This Week at Phipps: June 12 – 18

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: 

• NOW OPEN: 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.
• 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., June 12: 

• Houseplant Propagation Lab | 6:30 – 8 p.m. 
  In this class, we will discuss how to vegetatively propagate tropical houseplants.  Learn how to make more plants through various types of cuttings, and different methods of layering and grafting. 

Tues., June 13: 

• Once Upon a Garden: Three-Part Nature Writing Series | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 
  Join us as we dive into the basics of storytelling and world-building, build our writing mechanics, and research skills, and workshop our ideas into written pieces!
   
• Knife Skills: Chicken Bruschetta | 6 – 8 p.m. 
  Join us for this series of hands-on classes, designed specifically for mastering your knife skills. In each class you’ll learn about knife types, proper grip and all the cuts that make each dish fork-ready! 

• Pen and Ink I | 6 – 9 p.m. 
  Learn how to make tonal and semi-schematic drawing with pen and ink. 

Wed., June 14: 

• Watercolor Drybrush/Limning Techniques | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
  Build on or improve drybrush limning style techniques and create details illustrations. 

• Herbal Medicine Making: Summer Session | 6:30 – 8 p.m. 
  This class is hands-on from the comfort of your home. Learn how to work with various plants and make medicinal syrups, teas, and tinctures. 

• Botanical Drawing III: Volume and Texture | 6 – 9 p.m. 
  Develop and apply drawing skills to create accurate illustrations using form, perspective and texture.

Thurs., June 15: 

• Events and Large-Scale Design Workshops: Centerpiece Style Tablescape Floral Design | 6 – 9 p.m. 
  Tablescapes will be center stage in this workshop study. Participate in a group format that will expose the layers in creating a cohesive tablescape.

Sat., June 17: 

• Botanical Drawing I: Foundations | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
  Accurately draw three-dimensional shapes using line and tone and to employ geometric and aerial perspective in drawing botanical subjects.
   
• 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. 

Photo ©  Paul g. Wiegman