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Library Events
Art Exhibit
"Rose Studies"
Watercolors and Drawings by Maria Cecilia Freeman
January 5 – April 30, 2011
This exhibit celebrates both the beauty and the botanical intricacies of roses. Maria Cecilia (Cissy) Freeman describes its evolution:
The project I call "Rose Studies" grew out of a convergence of interests. Some years ago, I had been producing pen-and-ink scientific illustrations for a botanist at the Jepson Herbarium of the University of California at Berkeley, while independently pursuing watercolor botanical art. At the same time, I was increasingly interested in growing and learning about roses, especially wild species and old garden varieties. It was a natural step to begin using art to study and enjoy the roses. I sat down to draw the 'Altissimo' by my front door, and the project – to document members of the genus Rosa through art – was launched.
“The beauty of a plant lies in the small details at least as much as in the flower and foliage. I hope to capture that beauty in form, color and detail with botanical accuracy.”
The "studies" emphasize species that have played an important role in the development of garden roses. Through this project, Cissy hopes to promote efforts to collect and preserve the old roses that might otherwise be lost to development and neglect.
Of her artistic approach, she says, "I think the beauty of a plant lies in the small details at least as much as in the flower and foliage. I hope to capture that beauty in form, color and detail with botanical accuracy." She portrays the roses in watercolor portraits, accompanied by annotated graphite drawings and color samples. Together these presentations invite the viewer into the botanical study of each rose as well as the artistic process behind the painting.
DETAILS
DATES
January 5 - April 30, 2011
ARTISTS' RECEPTION
Thursday, January 13, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Helen Crocker Russell Library
FOR SALE
The original watercolors and drawings in the exhibition as well as unframed prints are available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Library.The artist lives and works in Santa Cruz, where she grows many of the plants she paints in her own garden. She always works with live plants, revisiting the roses at different times of the year to capture their development through the seasonal cycle. Many of these roses grow in the San Francisco Botanical Garden –– in fact, she conducted some of her research here.
"Rose Studies" was presented as a solo exhibit at the Horticultural Society of New York in June, 2010. Maria Cecilia Freeman's art has appeared in numerous exhibits across the U.S., and is published in several books.
A selection of fine art prints and cards, as well as a catalogue for this exhibit, are available at her website, mcf-art.com, and at her opening reception.
Join the reception for the artist in the Library on Thursday, January 13, 2011.
General Exhibit Information
The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture is open Wednesday – Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, free of charge; closed Sunday – Tuesday and major holidays. The artwork in the exhibition is available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Library. For more information call (415) 661-1316 ext. 403. Exhibitions of plant- and garden-related drawings, paintings,
photographs, and educational displays run for four-month periods.
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Story
Time & Family Walk
Looking for a fun, free and easy-to-coordinate activity? Join us in our cozy children’s book nook with comfy kid-sized cushions, a bevy of stuffed animals and lively readers.
Afterward, families can enjoy a special children's tour of the garden led by a docent. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
This event is suitable for children ages 4-8. Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 10:30 am, Story Time lasts approximately 30 minutes. The tour leaves the Library at 11. The Library also has an excellent collection of books for children on plants, natural history, general science, and nature-related myths and stories.
2011 Storytime Schedule:
Recommended Reading
New Books and Old Favorites
Including a Featured Book each month.
January 8 and 22 *Readings will be on the 2nd and 4th Saturday due to the New Year holiday*
Lunar New Year: January 29
February 5 and 19
March 5 and 19
April 2 and 16
May 7 and 21
June 4 and 18
July 2 and 16
August 6 and 20
September 3 and 17
October 1 and 15
November 5 and 12
December 3 and 17
Library Orientations
Orientations can be arranged by appointment for interested groups.
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