Garvan Gardens Hosts Workshops, Art Exhibit, Arkansas Ecology Day Camps in August

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Shady spaces and waterfalls are in abundance at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – August at Garvan Woodland Gardens brings activities such as workshops for making mosaics and water features and youth day camps focused on Arkansas ecology.

The August art exhibit, "People's Choice Award Show," will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 1-31 in the Magnolia Room. This art exhibit, presented by the Traditional Art Guild of Hot Springs, features paintings of nature subjects in oil, acrylic, pastels and watercolor from artists in the greater Hot Springs area. The art will be for sale, and a portion of sales goes to projects at Garvan Gardens. The art show winners are chosen by votes from visitors to the garden.

"Natural State Ecology Day Camps" will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 1-3. The camps are designed for students going into fifth through eighth grades. Each day may be attended individually. Activities and informational sessions will be centered on Arkansas ecology, while addressing various themes within the general topic. Students will have the opportunity to engage in creative projects, including designing a natural habitat.

"Water You Waiting For?" will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 in the Magnolia Room. Minnie Shelor, Garvan horticulturist and garden manager, will share ways to create water features in home gardens. Shelor will discuss the basics of adding inexpensive garden features, as well as tips for how to install more elaborate water features.

A "Making Mosaics Workshop" will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29 and 30 in the Magnolia Room. This two-day workshop has been offered previously and will be led by Suzie Burch, a local artist and garden staff member. Each participant will design and create a mosaic art piece. Mosaic art can be made by upcycling materials often found at flea markets or yard sales. While all materials are provided, participants are encouraged to bring old trinkets, stones and anything else they would like to use. On the first day, participants will design and place pieces. The second day, they will grout and cure their finished art pieces.

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 4-12 and free for children ages 3 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.