This Week at Phipps: May 29 – June 4

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.

Wed., May 31:

• ​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., June 1: 

• Virtual Biophilia: Restoring Forests and The Human Spirit | 6 p.m. 
  Join us as we explore the ideals of reforestation! Our guest speaker, Jeffery Karowski, encourages everyone to explore their own personal connections by regenerating forests, an act he believes restores a part of us all

Sat., June 3: 

• Painting Your Backyard Birds in Watercolor | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
  Whether your interest is in keeping a watercolor journal of the birds in your backyard, or you have a goal of creating realistic bird paintings in watercolor, this workshop will help you learn valuable watercolor techniques and gain the confidence to attain your goals.

Sun., June 4: 

• BioBlitz Family Festival | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
  On Sun., June 4, our annual BioBlitz festival will bring together families, students, local scientists and naturalists, teachers and community leaders to explore the biodiversity of Schenley Park, meet local scientists and naturalists, and engage with community organizations and agencies – all free and open to the public!

Photo ©  Paul Vladuchick