What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit. ~John Updike
Art Exhibits
The natural world has been the subject of artistic interpretation since ancient times. The brush, the pencil, the camera, clay, metal, wood, glass, fabric and the written word are all mediums for expressing the beauty, the wonder, and the mystery of nature. It is no small wonder that in turn, public gardens and botanical centers are home to many and varied works of art that compliment the plantings and design, and enhance the experience of being in a garden.
Quad City Botanical Center Gallery Exhibitions
September – October 2011
Joanne Hinkhouse, Rebecca Ickes and Lillian Ruban
Artists' Meet and Greet: Sunday September 18th 2-4pm
November –December 2011
Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild
January - February 2012
Artist Unlimited
March - April 2012
TBA
May - June 2012
Lanora WelzenBach
The opportunities to meet and greet artists whose works are on display are scheduled in conjunction with each showing. Please check back periodically for dates and times, or sign up for our E-mail updates so notifications of these and other great events will come to you electronically.
Are you interested in displaying your art work at the Botanical Center? The Quad City Botanical Center encourages artists of every medium to submit their work for consideration. Beth Peters
Call for Entries begins in early August and submissions are accepted until the deadline in late September. Entries are reviewed by Beth Peters and current members of the Botanical Center Art Committee. Exhibitors are chosen based upon blind jury. The artwork is displayed for 2 months, if the works are available for purchase sales are handled through the Window Box Gift Shop. For more information please contact Beth Peters at 309/794-0991 or email vs@qcgardens.com. Next call for entry September 2012, check here for downloadable entry form in July 2012.
2011 Art Committee Members
Elaine Kaple
Michael Payne
Mark Fowler
Steve Witte
Megan Crandall
Permanent Art Exhibits
To learn more about Karoly Veress visit his website at www.karolyveresssculptor.com “I was born and raised on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities in Rock Island. I attended Rock Island High School and was instructed by teachers who were kind enough to instruct method without pushing their own ideas, allowing the student’s creative process to show. My formal study comes from Black Hawk College and Augustana College, where I graduated with a degree in Art. My formal study will never stop; I hope to continue to evolve with the help of my family and former teachers who will be influences for life. Being from the Quad Cities I am influenced by the prairie, the river, and the four seasons that change them. In this area we are fortunate enough to see nature in so many ways, it is our provider. It provides me with inspiration and the materials that I work with. Thank you for taking the time to stop and look at my pieces. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed creating them for you.” ~Johh R. Vandewalle
Generation to Generation, commissioned and funded by Mrs. Isadora Katz, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Harris, and Mr. & Mrs. Zeivel Harris, in honor of Ann and Ben Harris, is the creation of artist Karoly Veress, a Hungarian sculptor. The bronze sculpture is an abstract form with a plant-like feel, and sections that appear to be growing. Over twelve feet tall, the sculpture is mounted near our reflecting pond in the South Gardens.
“This sculpture reflects the vertical accumulation of the contributions of generations, striving for the highest, thereby building our culture. The four components grow upward, and support and embrace one another. To me, this is a metaphor of the living culture itself. A culture is flourishing and it is growing as long as we contribute to it, adding and changing the existing environment. It is important to contribute with great respect for our past and great responsibility for the future generations. Behind our contribution is the drive of self manifestation. If we contribute, we can keep our culture alive, and are able to create continually. But only here and now, at this spot and in this moment are we the closest to eternity. And please let us realize that every day in our life is an opportunity to mark our sot and make our fingerprint eternal.” ~Karoly Veress
Birth of a Dolphin, by Bruce Turnbull, donated by Jean Walgren…
The Tower of Shambalah, created and donated by John R. Vandewalle, is the newest addition to our permanent art collection. This metal sculpture completes our recently redesigned planting island in the middle of our circle drive, drawing the eye upward, and casting playful shadows on the perfectly manicured lawn.
Consignment
The Quad City Botanical Center is pleased to offer consignment space for artists and artisans within the Window Box Gift Shop. Showcased alongside commercial gardening items, handmade creations lend a unique and attractive element to our offerings. Jewelry, small sculpture, soaps, candles, honey, scarves and more are created and retailed through our store. Click here to download the application form that must be submitted with samples of your work.
The Window Box Gift Shop
Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping. ~Bo Derek
Nestled just off the lobby of the Quad City Botanical Center, the Window Box Gift Shop is the place to shop for unique garden gifts and hand crafted jewelry, soaps, candles, and more. Our selection of merchandise changes with the seasons. Children’s items, gifts, books, unique gardening tools, plants, and logo gear are available year round. Stop in and see what’s new.
Looking for a unique item that we don’t stock – please make suggestions on what you would like to see on our shelves.
Are you an artist or craftsman? We are always looking for consignment wares with a unique flare or garden related theme. Click here to download an application form and learn more about adding your creations to our retail store.
