art and orchids is a solo exhibition of arless day collages and orchids at the daniel stowe botanical garden. the opening is jan 19th from 6-9 pm at the gardens and arless will be present to explain the importance of plants in his collages.
Implementing a unique twist on its annual orchid show, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will pose many of its orchid collection as pieces of art and combine that presentation with the work of Louisiana-born collage artist Arless Day. Art and Orchids, a part of Orchid Spectacular, will be presented January 19 to March 10.
An unending array of color, forms and shapes occur in the family known as orchidaceae, lending themselves uniquely to the creation of art in many media. That has been done by artists for centuries, but this year, during the Gardens annual Orchid Spectacular, the garden is taking full advantage of natures ability to create art. On display this winter are, fully framed, the best from the Gardens collection of more than 5,000 orchids. Its a living art display of some of the best orchids in the Southeast.
Whether we literally frame them like a painting or put them on a pedestal like a sculpture, the guest will be immersed in the art of horticulture, said Peter Grimaldi, the gardens horticulture manager.
In addition, the Garden will bring to life the works of collage artist Arless Day in an exhibit called Landscapes to Life. Featuring enlargements of seven select pieces as well as original works, Landscapes to Life, will feature Days work that is part painting and part collage and take it one step further to introduce plants and other items to bring the work to life. Two of Days pieces will be displayed in the Orchid Conservatory along with living plants replicated in his works. Five pieces will similarly be display in the Visitor Pavilion along with his original paintings.
Hidell Brooks Gallery, where Days work can usually be found will coordinate sales of original pieces. Day will provide a guided tour of the exhibit and describe his techniques at an opening reception Jan. 19 for 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and it includes light hors doeuvres, wine, dessert and coffee.
Born in Louisiana, Day lives part of the year in Easley, S.C. and part of the year in Sarasota, FL because it really doesnt matter where he spends his time. His works are seemingly familiar scenes from Venice, Rome or London, but in reality are emergences from his imagination. Starting with an image he might find anywhere, Day combines it with clips found elsewhere developing the works details from paper fragments. He then applies them to a board with wax, adds gouache, making scratches and lines with a screwdriver. An acrylic coat gives it a glossy finish.
please call hidell brooks gallery if you have any questions and we hope you can join us to celebrate this coming together of art in the gardens!