The Montgomery Botanical Gardens, with the support of the Kiwanis Foundation of Montgomery, sponsored the inaugural Sculpture Exhibition in the beautiful Gardens, utilizing as a pivotal point the newly constructed Outdoor Classroom. Combining art and nature , the members of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens invite visitors to experience both in new ways, discovering new and unexpected relationships. The Sculpture Exhibition joins the work of Alabama artists of all ages with the curated landscapes in the Montgomery Botanical Garden. Together they will celebrate art, the natural world, and our environment; and invite visitors to think about the symbiosis between the two. As the gardens change the sculptures will also change – we invite visitors to return multiple times to enjoy this shared growth.
This year’s Artist in Residence was Charlie “Tinman” Lucas. The Internationally and nationally renowned Charlie “Tinman” Lucas brought many of his works for exhibition. He has held free workshops with Alabama teachers in advance of the Exhibition, so they can go back to the classroom and help their students create sculptures for the Exhibition.
The Sculpture exhibition was under the Aegis of the Education and the Grants Committee of the Montgomery Botanical gardens. Mrs. Maggie Stringer, Marilyn Hobbs, Dr. Sheila Austin, Mrs. Ann Oldham, Mary George Jester, and Dr. Elijah Pugh spearheaded the all-day event that began at 10:00 a.m. with setup and closed around 5:00 p.m. More than 70 participants visited the sculpture exhibition. It was a huge success.
The Sculpture exhibition featured students from Kindergarten through High School and some individual works. The exhibition Grand Opening Ceremony was Sunday, October 23, 2022, for one day.
Dr. Sheila Austin presided over the program. Greetings were brought by Dr. Tyna D. Davis, president of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery Botanical Gardens. Co-Chairs, Mrs. Marilyn Hobbs, Mrs. Maggie Stringer, and Ann Oldham brought greetings. Dr. Elijah Pugh was an integral member and partner in this initiative. Special commendations and brief words of encouragement were given by all of the artists present. Mr. Bill Ford, Alabama State University professor and Mr. Charlie “Tinman” Lucas.
The Teachers, Parents, students, and general public were all super excited about the exhibition and gave many, many accolades. Some of the exhibits and their titles were The Ants go Marching on: Mushrooms, ………..All of the students were lauded and applauded as winners. All students received certificates and ribbons.
Awards and Entries received were:
Contact Show Coordinator, Marilyn Hobbs, at vonnie1355@yahoo.com
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