Historic Blakeley State Park invites the public to join us for an exciting new art project which will result in the creation of a botanical art catalog (a florilegium) of medicinal and culinary plants native to its grounds. This project, a partnership with the Alabama Council on the Arts, will provide a creative venue for both experienced and aspiring artists to learn, practice their skills, and collaborate. A juried exhibition featuring some of the best examples of botanical art produced during the project will be staged at the University of South Alabama Library at the conclusion. All pieces produced, however, will be displayed on the park’s website.
Six classes, suitable for all skill levels, will be offered at the park’s Seay Pavilion in the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023 at 2 PM on Sundays (Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, 2022 and Feb. 12, Mar. 19, and April 16, 2023).
The classes will be conducted by local artist Nancy Milford is a member of the Mobile Arts Council and the American Society of Botanical Artists. She has taught basic drawing skills for public classes for several local institutions and her artwork has been exhibited in multiple venues in the state. She also served as a volunteer master environmental educator through the Auburn University Extension Service, and has been published in the Journal of the American Society of Botanical Artists.
The classes will offer instruction in producing and exhibiting botanical artwork and introduce participants to the characteristics of some of Blakeley’s most unique and historic plant species. Participants will need to bring their own sketchbook and drawing or painting implements. No drawing skills are necessary for the class. The focus will be on learning to observe and practice so even if you can’t draw a straight line you can join in the fun!
ALL CLASSES ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED:
gatehouse@blakeleypark.com or 251-626-0798 x. 2