The American Society of Botanical Artists exists not only to continue the respected tradition of accurately depicting plants with aesthetically pleasing skill, but to acknowledge the power of art to aid in the conservation of plants. After all, if you can render Cypripedium parviflorum beautifully enough that people appreciate it as art, it's a short step to appreciating and valuing the actual plant. To aid its members' mission of creating gorgeous art that spurs thoughts of conservation, the ASBA has created the traveling exhibition, Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World — and its first stop is our own Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Boulevard; www.mobot.org). The show opens with a public reception at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, with remarks from Dr. Peter Raven (president of the garden), and Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, executive director of the Center for Plant Conservation. Light refreshments, and the chance to admire the artwork, follow. The event is free, but reservations are required; call 314-577-0221 to let them know you're coming. Losing Paradise remains on display through Sunday, November 15.
Oct. 7-Nov. 15, 2009
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