NTBG’s Florilegium Society Presents ‘Plants of Paradise’

What is a florilegium? The short answer would be a book or a collection of flower illustrations. The word “florilegium” (plural, “florilegia”) comes from the New Latin word florilegium, which means “gathering flowers,” — flor, flowers  plus  legere, to gather.

In the spring of 2017, artists from around the U.S., Australia, Chile and Japan came together for the second year of the NTBG Florilegium. Unlike other florilegia, artists spent two weeks working alongside one another, sharing and experiencing the garden together. This work session produced the stunning pieces being exhibited, today. Botanic illustration is a perfect example of the nexus between the arts and science, where accurate depiction is of primary importance but the artistry and intentions of the artist is allowed shine through.

Florilegia are steeped in tradition with roots dating to the 16th century. Some Florilegia, like the Banks’ Florilegium, record plants found on vast voyages of exploration. Today, they continue to be a vibrant, dynamic, and effective way of documenting flora from a particular region or collection in a botanic garden. NTBG is proud to support the tradition of botanical illustration through educational courses, internships, and special projects.

Featured artists are Melanie Campbell-Carter, Esther Carpi, Jane Goldsmith, Veronica Fannin, Asuka Hishiki, Wendy Hollender, Robin Jess, Geraldine MacKinnon, Mali Moir, John Pastoriza-Piñol, Kelly Leahy Radding, Ariel Ramseth, Trudy Rehbock, and Catherine Watter.

Plants of Paradise exhibit will be open until May 31, on most weekdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information call 808-332-7324 ext.227 or visit https://ntbg.org/events/plants-paradise.