Tropical Splendor
November 21-February 27, 2014
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Sarasota, FL
Selby Gardens has no shortage of beautiful vistas and unique plants, so it’s no surprise that artists are inspired to depict the Gardens’ beauty in their work. Opening Thursday, November 21 at 5:30pm, Tropical Splendor, a new art exhibit in the Museum of Botany and the Arts, will demonstrate two artists’ fascination with Selby Gardens and its plants.
Tropical Splendor will feature stunning garden paintings by Anna Mason of the United Kingdom and Sarasota artist, Tom Stephens. The paintings portray macro and micro views of tropical locales and plants with an emphasis on texture and color. Stephens’ work showcases Selby’s landscapes, while Mason will focus on distinctive tropical plants from Selby’s collections.


The exhibit’s opening reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and is open to the public. Mason and Stephens will lead two gallery walk and talk tours Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Due to limited space, advance registration is required by email to education@selby.org. Mason will lead a two-day watercolor instructional workshop, Orchids: Jewels of the Rainforest, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The exhibit runs daily, Nov. 21 through Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and after hours during Lights in Bloom, Dec. 20-23 and 26-30. Entry is included in the price of admission to the Gardens.
For more information about Tropical Splendor and Selby Gardens, visit www.selby.org or call 941-366-5731.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a leader in the display and study of orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, epiphytes and tropical plants with a focus on botany, horticulture and environmental education. The mission of Selby Gardens is to provide an oasis of inspiration and tranquility, while furthering the understanding and appreciation of plants, especially epiphytes. For more information, please visit www.selby.org. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas, regular admission $19 (ages 12 and up), ages 4-11 $6, Members and children 5 and under enter free.
Dates to Remember:
November 21 Opening reception – Open to the Public (no charge) 5:30 pm
November 22 & 23 Orchids: Jewels of the Rainforest 10:00 am
(2-day instructional watercolor workshop)
November 25 Gallery Walk ‘N Talk Tours – Open to the Public (no charge, RSVP required) 5:30 or 6:30 pm