Botanical Art Classes at Geelong Botanic Gardens

Inspired by Nature

The October exhibition of ‘Inspired by Nature’ was an outstanding success and brought into focus the importance of botanic art in recording species. Nearly 200 people attended the Gordon Gallery to hear internationally renowned artist, Jenny Phillips, launch the exhibition. Both artists and teachers are to be congratulated; a measure of success of ‘Inspired by Nature’ was not in how many works sold but in the high quality of work, displaying the exceptional talent of students and tutors alike. Among the artists are a number of heroes whose efforts enabled an exhibition of this scope to occur; the Friends thank Suellen Simpson, Helen Black and Robyn Lowe.

Botanic Art is an important part of education at the Gardens. In recognition of this a new initiative will be added to the program in 2010. Over the coming years the Friends, working in partnership with the GBG, will encourage and support the establishment of a florilegium. The major focus will be an exploration of the Gardens historic trees, providing further generations with a botanic record of the most significant species. Progress on this initiative will appear in future editions of Jubaea.