News release from the Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in January
Creative Movement
Wednesdays, January 6 – February 24, 3:30 – 4 pm
This class is a fun way for children to express themselves through movement, structure, and music. Each week instructor Becca Wegner from Fort Wayne Dance Collective focuses on a different dance concept, such as space, level, and speed. Students will look forward to learning about their word of the day each week in class. This is a developmentally appropriate class and also works on motor skills, including skipping, jumping, and turning. Students experience a class that is rhythmic, creative, and exciting! Please wear comfortable clothing. Ages 3 – 5. Registration deadline: December 30. Min. 10. Max. 13. Fee: $64/public; $58/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
$1 Nights
January 7, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday night, 5 – 8 pm, of each month we offer a $1 admission price for both adults and children (instead of the usual $5 & $3). Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Thursday Night Insight: Fossil Plants & Their Living Relatives
Thursday, January 7, 6 – 7 pm
When you take a summer hike in the woods or follow a meandering stream, you’ll likely discover clumps of ferns and clusters of horsetails along the water’s edge. Go back in your time machine to the Coal Age (Carboniferous) some 300 million years ago, and relatives of these diminutive plants would tower over you as giants of the forest. Their fossil remains are abundant in coal deposits around the world. In this session, we’ll examine examples of fossilized roots, stems and leaves of Coal Age plants and compare them with living relatives. Included will be photos from a fossil dig in eastern Kentucky that revealed nearly 20 feet of Lycopod root. Special Conservatory admission is just $1. Members and children under 2 admitted free.
“Dig This!”
January 9 – April 10
This winter, young adventurers can don their explorer vests and pith helmets to explore mysteries hidden underground. Why do people dig? What do they look for? Try out your digging- and-finding skills with different tools and media. Will you find dinosaur bones? Maybe you’ll uncover fossils and discover cool rocks and minerals. Can a person dig all the way to China? Enjoy our active learning garden as a winter retreat, full of lush green plants and colorful flowers. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 and Fun 101.7 Classic Hits.
Art Display — Julie Wall Toles: Printmaking
January – February
Get to know local and regional artists in a variety of media through the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art exhibits, open to view in our meeting room during public hours. Inspired by growth, transformation, and change, Julie utilizes an array of natural organic imagery paired with simplified geometric shapes to create pieces that depict a balance between two worlds. Push and pull, give and take, ebb and flow are ideologies behind her current work. She is interested in the fragility of life and the unavoidable presence of death, and our necessity as a culture to fill our lives with things, people, and situations we find difficult to handle. Julie’s recent work utilizes two different printmaking techniques: relief printing and intaglio printing, one being an additive way to create an image and the other subtractive.Pairing the two together allows her to explore textures and layering. Her more traditional 2-dimensional work is complimented by the use of 3-dimensional objects altered slightly to fit her overall theme. Julie enjoys creating work that not only hangs on a wall but encompasses the space around the viewer, bringing them into the work. Visit our website www.botanicalconservatory.org for links to artists. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free.
Tai Chi in the Garden
Tuesdays, January 12 – March 1, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Whether you’re a beginner with very little to no experience or you’re a seasoned veteran, this is a great way to practice Tai Chi while it’s cold outside. Keep your energy level renewed while experiencing the ancient art form of movement and grace. Tai Chi offers many benefits from better posture, to improved breathing, balance and relaxation. Eight weekly one-hour classes will be held. In each class you will learn the Sun Style 73 From of Tai Chi. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has over 30 years’ experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Note: If a session meets its registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum. If minimums are not met, the program will be cancelled. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: January 5. Min. 10. Max. 13. Fee: $64/public; $54/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Family Garden Close-Up: Dead or Dormant?
Saturday, January 23, 11 am – 1 pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday of each month to get a closer look at our plants and gardens through short walks, crafts, and snacks. We will discover a different feature each time so you get to see what the Conservatory has to offer and learn fun and valuable information. While most plants appear to be dead in the winter, many are just going through a period of dormancy or inactivity in growth and development. In January, join us as we look at some of the plants that go dormant for the winter and learn more about this survival adaptation. We’ll also see if you can tell dormant from dead plants. FGC is especially fun for young learners. The activities are included in your regular Conservatory admission fee: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free. (Members and volunteers admitted free.)
Artist Reception: Sunday, January 24, 1 – 3 pm
The artist reception for Julie Wall Toles at the Botanical Conservatory was originally scheduled for January 10th, but moved to the 24th due to a conflict. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Enjoy meeting a local artist on Sunday, January 24, 1 -3 pm at the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art exhibit opening. Inspired by growth, transformation, and change, printmaker Julie Wall Toles utilizes an array of natural organic imagery paired with simplified geometric shapes to create pieces that depict a balance between two worlds. Push and pull, give and take, ebb and flow are ideologies behind her current work. She is interested in the fragility of life and the unavoidable presence of death, and our necessity as a culture to fill our lives with things, people, and situations we find difficult to handle. Julie’s recent work utilizes two different printmaking techniques: relief printing and intaglio printing, one being an additive way to create an image and the other subtractive. Pairing the two together allows her to explore textures and layering. Her more traditional 2-dimensional work is complimented by the use of 3-dimensional objects altered slightly to fit her overall theme. Julie enjoys creating work that not only hangs on a wall but encompasses the space around the viewer, bringing them into the work. A free cookie and punch reception is included in public admission on January 10. Visitors are also encouraged to stroll the gardens. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Winterval at the Conservatory
Saturday, January 30, 10 am – 3 pm
Join the Conservatory and our Winterval partners in celebrating winter. At the Conservatory, you can make a winter bird feeder and have fun exploring in our “Dig This” exhibit. Other activities will be held around town at the Community Center, the Old Fort, and Science Central. Don’t forget about the Fort Wayne Rugby Club’s annual Snow Bowl at Lawton Park at 1 pm. Winterval is sponsored by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, the Downtown Improvement District and Majic 95.1. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427- 6440.
V-Day Array
Saturday, January 30, 1- 2 pm
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we will be learning the basics of designing fresh flowers in a clear glass vase. Red and white carnations with baby’s breath will show off your talents. We will also be teaching bow making! Registration deadline: January 22. Min. 10. Max. 25. Fee: $45/public; $39/Conservatory member or volunteer. Enroll in all three winter workshops (December, January and February) and receive a $10 discount. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Crystal & Geode Jewelry
Saturdays, January 30 – February 13, 3 – 4 pm
Polymer clay is the most versatile medium to work with, and its only limit is your imagination. Over several class periods you will learn how to work clay to mimic the natural beauty of crystal and rock formations. Your kit includes tools and supplies to make two finished pieces of wearable art. Instructor Lissa Brown is a Fort Wayne jewelry designer and mixed media artist, emphasizing the artistic expression of nature. No experience is required; just bring your curiosity. All materials provided. Ages 14+. Registration deadline: January 22. Min. 5. Max. 20. Fee: $149/public; $139/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
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