This Week at Phipps: Aug. 7 – 13

By Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

There's always something new to see and do at Phipps! This weekly blog post provides a run-down of the latest happenings so you can plan your visit. Events listed below require no advance registration unless noted otherwise. 

Open Daily: 

• EXTENDED THROUGH SEPT. 10! Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter
  This spectacular new show will feature brilliant horticultural displays and breathtaking fashion designs inspired by Billy Porter's local roots and iconic array of accomplishments as an award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright.
• Member Appreciation Month
  Phipps is dedicating August to our members with a month of fun exclusives. Join us for our Member Bring-a-Friend Days, Member Double Discount Days, a Membership giveaway and more!
• Top it Off: Area Schools Create Sustainable Fashions
  Area middle and high school students were challenged to create their own fabulous, wearable hats made from repurposed materials as part of the Fairchild Challenge. They were encouraged to let their interests and aesthetics inspire them to create a hat that makes a statement. 
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden's Native Plants 
  Currently on display at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park, plant lovers of all ages can enjoy stunning illustrations of plants growing at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden's Native Plants is part of the Flora Project, a collaboration between Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden's Botanical Art and Illustration Program and the Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society.
• Tropical Forest Hawai‘i: Aloha ‘Aina
  Tropical Forest Hawai‘i: Aloha ‘Aina invites guests to take an exciting, immersive journey through the rich history, nature and culture of the Hawaiian archipelago. 
• Planets Earth Virtual Exhibit
  A dynamic exhibit at the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (and now online) addresses the pressing environmental issues of our time and proposes a new way of thinking about how to solve them.

Mon., Aug. 7: 

• Pressed Flower Stained Glass | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
  Make your own Stained Glass Flower craft. Learn different techniques with dried and pressed flowers and transform them into a cabinet of curiosities that preserve natural wonders and your memories. 

Tues., Aug. 8: 

• ​Introduction to Dyeing with Lichen | 6:30 – 8 p.m. 
  Discover how to use fungi safely and ethically for dyeing. We'll be using a variety of different fungi - learn how to make several different colors in only one pot, perfect for smaller amounts of dyestuffs.

Wed., Aug. 9: 

• Shinrin Yoku Guided Forest Therapy Walk | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
  Over the course of three mindful hours, we’ll slow down and connect with the More Than Human World in a deeper, more intimate way. 
• ​In-Person Story Time | 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  Kids will love visiting Phipps to listen to our storyteller weave tales about gardens, fruits, vegetables, animals and other fun topics. Attend weekly sessions with a special child in your life!

Thurs., Aug. 10: 

• Happier Hours: Sips and Apps: Blackberry Spritz, Goddess Dip and Strawberry Bruschetta | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
  Is there anything better than cocktail hour with snacks?  Make and pair refreshing cocktails (or mocktails!) and small bites that are perfect for entertaining or just enjoying by yourself on the porch or deck. 

Sat., Aug. 12:

• Botanical Drawing ll | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
   Apply skills gained in Botanical Drawing I to accurately capture various plant forms, details and textures that are unique to the subject. 
• Colored Pencil Florals on Black Paper l - V | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Create colored pencil botanical drawings on black background.

Photo ©  Phil Johnson ll