'Splash of Glass' Art Installation Launches in May at Garvan Woodland Gardens

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Art glass by James Hayes adorns the koi pond at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

Art glass creations by Pine Bluff artist James Hayes will be splashed across the 210-acre peninsula of Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs through Sept. 30. “Splash of Glass: A James Hayes Art Glass Installation” will feature about 225 pieces of unique, multi-colored, art glass creations. 

This is just one of several events planned during May at Garvan Woodland Gardens, the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas.

Two of the gardens’ most avid walkers continue to lead weekly, guided health walks in the gardens. Sharon Turrentine, a local fitness fan and regular performer in Anthony Chapel, will lead a three-mile walk at 9 a.m. on Mondays. Paula Wallace, a staff member at the gardens, will lead a one-mile walk at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays. Participants can meet at the Welcome Center. They should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. No reservations are necessary. The guided walks are free to members, while regular gardens admission applies for non-members.

The Naturalist Series workshop will be held May 10 in the Magnolia Room. For “Firescaping Your Home,” held from 1- 2 p.m., the Lake Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department will present key principles for making a home “firewise.” “Entergy Savings Tips,” from 2-2:30 p.m., will offer ideas for projects that can reduce energy bills. Admission is free for members, while regular admission applies to non-members. Pre-registration is required.

Glass artist James Hayes will lead guided tours through the “Splash of Glass” art installation in the gardens from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1-3 p.m. May 11. He’ll discuss his inspiration for the exhibit and the pieces featured, and he’ll share some tales of how the works were made and installed in the gardens for the summer-long exhibit. Participants in the morning and afternoon tours will also join Hayes for a luncheon at noon in the Magnolia Room. Cost is $50 for members, $60 for non-members, with the luncheon included in the price.

The Ringers of Hope Handbell Choir from Ouachita Hills Academy in Amity will present a special Mother’s Day concert at 3 p.m. May 12 in the Anthony Chapel. The choir will perform many traditional songs and will present a special section of stories and music just for children. Children will have the chance to play the bells. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Children’s Series “Night Hike” will be held from 8-9:30 p.m. May 17. Megan Bradshaw, garden education director, will lead this exclusive nighttime walk through the gardens, as participants listen to the night sounds, learn about nocturnal animals and test their night vision. Children must be accompanied by a parent or other adult; adult chaperones are admitted free. Cost is $10 per child for members and $12 per child for non-members. The program is open to children ages 6-12, and class size is limited to 12 children. Advance registration is required.

Alan Vandenbergh will lead the last part of his series on the essence of yoga, which can be applied at home, work or school, in the garden or on the golf course. Classes will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on May 18 in the Klipsch Amphitheater. Vandenbergh is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. Sessions will be limited to 15 participants to enable hands-on instruction. Call the gardens for information about attire and equipment. Cost is $15 per class for members and non-members. Pre-registration is required.

Sharon Turrentine will present a spring concert at 3 p.m. May 19 at Anthony Chapel. Turrentine, a longtime volunteer at the gardens, has served in many capacities such as golf cart driver, flower arranger, and physical fitness instructor. This concert will feature upbeat, springtime music, including country and classical. The concert is free and open to the public.

Bob Byers, associate executive director, will present a Gardening 101 Workshop: “Late Spring/Early Summer Shrubs” from 9:30 a.m. to noon May 23 in the Magnolia Room. He will discuss viburnums and other shrubs that thrive in the summer garden. Admission is free to members, with regular gardens admission for non-members. Pre-registration is required.

Janet Carson and Bob Byers will lead the “Perennials” workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon May 30 in the Magnolia Room. Perennials are plants that come back year after year. Participants will learn about tough perennials for sun and shade gardens, as well as how to plant and care for them. Cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required.

The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. General admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and younger.

For more information about these events or to check on what’s blooming, call 501-262-9300 or 800-366-4664. For a complete list of events, please visit the Garvan Woodland Gardens website.