TROPICAL RANCH BOTANICAL GARDENS "ART IN THE GARDENS" WILL FEATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN.
The first annual "Art in the Gardens" on April 5-6 will have as one of its artists Isaac Knight, a noted Highwaymen painter. Paintings by Florida Highwaymen are definitely collector's items, originating when African American artists painted landscapes and made a living selling them throughout the state from the mid-fifties through the 1980's. Come and meet Isaac Knight and learn first hand how his painting career started on the Treasure Coast.
In addition to Mr. Knight, there will be many other interesting artists and craftsmen:
Kelly Arnold, a noted local artist who will demonstrate plein air painting
Rob Rifflard of NO MONKU Galleries and his outstanding stained glass works of art
Sculptor Norman Gitzen and his most unusual pieces
Jeffrey Kennedy's unique garden art depicting dogs, birds, alligators, etc.
Master Gardener Susan Riffle's botanical paintings of Orchids
Hillar - a carver of bone, tusk, and shell whose organic jewelry design is influenced by South Pacific Island cultures
Joan Patterson's ceramic pieces are unusual and make very interesting wall hangings
Throughout both Saturday and Sunday, there will be educational lectures and demonstrations on how the various vendors create their works of art. Artists will be located throughout the three acre Botanical Gardens so visitors can enjoy the garden setting while looking at interesting, creative arts for sale. There is no admission charge, and food will be available at reasonable prices.
"Art in the Gardens" will be open from 9AM until 4PM both Saturday and Sunday, and there will be lectures and demonstrations scheduled throughout the weekend. There will also be live music played throughout the gardens. Because TRBG is a wildlife sanctuary, visitors are asked to please leave their pets at home.
While attending "Art in the Gardens," local gardeners will see what kind of landscaping can be accomplished in Martin County within the ten theme gardens: the International, Oriental/Bamboo, Butterfly Garden, the Mexican Patio area, the Wine & Cheese Gazebo, the Wedding Gazebo and Moonlight Garden, an Herb and Spice Garden, a Palm Tree Garden, the Champion Tree Garden, and the latest addition, the Waterfall and Aquatic Garden. The website contains many photographs that highlight these areas (
www.tropicalranchbotanicalgardens.com).
TRBG was voted Channel 25's "Favorite Botanical Garden" within the four-county area last year, and it has been featured in Florida Gardening Magazine, The Palm Beach Post, the Stuart News, and Stuart Magazine as well as other local publications. Since the opening of these unique and diverse gardens to the public in 2005, Diane Rexroad and Jim Haines have never charged an admission fee - their mission has been to encourage everyone who is interested in gardening to see what is possible to grow in the Martin County area. You are invited to visit these splendid gardens that surround their home.
As always, the public is invited to stroll through the lushly landscaped, three acre Botanical Gardens. Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens will be open Saturday and Sunday, April 5-6, 9AM-4 PM.
The Gardens are located at 1905 SW Ranch Trail in the Tropical Farms area of Martin County. Please telephone for directions or further information (772-283-5565) or go to our website: www.tropicalranchbotanicalgardens.com.
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