July Brings Art Classes, Ecology Camps, Bonsai Workshop to Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens

This summer, visitors can experience the many waterfalls found at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Summer is in full bloom at Garvan Woodland Gardens, with activities that include art classes, a summer concert and an annual tea for children.

The July art exhibit will feature photography by Tim Gorman. "America's Splendid Wonders" highlights images from the nation's state and national parks. The exhibit will be in the Magnolia Room all month.

The Fairy and Wizards Tea will be held at 3 p.m. July 10 in the Magnolia Room. This English-style tea features scones, finger sandwiches and desserts accompanied by a variety of teas. Susan Harper will give a short lesson in tea etiquette, followed by stories geared to this young audience. Children are invited to dress as fairies or wizards. The event is open to children 12 and younger. Reservations are required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sharon Turrentine will present a summer concert at 3 p.m. July 15 in the Anthony Chapel. Turrentine has entertained at fairs and festivals across Louisiana and at local and state beauty pageants across the nation. She sang the national anthem at a New Orleans Saints game in the Superdome and performed at the National WWII Museum's D-Day 70th memorial in New Orleans in 2014.

The "Bonsai Essentials Series: Techniques and Summer Care" will continue from 10-11 a.m. July 7 and Aug. 4 in the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Learning Center. Bryan Carlan, Garvan horticulturist, will present a review of seasonal care, tips and techniques for budding bonsai gardeners.

"Natural State Ecology Day Camps" are slated for July 17-19 and Aug. 7-9 in the garden, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The conservation-themed camps for children ages 8-12 will feature hiking, interactive science lessons, art and design projects and more. Students will explore the ecology of Arkansas while learning about stewardship of natural resources. Participants should pack bug spray, sunscreen, lunch and a water bottle.

"Landscape Drawing" will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 14 in the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Learning Center. Artist Ginger Ladehoff will lead students in nature still-life drawing, landscapes and trees. Materials are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring pencils if they have them.

"Watercolors in the Garden" will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 25 in the Magnolia Room. Prior to the class, participants will take a guided stroll to the Bridge of the Full Moon at 9 a.m. Watercolorist Cynthia Schanink then will teach a landscape paint-along class with the bridge as the subject. No experience is required. All materials will be provided.

"Garvan Rocks for Kids!" will take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. July 28 in the Magnolia Room. Sissy Hubbard will share the tradition of drawing on stones in a class geared for children. Participants will create their own Garvan rocks and hide them in the garden for others to find.

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.