Time in the Garden
Morris Arboretum’s Themed Exhibit for Spring and Summer 2018
Morris Arboretum will open its spring/summer exhibit, Time in the Garden on May 5, 2018.
Time is the essence of gardening and the natural world. Whether counting tree rings, or planting seeds, the passage of time marks the life of the garden. Artists have been invited to create pieces for both indoor and outdoor exhibits that express their interpretation of this theme.
At the Grand Opening on May 5, in addition to exhibits in the Upper Gallery of the Widener Visitor Center and throughout the garden, there will be interactive activities as follows:
11am-3pm, Garden Activity Stations: Discover some of the ways time impacts us and the natural world at make-and-take stations throughout the garden. Locations: entrance to the Rose Garden, the Oak Allée Plaza, and the Fernery Plaza.
11:30am and 1:30pm: Live Performance of Nicholas Escobar’s “The Morris Arboretum Suite”
Baxter Memorial (Upper Gallery-inclement weather back-up)
Experience a live performance of this musical composition created specifically for the Morris Arboretum by composer and musician Nicholas Escobar, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania. With Nicholas on keyboard accompanied by a seven-piece string ensemble, the group will also perform an additional selection of original music. Weather permitting the performance will take place at the Baxter memorial adjacent to the Garden Railway.
12pm-4pm, Wine/Beer Garden: Spend some time relaxing in the garden, listening to music and enjoying a glass of wine or craft brew.
1-3pm, Meet the Artists: Artists will be on site with their installations to discuss their work.
The Azalea Meadow is the location for the primary, outdoor exhibit created by artist, Ben Allanoff. At this site-specific piece, visitors will be able to follow the age-old time telling technique, a giant sundial with oversized markings for the equinoxes and hours of the day.
Ben Allanoff is an artist based in Joshua Tree, CA, working primarily with plant material, found objects, steel, stone, and ink. Ben makes large scale outdoor installations for parks, gardens, festivals, and institutions, as well as smaller indoor and outdoor work. In recent years he has created installations for several California Arboretums and Botanic Gardens, and his work is represented in galleries and private collections throughout Southern California. A self-taught visual artist, Ben grew up in the Philadelphia area, attended the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from Duke University with a degree in History.
Morris Arboretum is a 92-acre horticultural display garden that features a spectacular collection of mature trees in a beautiful and colorful landscape. The official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, effective 1988, Morris Arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and accredited by the American Association of Museums. For more information, visit: www.morrisarboretum.org
Photo Credit: Michelle Conners
Photo Caption: Here’s a sneak peak of Vanny Channal’s six foot sculpture, Steel Mantis. He is just one of the 18 artists interpreting Time in the Garden, Morris Arboretum’s 2018 spring/summer exhibit opening May 5. For more information, visit www.morrisarboretum.org.