Current and Upcoming Art Shows

All shows are on view in the Hunnewell Building lecture hall at 125 Arborway. The Lecture Hall is often used for meetings and classes. Please call 617.384.5209 for exhibition availability, and refer to Hunnewell Visitor Center hours.

Learning from Leaves by David Valbracht

April 6–June 9
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 6, 1:00–3:00pm
Artist’s Talk and Demonstration: Thursday, May 2, 6:00–7:00pm Register » 
Guided Tour: Sunday, May 19, 2:00pm Register »

Landscape architect David Valbracht turned to botanical illustration to develop a better method for identifying trees. A guest researcher at the Arboretum, David gathers plant samples from his studies in the collections and arranges them in his studio as they grew in life. These “tree portraits” emphasize drawing as a method to develop observation and identification skills, and at the same allow for personal expression. The exhibition centerpiece is a thirty-foot mural illustrating over 100 species of trees, grouped according to the Arboretum’s landscape plan. Valbracht studied landscape architecture at Harvard University, botanical art at the Wellesley College Botanical Garden, and is currently attending the Academy of Realist Art, Boston.

Through A Child’s Eye: Illustrations by Students from the Boston Teachers Union School

June 13–September 1
Opening Reception: Tuesday, June 18, 5:30–7:30pm
Special Talk: A Closer Look at the Arboretum–Boston Teachers Union School Partnership; Wednesday, July 17, 6:00–7:30pm Register »

Strong observational skills are fundamental to every scientist. The Arnold Arboretum and the Boston Teachers Union School—a BPS pilot school—are engaged in a unique partnership to develop observational skills and foster a love of science in every student from kindergarten through fifth grade. Through hands-on work and experiments with plants and animals, Arboretum staff guide students to create accurate, vivid illustrations and describe what they see using rich vocabulary. This leads student scholars to ask questions, design experiments, do research, and learn important concepts in the life sciences. Works in this exhibition represent a range of ages, as well as the breadth of life science topics studied in the classroom, all seen through a child’s eye.

Exhibition Proposals

Artists interested in mounting solo exhibits in the Hunnewell Building Lecture Hall should review the exhibition guidelines. Proposals may be submitted to arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu with the subject heading “Exhibition Proposal,” or send materials to:

Arnold Arboretum
Attn: Exhibit Coordinator
125 Arborway
Boston, MA  02130