[Communications] August Extravaganza at Garfield Park Conservatory: Carver’s Creative Blooms, Surprise Vending Finds, Music Under Glass, and Gift Shop Relaunch!

[Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance]

August 2024 Newsletter You are receiving this because you subscribe to our e-newsletter. August 2024 Connecting People To Nature On Chicago's West Side EXHIBITS  The Creative Mind of George Washington Carver Artist's Garden Show Open through September 22   New developments are the products of a creative mind, we must therefore stimulate and encourage that type of mind in every way possible.” - George Washington Carver    Most know George Washington Carver for his contributions to agricultural science through the development of hundreds of peanut products. However, he was also a gifted artist whose biggest inspiration was nature. It was Carver's creative lens that motivated him in all of his greatest scientific achievements. The Creative Mind of George Washington Carver Artist’s Garden Show will provide visitors insight into Carver’s artistic and scientific development and the gifts he shared with the world.     Carver understood that our emotional peace is interdependent on our surroundings, and he believed that everyone deserved to be surrounded by beauty. George Washington Carver teaches about the endless inspiration available in nature and the power of allowing that creativity to blossom. Visitors will find inspiration in the Artist’s Garden this summer by enjoying the beautiful floral landscape inspired by Carver’s paint washes & botanical illustrations. Through interpretive panels, visitors will learn more about Carver’s fascination with the botanical and how it infused his work.    The Creative Mind of George Washington Carver Artist’s Garden Show can be enjoyed through September 22, 2024. Learn more. BOOK YOUR VISIT Additional Neighbor & Member Reservations Available Do reservations look full? If you live in our community of Garfield Park or are a GPCA member, there are additional reservation times set aside for you. Neighbors call 773-638-1766 or email visitors at garfieldpark.org. Become a member or current members can contact membership at garfieldpark.org or call 773-638-1766 x 13. Updates & Announcements   Exciting News: Good Things Vending at GPCA! We’re thrilled to announce a fresh and delightful addition to our summer season at Garfield Park Conservatory!  On August 12, we’re rolling out our Good Things Vending Machine that will be located in hallway of the Desert House exit that leads into the City Garden. Good Things Vending is a Chicago-based initiative that brings joy and surprises through their creative vending machines. It’s a unique project that delivers a mix of locally made art, nostalgic items, and practical treasures straight from a vending machine. And now, we’re proud to host their seventh vending machine right here at GPCA. Chi Nwosu @itschinwosu will be painting machine #7 and an accompanying mural for our collaboration with Good Things Vending. Chi Nwosu is a Black, nonbinary, queer Nigerian artist based in Chicago. Their work weaves elemental, political, and spiritual symbols, focusing on marginalized experiences. Chi's art invites viewers to imagine a world rooted in love, curiosity, interconnectedness, and collective liberation.   Stay tuned for more details and follow @GoodThingsVending on social media for sneak peeks and updates. Let's make this summer unforgettable together! LEARN MORE  Inclusivity in Bloom at GPCA! Hello Garden Lovers!   While July was all about Disability Awareness Month, our dedication to inclusivity at Garfield Park Conservatory shines bright year-round! Here’s what’s new:   Fun4theDisabled Partnership: Our February video debut highlighted our growing access features. Check out our video here: Fun4TheDisabled Video  Spring Collaboration: We’ve teamed up with Rush University’s Occupational Therapy Doctoral program to enhance hands-on programming and volunteer opportunities, plus new staff training!    New Partnership with KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs. Prior to visiting, folks can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect on your visit and where to pick up sensory bags.   Got questions about accessibility? Reach out to us at access at garfieldpark.org.   Discover more about our inclusive efforts on our Accessibility Page Let’s continue growing together! EVENTS & PROGRAMS Autogenerated Closed Captioning is Available at GPCA Virtual Programs REGISTER FOR AUGUST CONCERT Music Under Glass | Summer Concert Series Wednesday, August 21, September 18 Free with registration. We have two more unforgettable performances featuring talented artists from the West Side: Rosalba Valdez and Larry Taylor and the Soul Blues Healers! Best part? These summer soirées are completely free, but you'll need to secure your spot by pre-registering. Registration for each performance opens on the first of each month (August, September).  Stay tuned for more updates as we spotlight each artist and announce when registration goes live!  Bee Demos (Recurring event) Thursday & Sunday, (excluding holidays) 11:00am - 11:30am, 1:00pm - 1:30pm Free Curious about bees and beekeeping? Join us this summer for interactive demonstrations led by our dedicated beekeeping volunteers and Head Beekeeper. Get an up-close look at active beehives and learn about their fascinating role in our ecosystem. Demonstrations cater to all ages and interest levels.  Find us on the southern end of campus. In case of inclement weather, we'll move indoors to our educational demo hives. Click here for a campus map PLEASE NOTE: Participants will be working directly with active beehives.  LEARN MORE Virtual Yoga with DuShaun Saturday, August 10; 9am -10am Free; Donations Accepted In- Person Yoga with Natalie Wednesday, August 14; 6pm -7pm $5 per person Virtual Yoga with Natalie Saturday, August 24; 9am -10am Free; Donations Accepted Register For Virtual Yoga w/ DuShaun  Register For In-Person Yoga w/ Natalie  Register For Virtual Yoga w/ Natalie Origami Open House 2nd Saturdays Saturday, August 10, 12pm - 3pm Free On the 2nd Saturday of the month, Chicago Area Origami Society presents a free drop-in Origami Open House to our visitors. Adults and kids accompanied by an adult are welcome. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required. If you’d like to visit the Conservatory before or after joining this program, please book a reservation. Learn More National Honeybee Day Saturday, August 17, 11:00am -2:00 pm Free Join our beekeeping volunteers and nature educators to celebrate the beloved honey bee! Activities include: Honey tasting competition: Sample honey from around Chicago and vote on the best! Sampling tables will be located throughout the Conservatory . Bee-themed family programs: Kids and families can enjoy bee-themed activities during our Budding Botanists program from 10:30 am-2:30 This drop-in program is free for all visitors. Are you a Chicago beekeeper? If you would like to submit your honey for the honey tasting competition, please fill out this form for consideration: Honey Tasting at Garfield Park Conservatory Submission Form Register Twelfth Night Shakes in the City Wednesday, August 7, 5pm - 7:00 pm Free for all visitors Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s joyful comedy, Twelfth Night, as part of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Shakes in the City initiative! Enjoy an enchanting evening of vibrant Caribbean Carnival rhythms and playful antics as Director Tyrone Phillips reimagines this classic tale on our Blue Stone Terrace. This 45-minute pop-up performance, featuring 22 free events across the city, brings the spirited Viola and her love triangle to life with captivating music and hands-on activities. Don’t miss this chance to experience Shakespeare like never before! Register Tree ID Walk- Summer Saturday, August 10, 11am - 12:30 pm Wednesday, September 4, 5pm-7:00pm In Bluestone Terrace  Free for all visitors Join us for an educational and engaging Tree ID Walk around the Conservatory grounds! Discover the diverse trees around Bluestone Terrace in both English and Spanish. This family-friendly event welcomes children accompanied by an adult and will take place rain or shine. Don’t miss the chance to learn from our knowledgeable guides and connect with nature. Register Plein Air Painting: In The Creative Mind of George Washington Carver Exhibit Wednesday, August 7, 5pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 4, 5pm-7:00pm In Artist's Garden Free for all visitors Join Us for a Plein Air Painting Adventure! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Garfield Park Conservatory’s Artist’s Garden and create stunning botanical paintings inspired by our current exhibit, The Creative Mind of George Washington Carver. On this special evening, let your creativity flow as you paint among the flowers, bumblebees, and butterflies, guided by the talented Alexie Young of Art West Chicago (@artwestchicago) Alexie, a passionate artist and entrepreneur, will share her expertise in watercolor techniques, helping you capture the vibrant colors of our lush garden. This drop-in event is free for all and perfect for adults, though families are welcome too! We’ll provide the chairs, easels, paints, and canvases—just bring your imagination. Don’t miss this chance to paint outdoors and connect with nature! For more details, visit our website: The Creative Mind of George Washington Carver . We look forward to seeing you there! Register Herbalism Workshop: The Power Of Herbal Oils Saturday, August 3, 11:30am - 1:30 pm $55 General Admission $44 Community/ Members/ Volunteers Join herbalist Britni Austin for an enriching workshop on Saturday, August 3rd, at Garfield Park Conservatory's Community Room from 11:30am-1:30pm. Discover the art of making herbal-infused oils, where you'll delve into the properties of herbs beneficial for skin health. This hybrid class includes a lecture and hands-on session, allowing participants to craft their own infused oil to take home. Registration closes 5pm Friday, August 2 and includes admission to explore the Conservatory post-workshop.  Register Ask a Master Gardener August 10th & August 24th, 10:30am-1pm  Free Alternating Saturdays, there's a University of Illinois Extension Ask a Master Gardener table in Horticulture Hall to answer your plant questions. Make a free reservation to GPC to visit them. Ask A Master Gardener   Exciting News: Our Online Gift Store is Relaunching!  We’re thrilled to announce the relaunch of our online Garfield Park Conservatory Gift Store!   Explore a curated selection of unique and delightful items perfect for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From plant-themed treasures to one-of-a-kind gifts, there’s something special waiting just for you.   Check out the revamped store at Shop GPC and discover new ways to celebrate your love for the Conservatory. Every purchase you make supports our mission to connect people to plants and change lives through the power of nature.   See you online! SHOP GPC NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS Inspiring Children & Caretakers with The Power of Nature Urban Roots Teens Give a Practice Tour of Garfield Park Conservatory Urban Roots Teens Take the Lead! This August, we’re thrilled to showcase a unique and inspiring experience from our Nature Education programs! Our Urban Roots teens have been hard at work, gaining hands-on experience and sharing their newfound knowledge with our community. Recently, they had the opportunity to lead a practice tour of the Garfield Park Conservatory, offering visitors a fresh perspective on our lush oasis. Each teen was stationed in different areas of the Conservatory, where they delved into fascinating research about the specific plants and flowers surrounding them. From the vibrant blooms in our Palm House to the serene greens of the Fern Room, these enthusiastic guides shared intriguing facts, personal insights, and their favorite plant highlights with our guests. This engaging tour not only allowed our Urban Roots teens to showcase their dedication and expertise but also provided visitors with a deeper connection to the natural beauty within our Conservatory. We’re incredibly proud of their hard work and look forward to more opportunities to celebrate and support their journey in nature education. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and events from the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance! LEARN MORE ABOUT URBAN ROOTS Principal funding for Urban Roots has been provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) [MA20-16-0031-16]. Additional funding provided in part by: After School Matters, Bank of America Foundation, Anonymous Fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation, IMC Chicago Charitable Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., PNC Foundation. Morning Glories Every Friday from 10am - 12pm   Calling all little nature lovers! Join us for Morning Glories, a delightful family program designed for children ages 0-3 and their caregivers. Every Friday from 10am to 12pm, embark on a journey of discovery as we explore the wonders of nature together. From sensory activities to hands-on exploration, each session promises engaging experiences that nurture curiosity and imagination. Best of all, Morning Glories is free to attend with a reservation. Simply drop in and join the fun! Budding Botanists Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am - 2:30pm   Get ready for an adventure at Garfield Park Conservatory as you encounter our Budding Botanists!   Join us on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 2:30pm for our Budding Botanists station, where our Nature Educators will engage kids of all ages in exciting activities. From hands-on experiments to fascinating discoveries, each session promises a fun-filled learning experience. Wild Wednesdays Every Wednesday from 4pm - 7:30pm Join Family Programs staff outdoors in Play and Grow Garden for free, drop-in activities, such as fort building, bug hunts, chalk drawing, and more!   Find us every Wednesday evening from 4pm-7:30 pm. Just head outside through our Desert House doors and follow the giant bubbles! Make A Free Reservation Family Programs are made possible in part by Peoples Gas Community Fund and PNC Full Calendar Of Events OPEN WEDNESDAY FROM 10AM - 8PM ; THURSDAY- SUNDAY FROM 10AM - 5PM VISIT US | PHONE: 773.638.1766 Become A Member and shine with us! Support the plants and programs you love at the Garfield Park Conservatory and enjoy an exclusive offer! Join now and receive a free GPCA apron—perfect for your kitchen, barbeques, or tending to your garden! This special gift is available for a limited time and while supplies last, so don't miss out. As a member, you’ll help us nurture the Urban Roots Teen Environmental Justice Program, expand our educational and engagement programs, and keep the Conservatory accessible to all. Plus, enjoy fantastic perks like reciprocal garden access at over 345 participating locations, discounts on classes and in the Gift Shop, and exclusive event invitations. Become a member today and help the Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens shine as a sparkling jewel on the West Side. Sign up now and get your apron at the GPC Gift Shop! Join / Renew Today Momentum Coffee At GPC Wednesday-Sunday: 10am-3pm In Horticulture Hall Partner Spotlight: Momentum Coffee   We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on our valued partner, Momentum Coffee! Momentum Coffee Chicago is renowned for delivering an exceptional coffee experience, and we’re thrilled to announce that their delicious Mo' Refreshing Watermelon Peach and Blue Raspberry Refreshers are now available in our Horticulture Hall. These vibrant, refreshing beverages are the perfect treat while you explore the Conservatory’s stunning displays. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity pick-me-up or a cool, invigorating drink, Momentum’s latest offerings are sure to hit the spot. We highly recommend grabbing one—or even two! In exciting news, we’re also pleased to share that our partnership with Momentum Coffee has been extended through 2025. Their commitment to quality and innovation perfectly complements our mission, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful collaboration. Stop by Horticulture Hall to experience Momentum Coffee’s refreshing delights and stay tuned for more updates on our partnership! Make a free reservation to the Conservatory to visit them. Make A Free Reservation COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Film Screening: Love Letter to The West Side at The Chicago History Museum August 8, 6:30pm - 9:00pm Join us for a special screening of Love Letter to the West Side (2024), a documentary produced by Capstone Clique of the Community Leadership Fellows Program, sharing oral histories of West Siders that content with silences and stereotypes about Chicago's Westside. The film highlights the area's historical and cultural contributions to the city as critical to understanding the whole of Chicago's history. FREE, RSVP below Film Screening RSVP  Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative Saturday, August 3, 11:00am - 1:00pm  Join us for a monthly community conversation and connect with other Garfield Park residents while enjoying a meal and learn new ways to get involved in community. RSVP below, Space limited. Community Dinner Registration  Austin P.O.W.E.R. 5K Walk / Run Saturday, September 21st 8:30AM  Join us Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us for the Austin P.O.W.E.R 5K Walk/Run on September 21st at 8:30am! WALK Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, this event is all about community and health awareness. We encourage participants of all ages to join us—there’s no rush, just a chance to enjoy the morning together! RUN Ready to test your limits? Challenge yourself with a full run or a light jog. For the seasoned runners out there, see if you can keep pace with our pace car over 3.1 miles! DANCE & HAVE FUN Most importantly, let’s make it a celebration! Bring your best dance moves, creative costumes, and enthusiasm. We’re here to have a blast and cheer you on as you cross that finish line! Mark your calendars and join us for a fantastic day of fitness, fun, and community spirit!  Austin 5K Registration  LET'S BE FRIENDS           Follow @garfieldparkconservatory On Tik Tok! The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance changes lives through the power of nature. We are a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Chicago Park District. The Garfield Park Conservatory is owned and managed by the Chicago Park District and has showcased "landscape art under glass" for over 100 years on the West Side of Chicago.  Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance | 300 N. Central Park Ave. | Chicago, IL 60624 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
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