private and corporate collections, her artwork has also been commissioned for editorial and corporate print media, including American Express, Banco de Mexico, Cunard Cruise Lines, Euro Disney/France, Four Seasons Hotel, Hyatt Regency/Japan, McDonald’s, Nordstrom and the New York Times Magazine. Additional commissions include a mural for the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado Police Department and Municipal Court Facility. She is represented by Art & Soul Gallery in Boulder and the Sandra Phillips Gallery in Denver, Colorado.

CONTEMPORARY TRADITIONS: BOTANICAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION
Nov 19, 2012 - Feb 5, 2013
Gates Garden Court Gallery
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Botanical Art & Illustration Certificate Program combines scientific exactitude and creative self-expression to produce beautiful and accurate plant portraits. Noted British botanical artist Ann Swan juries this year’s exhibition, which includes calligraphy, bookbinding and papermaking.
Reception: Sunday, Nov. 18, 1 – 3 p.m.

EVENTS

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Saturday, November 4
5 – 10 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Experience the Gardens and its special exhibition, Kizuna, as part of this city-wide celebration of the arts.

Details subject to change. Please visit www.botanicgardens.org [1] for the most current information.

2012 CHIPOTLE SUSTAINABLE FILM SERIES

Cafeteria Man
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m.
Mitchell Hall
Denver Botanic Gardens
For the third year, Chipotle returns as the Presenting Sponsor of the Sustainable Food Film Series, benefiting Denver Botanic Gardens.  Please check the website (www.botanicgardens.org [1]) for full program descriptions.

Cafeteria Man, Directed by Richard Chisolm
Cafeteria Man is a story of positive movement that shows what's possible in our nation's schools. It’s about the aspiration of social activists and citizens coming together to change the way kids eat at school. It’s about overhauling a dysfunctional nutritional system. And, it’s the story of what it takes, and who it takes, to make solutions happen.
The feature documentary film chronicles an ambitious effort to ‘green’ the public school diet serving 83,000 students in Baltimore.  Leading the charge to replace pre-plated, processed foods with locally-grown, freshly-prepared meals is Tony Geraci, food-service director for Baltimore public schools. A charismatic chef from New Orleans, Geraci's bold vision includes school vegetable gardens, student-designed meals, meatless Mondays, and nutrition education in the classroom. His mission is as audacious as it is practical.

Food tasting at 6, film begins at 6:30
Cost: FREE (A suggested donation of $5 supports educational programming at Denver Botanic Gardens)

Queen of the Sun – What are the Bees Telling us?
Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6-8 p.m.
Mitchell Hall
Denver Botanic Gardens
For the third year, Chipotle returns as the Presenting Sponsor of the Sustainable Food Film Series, benefiting Denver Botanic Gardens.  Please check the website (www.botanicgardens.org [1]) for full program descriptions.

Queen of the Sun – What are the Bees Telling us?, Directed by Taggart Siegel
Queen of the Sun-What Are the Bees Telling Us? is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from director Taggart Siegel.  Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature.

Food tasting at 6, film begins at 6:30
Cost: FREE (A suggested donation of $5 supports educational programming at Denver Botanic Gardens)

2012 ORANGERY DISPLAY
JAPANESE-THEMED DISPLAY – through November 18
Chrysanthemums, bamboo and character pines will be on display in our Orangery. Come walk among the bright, warm colors of fall.
HOLIDAY DISPLAY – Nov. 21 – Jan. 6, 2013

EVENTS AT DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
Our calendar includes many more events, classes and lectures.
Visit www.botanicgardens.org [1] or call 720-865-3585 for details.

MOMMY AND ME YOGA (DADDIES TOO!)
Monday afternoons
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Certified yoga instructor Chris Anne Coviello and her daughter will lead you and your baby in exercises, dances and relaxation movements that will allow you and your child to rejoice together. As your children stay by your side, you will move, breathe dance, stretch and strengthen. The children will then join you for their turn with movement, coordinated with songs, dancing and brain development exercises. Yoga is an excellent way for moms to get back into shape quickly, and for dads to stay in shape – and to meet other new parents.
Cost: $12 members, $14 non-members
Two-for-one class price applies (Mommy & Daddy or two Guardians and baby)

KUNDALINI YOGA
Monday evenings
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Morrison Center
Denver Botanic Gardens
The ancient and sacred practice of Kundalini yoga is the oldest form of yoga, kept secret by advanced yogis until recently. From your very first class, you'll reap the rewards –  including relief from back pain, stress, addiction, depression and insomnia, and weight control. Kundalini yoga promises you peace of mind. Elevate and experience yourself through this ancient science! All levels welcome; no experience required. Please bring water and a yoga mat.
Cost: Single session: $8 member, $10 non-member/drop-in rate.
Instructor: Chris Anne Coviello

HOLIDAY SALE
Preview Party: Thursday, Nov. 8
Friday, Nov. 9
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 10
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 11
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Gardens’ annual Holiday Sale will kick the holiday season into full gear with a wide variety of distinctive and handcrafted gifts that you won’t find at malls. Unique items for sale include artwork, hand-knit clothing, handmade bags, natural skin and bath products, gourmet foods, jewelry and much more. Additionally, the Gardens’ Guild will offer its popular assortment of homemade gourmet herbal vinegars made from herbs cut at the Gardens.

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.

HELEN FOWLER LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
Our hours 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.
 
GARDENING HELP
Colorado Master Gardeners have answers to your gardening questions! Master Gardeners are on site in November from 12 – 4 p.m., as well as on Nov. 2, noon – 4 p.m. (Free Day) Access our experts the following ways:
*           In-person at the Gardens' Helen Fowler Library
*           By phone: 720-865-3575
*           Via e-mail: gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org [3]

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