Garvan Woodland Gardens Hosts Ballet Arkansas, 5K and Trick-or-Treating Events in October

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens was designed by Maurice Jennings and David McKee, both architects practicing in Fayetteville and alumni of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. With a design that features open-beam bracing system and massive pine columns, the 160-seat chapel is the site of many concerts, weddings and other events each year.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The air is getting crisper, the leaves are changing colors, and Garvan Woodland Gardens has planned many events and activities in October to celebrate fall.

An exhibit by the Traditional Art Guild, one of Hot Springs' oldest associations of local artists, continues in October. This group dates back to 1964. The exhibit will be a beautiful display by these local artists, as well as the group's annual People's Choice Exhibit. Visitors are asked to select a ballot and vote for their favorite piece. This exhibit will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in the Magnolia Room.

The "Run for the Family" 5K will be held from 7-9 a.m. Oct. 8 on the garden grounds. Sponsored by CompACT Family Services, this event is intended to help raise awareness and support for children and youth to have healthy families. People with all fitness levels are welcome to participate.

A "Fly Fishing 101" workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 in the Magnolia Room and at the boat dock on Lake Hamilton. Presented by Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters, participants can learn about fly selection and seasonal tips. They will spend the afternoon practicing casting at Lake Hamilton. Rods and baits will be provided, but participants may also bring their own.

The Trinity Episcopal Church Choir Concert will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 10 in Anthony Chapel. This 20-person group of men and women from The Woodlands, Texas, will perform a choral Evensong, a liturgy in use in the Anglican Communion.

A class called "Bonsai Gardening: Fall Essentials and Overwintering" will take place from 10-11 a.m. Oct. 13 in the Magnolia Room. Bryan Carlan, a Garvan Gardens horticulturist, will discuss bonsai growing tips, techniques and preparations for the upcoming cooler weather. Participants can bring their own bonsai plants for advice and recommendations.

The Pysanky masters will hold their annual retreat at Garvan Gardens Oct. 21-24 in the Magnolia Room. These world-renowned artists will paint intricate designs on eggshells. Pysanky, or the Ukrainian Easter egg, is a folk art that decorates the ancient symbol of spring and rebirth through a batik process using beeswax and dyes. The public is invited to watch these artisans work and view displays of their creations. Many will be available to purchase.

"Celebrate Fall in the Gardens!" will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 on the garden grounds. The fun morning of activities will include candy for trick-or-treaters (costumes encouraged), a pumpkin patch and a treasure map hunt.

The "Disc Golf Clinic with Matt Loyd" will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Disc Golf Course at Catherine's Landing. Loyd, representing Dynamic Discs, will host a clinic focusing on the techniques and mechanics of disc golf. Discs to use for the clinic will be provided. Participants also will receive commemorative discs to keep.

Ballet Arkansas will perform at 3 p.m. Oct. 30 in Anthony Chapel. This is the second year for the ballet company to perform here, and their program will include Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" and Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line." A light reception will follow the performance. Attendees are asked to wear black attire to honor Cash, known as "The Man in Black."

"Health Walks" will take place from 9-10 a.m. every Monday. Participants will meet beforehand in the Welcome Center. Sharon Turrentine will lead the three-mile hikes along various garden landscapes. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Rush Fentress, the garden's director of education, will lead "Plant ID Hikes" from 8-9:30 a.m. on Thursdays through mid-November. These hikes are for Garvan Gardens members only, and participants will meet in the Welcome Center beforehand. Each hike will wind through the Evans Children's Adventure Garden and the Hixson Nature Preserve. Participants are encouraged to share their knowledge of native botanical species while learning from others.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas and part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and younger. Some events and activities are free. Some require a fee, advanced registration or prepayment.

For more information about these events or to check on upcoming events, call 501-262-9300 or 800-366-4664.