What I Saw On National Public Gardens Day - Part 2

Hello everyone! Finally, part two of this series has arrived! In the previous blog post about What I Saw On National Public Gardens Day, I reported on the outdoor sculptures. Today, let's see what's going on inside! There is actually plenty for the art lover to see in the educational building. There are permanent art works I'll show you and then to my delight there was a new exhibit called, "I Can't Believe it's Paper!", by Artist Carol Funke going on until June 28, 2011. As you'll see in my photos, her use of homemade paper is interesting and the colors, exciting.

First of all, when you enter the building the first permanent exhibit you see is Teresa M. Reilly's, NC Arboretum Quilt. If you are a quilt lover, this is worth seeing. It makes such a grand impression once you enter the building.

 There are many more quilted pieces around the hallways and all quilt enthusiasts should see this exhibit.

As you go up the stairs, you'll see this large woven piece. "Random Weave Basketry", by Greg & Carla Filippelli. Medium: Reed.

Next as you turn around the corner into another room you'll see the Chinese Dragon Robe made from handmade paper.

Now you've entered the room with Carol Funke's handmade papers turned into brilliant artworks. Here's one I really liked. 

"Motion In Color II"

Homemade Paper

A side view, so you can see how the strips of the paper are crossed and stand out from the rest. Cool, huh? 

A different view, so you can see head on how it looks. Her goal here was to show two different images from two views.

More works from Artist: Carol Funke

The colors and textures are so inspiring and exciting.

I didn't get the names of these pieces, but one the natural piece with mixed media on top that she created is really interesting as well.

"Motion In Color"
Oh, how I loved this piece. The colors, textures and how the design comes off the edges. There's a lot going on, but I didn't feel it was too much. Well done, Carol!

"What Goes Around, Comes Around"

Quad Tripe

Four individual pieces when put together make one. 

The variety of her work amazed me. This series of painted and folded homemade papers, I think works and like nothing I had seen lately.

"Waves of Color"

I hope you enjoyed the Carol Funke's artworks of mixed media and homemade paper exhibit. I know I did! You can see her exhibit now through June 28, 2011 at the NC Arboretum. Click on Carol Funke's name to read about her background and exhibit.

What I Saw On National Public Gardens Day - Part 1

Hello Everyone, and greetings from beautiful Asheville, NC! On May 6, 2011 it was National Public Gardens Day and I decided to head off to the North Carolina Arboretum. The great thing about NPGD is the admission is free, so next Spring remember that date and visit a public garden. It's known many artists get their inspiration for their artwork from gardens and it's only fitting that I go and take photos of  the NC Arboretum's outdoor sculptures and indoor art exhibits. In case you've never been to the NC Arboretum, it's definitely worth it, if you are in the area. Such a beautiful natural setting with the mountains as the backdrop and plenty of flowers and plants up close to behold. The short winding trails are fun to walk and then for more dedicated hikers there are longer trails for good wholesome exercise and fresh mountain air. And when you're ready to rest, there are plenty of rocking chairs out on the porch waiting for you. Or if you enjoy a quiet space tucked away out in nature, there's a nice bench waiting on you.

I'm dividing my posts into several parts, otherwise it might overwhelm you if I post all the photos in one post! Reminds you of those boring "this was my summer vacation" slides you had to sit through with friends or family, right? So, Since I don't want to lose you, I'll post Part 1 first and others later. Also, keep in mind, I'm only posting a few of the works there, not everything. I want to leave something there for you to see for yourself.

Now, once arriving and driving up the road to the main parking lot and building, you get sucked in to the beauty of the location. The mountains all around you, the creek nearby, and the blooming plants. You almost have to be careful as your driving to keep you eye on the winding road up the hill, because you eyes will be thrilled once you've entered their gates. And speaking of gates, oh!, just you wait till you see their beautiful handcrafted garden gates. And it's worth taking the time to notice all the details of each gate. You'll see what I mean in the photos below.

 Right side of the "Stream Garden Gate" by David Brewin and Joseph Miller

Medium: Brass, steel, bronze, paint

Fish on the Garden Gate

Left side of the Garden Gate

Woodpecker on left side of the gate

Next on our tour, you'll see  outdoor sculpture, "A Hedge Against Extinction", by Artist: Martin Webster

Closeup

Around the front of the main educational building, there is a waterfall and pool area. They just recently added these new sculptures, I think there is four of them placed around the pool. 

Title: Magniflower 3

Artist: Martin Webster

Medium: Ferrocement, steel armanture

Closeup

Walking closer to the trails is this very tall, very huge Native American Indian bronze sculpture.

Title: Oh Great Spirit

Artist: Nell Banister Scruggs

Front closeup

Back close up

Near the Native Indian sculpture is 

Title: Remembrance Bell

Artist: Stefan Bonitz

Once walking on the trail from the education building, you'll see next, 

Title: Rhododendron Trellis

Artist: Grace Cathey

Medium: Steel

 Close up

While walking you might want to keep you eye open for a few smaller pieces like this, 

Title: Night Watch

Artist: Barron Brown

Medium: Granite

This is a view of the walking trails, nicely maintained and most shaded which is great in the hot summertime.

Now approaching the ampitheatre area. 

View of more paths

Flowers and plants to enjoy with identifying tags of our native plants

In Part 2 of this post, I'll be showing of the indoor art exhibits. It's definitely worth the return to my art blog. Please come back for more! I hope you enjoyed the views. Love to hear your comments of the NC Arboretum if you've been there and if you haven't love to hear from you too!

Thank you, Allison

For more information about the North Carolina Arboretum, click below and visit their site.

North Carolina Arboretum