Oh, What A Day!

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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Master Gardener Volunteers

On Tuesday, October 18, Master Gardener volunteers prepared the gardens for the upcoming Sculpture Exhibit on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at 3 pm. The exhibit is supported by a grant from Kiwanis Club. Darwin Pruett moved soil and prepared a berm for a base to display some special botanical sculptures. Jane Martin and Justin Skipper helped to remove weeds from around the Sasanqua Camellias. Faithful MG volunteers, Lynne Kuhlmann, Nellie Moore, Mamie McClure, and Linda Graydon removed weeds and respread pine straw to nurture the Hydrangeas and Camellias and enhance the gardens for the visitors to the Sculpture Exhibit.

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Beauty in the Gardens

The Sasanqua Camellias are beginning their season of blooming. The Astor Daisies are displaying their fluffy purple blossoms in the Pollinator Garden. So come to the gardens and enjoy the beautiful blooms and the variety of interesting sculptures. 

Support the Montgomery Botanical Gardens when you shop on Amazon and a portion of your purchase will go to improve the Gardens.

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2. Click the ‘Start Shopping’ button

3. Shop as usual.