[Communications] Black History Month happenings, Spring Flower Show: What's in a Name, Catchlight Exhibit opening, Plant Sale and more

[Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance]

February 2024 E-News You are receiving this because you subscribe to our e-newsletter. February 2024 Connecting People To Nature On Chicago's West Side   Spring Flower Show: What's in a name? Wednesday, February 14 - Sunday, May 12, 2024 Reservations needed | Free; donations welcome The annual tradition returns! This year’s Spring Flower Show, What’s in a Name?, explains the history and science of botanical nomenclature alongside a beautiful flower show full of blooms. Plant names are an important way of communicating history, culture, and identity. Since there are many plants with the same common name, or many common names for the same plant, knowing the botanical name helps people know exactly which plant is which. Learn about how to identify plants amongst stunning spring blooms like Tulipa ‘Rococo’, Lilium ‘Josephine’, Viola ‘Matrix Yellow’ and Anemone ‘Giant Blue Poppy’. The Spring Flower Show opens on February 14th, and runs through May 12th, 2024, in the Show House and is included with every reservation. Reserve Your Visit Additional Neighbor & Member Reservations Do reservations look full? If you live in 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. Members call 773-638-1766 or email membership at garfieldpark.org.   Black History Month Happenings! In honor of Black History Month we've got a special lineup of programs and events that the whole family can enjoy. Programs are in-person, free (donations welcome) and no registration is required unless otherwise noted. More details below. Black History Month activities are made possible in part by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, PNC, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Alford Group. NEW Community Room Exhibit coming soon! The exhibit “Meeting History: A Garfield Park Citizen Archive” will be on display in the Community Room at the Garfield Park Conservatory February 16 through May 12. This project visualizes the history of Garfield Park through a citizen archive built in collaboration with local residents. The resulting archive invites you to learn more about the Garfield Park neighborhood through the photographs and stories of those who spent their time there.    This exhibit is a collaboration between the CatchLight Local Visual Desk, led by CatchLight Local Fellow Samantha Friend Cabrera, in collaboration with ProPublica, and the Institute for Nonprofit News, and made possible with generous support from the Kresge Foundation, McCormick Foundation and PhotoWings. Programming to be held during the run of the exhibition - stay tuned for more announcements! Click here to learn more about CatchLight. Click here to learn more about ProPublica. Celebrating Black History Through Plants Explore the Conservatory while learning about plants that have healing or edible uses with Freedom Foragers Scavenger Hunt! Check one out at the front desk on your next visit. This foraging journey is for learning, please do not ingest or pick the plants.  Harriet Tubman is most widely known for leading hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. In addition to her heroic leadership she was also a healer. She used her knowledge of plants to know which plants could be eaten or used for medicine. This is called foraging! She was able to use this knowledge to benefit the hundreds of enslaved people she freed.  Freedom Foragers Scavenger Hunt Learn more about some important figures in Botany + Environmental history on your next visit! Look for the interpretive signs throughout the Conservatory. We have additional information to help you learn more about these important historical figures and their contributions. Historic Black Figures in Botany Movement and Music with Moya Cultural Arts Sunday, 2/4; 12pm-2pm Free with reservation Join us for an afternoon of family fun and community building with Moya Cultural Arts! Moya educates and entertains through electrifying traditional West African drum, dance, song, storytelling and astounding audience participation. Learn and see some core African dance movements from Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast and more during this high energy dance workshop. Learn more Plantzilla read aloud with author Jerdine Nolen Saturday, 2/10; 11am-12pm Free; drop-in Mortimer Henryson has always had a special place in his heart for Plantzilla, his third grade’s class plant. But when he offers to take Plantzilla for the summer, young Mortimer is in for more than he bargained for. Open your heart to Jerdine Nolen’s story of caring and friendship, brought to vivid life by David Catrow’s hilarious illustrations. Learn more Urban Roots Black History Tours Saturday 2/24; 11am-12pm Free with registration This tour will explore GPC's plant collection highlighting cultural and historical connections to Black history. The Urban Roots teens will also share their connections with the plants in the conservatory and how it has enhanced or informed their experience in Urban Roots finding personalized connections to food and wellness. Sign up   Family Programs Black History Month Takeover Free; drop-in Budding Botanists Saturday 2/3 & Sunday 2/4; 10am-2pm Join our Nature educators and explore storytelling through music and history in all levels of activities and crafts. Visitors will learn about constellations through the story of the Drinking Gourd while also learning about a boy and his father who, after being banished from town for making mischief, are welcomed back when they find a way to make the dreaded giant, Abiyoyo, disappear. Art After Dark Wednesday 2/7; 4pm-7:30pm An opportunity for you and your family to learn about some of the principles of environmental justice by making your own 3D model and demonstrate what are some things that we might need or hope to obtain in our communities for more sustainable and healthy living. These models will be showcased during Earth month in April as a continued learning source for visitors. Budding Botanists Saturday 2/10 & Sunday 2/11; 10am-2pm Families and visitors are invited to make their very own carnivorous plant puppets. Nature educators will discuss information on carnivorous plants, specifically focusing on plants that live in South Africa. Art After Dark Wednesday 2/14; 4pm-7:30pm Families and visitors are invited to make their very own carnivorous plant puppets. Nature educators will discuss information on carnivorous plants, specifically focusing on plants that live in South Africa. Budding Botanists Saturday 2/17 & Sunday 2/18; 10am-2pm Join us as we explore wand making with Abiyoyo, the tale of how a father with his magic wand and a boy with his music triumph over the giant Abiyoyo. Based on a South African lullaby and folk story. Art After Dark Wednesday 2/21; 4pm-7:30pm Join us as we explore wand making with Abiyoyo, the tale of how a father with his magic wand and a boy with his music triumph over the giant Abiyoyo. Based on a South African lullaby and folk story. Budding Botanists Saturday 2/24; 10am-2pm An opportunity for families to learn about some of the principles of environmental justice by making your own 3D model and demonstrate what are some things that we might need or hope to obtain in our communities for more sustainable and healthy living. These models will be showcased during Earth month in April as a continued learning source for visitors. Art After Dark Wednesday 2/28; 4pm-7:30pm An opportunity for families to learn about some of the principles of environmental justice by making your own 3D model and demonstrate what are some things that we might need or hope to obtain in our communities for more sustainable and healthy living. These models will be showcased during Earth month in April as a continued learning source for visitors. "A Journey of Generations" - A Blues Concert with CWCMC Sunday, 2/11; 2pm-3pm SOLD OUT Free with reservation Celebrate the history of Blues Music with us and the Chicago West Community Music Center. “A Journey of Generations” – A celebration of the Chicago Westside Blues by aspiring young musicians, singers, and luminary blues artists. This event will be of historic relevance in presenting legendary Westside Blues artists with some of the next generation of Blues players. This concert is sold out, but we do have a waitlist. Join waitlist  Diaspora Dinners Wednesday, 2/7; 5:30pm-7:30pm Wednesday, 2/14; 5:30pm -7:30pm Free; registration needed Community members and Garfield Park families are invited to partake in a cooking class in the Community Room. The Youth Advisory Council, a select group of members from the Urban Roots program, will lead the class and provide guidance in cooking a delectable meal. Come learn about food justice with these youth leaders! The 2/7 class is sold out, but you can join the waitlist here. To sign up for the 2/14 dinner click here. Questions? contact Drea Slaughter, Community Engagement Manager at dslaughter at garfieldpark.org.     Momentum Coffee now at GPC! Momentum Coffee is now serving a delicious menu of espresso drinks, pastries and much more in Horticulture Hall, Wednesday through Sunday from 10am – 3pm. GPCA members receive 10% off all purchases. Reservations to visit the Conservatory are needed to access the coffee cart. Book your visit here. Founded by the dynamic duo Nikki Bravo and Tracy Powell, Momentum Coffee's journey began in May 2020 in the heart of Chicago. Their shared passion for coffee and community ignited the idea of creating a space where people could connect over exceptional brews. We hope you will visit soon to enjoy a warm beverage or cold brew and support this inspirational West Side Black- and family-owned business.   EVENTS & PROGRAMS Autogenerated Closed Captioning Is Available At Our Virtual Programs   Member, West Side Neighbor and Volunteer Annual Plant Sale Saturday, 2/24; 10am-2pm (while supplies last!) The 2024 Annual Plant Sale will be in-person and open only to GPCA Members, West Side Residents and active Volunteers. Shop this Plant Sale to stock up on plants grown by our staff and Conservatory volunteers. Sale will include cacti, succulents, tropicals and other house plants ready for new homes! All proceeds support our mission to change lives through the power of nature.    Doors open at 10 am and plants are sold on a first come, first served basis. This sale is open to West Side residents (people who live in the Garfield Park, North Lawndale, West Humboldt and Austin neighborhoods), Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) Members and active GPCA volunteers.     Access the sale with a reservation to visit the Conservatory. Click here to make a free reservation (link opens in a new tab). We strongly encourage you to make a reservation before the day of the sale since we likely will reach reservation capacity. GPCA Members must show membership card for entry. Family Membership Level ($120 level) and above may bring up to 3 guests. Volunteers and West Side residents will also check in.    Not a member and want to shop the sale? Click here to become a member (link opens in a new tab)! You can show your confirmation email to enter the sale starting at 10am.   Prices start at $5 and vary according to plant size and variety. Accepted forms of payment include cash, debit and credit. We have a limited number of boxes and material for packing plants. Please bring your own bags, boxes and packing material to transport your plants. Most planters range in size from 2-20 inches wide and 3-15 inches tall with a few plants up to 8 foot tall.   In-Person Yoga w/ DuShaun Wednesday, 2/28; 6pm-7pm Cost: $5 Join DuShaun for a special in-person yoga session in Horticulture Hall. All bodies and abilities are welcome. Register Virtual Yoga Saturdays, 2/10 & 2/24; 9am-10am Free, donations welcome Join Natalie or DuShaun for a one-hour session from the comforts of your own home with the Conservatory as the background. Beginners to advanced yogis are welcome to join. 2/10 w/ Natalie 2/24 w/ DuShaun Winter Wonderland Nature Play Days Saturday, 2/10, 2/24, 3/9; 11am-2pm Free with visit Enjoy the beauty of winter outside with Garfield Park Conservatory’s Nature Educators! During the winter months, we will be outside in the Play & Grow Garden to experience a lot of fun outside, even when it’s cold. More dates later this Winter! Activities will include: Fort Building Fairy Furniture Whammy Doodles Smores And More! This program is included in all reservations to visit the Conservatory, book your reservation ahead of time here: here (link opens in a new tab) Virtual Beginning Beekeeping Two-Part Class Thursdays 2/22 & 2/29; 6pm-8:30pm Cost: $40 members; $50 general public Spend two days virtually connecting with our Head Beekeeper, Marcin Matelski, to learn the basics of beekeeping. This lecture-based class has been adapted for a virtual experience and is limited in capacity to encourage questions and group interaction. This comprehensive class is a prerequisite for joining the GPCA volunteer beekeeper program. Scholarships are available! Please contact Bendi at bqian at garfieldpark.org for more information. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Monday, February 15th at 5:00pm CST. Register In-Person Beekeeping Class Saturday, 3/16; 9am-2pm Cost: $56 members; $70 general public Spend the day with Head Beekeeper, Marcin Matelski, to learn the basics of beekeeping: equipment, bee biology and behavior, colony management and hive products. Scholarships are available! Please contact Bendi at bqian at garfieldpark.org for more information. Register Morning Glories Fridays; 10am-12pm Free with visit Morning Glories is a free, drop-in program designed for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers! The lessons follow themes of science and nature with modifications to focus on motor skill development, sensory exploration, and social interactions between families. Activities include story times, a sensory bin, lots of blankets for crawlers and tummy-timers, and a friendly atmosphere!  Ask a Master Gardener 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24; 10:30am-1pm Free with visit Have a plant question? There's a University of Illinois Extension Ask a Master Gardener table in Horticulture Hall on Saturdays to answer your green thumb questions. Make a free reservation to GPC to visit them.   FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS OPEN WEDNESDAY FROM 10AM - 8PM ; THURSDAY- SUNDAY FROM 10AM - 5PM VISIT US | PHONE: 773.638.1766   We're Hiring: Digital Media Specialist Want to be a part of shaping the voice of the Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens? We are currently hiring for a Digital Media Specialist. This position oversees and leads social media, digital communications and storytelling for the Alliance. This is a full-time, non-except role with benefits. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, February 15, 2024. Learn more     GPCA members support our mission to change lives through the power of nature. Memberships helps us develop nature education and free public programming, while also providing members with special benefits and fun perks like: Additional reservations to ensure you have access to book a visit (especially nice during our peak winter and spring seasons) Reciprocal benefits at 345+ gardens nationwide 10% discount in the Gift Shop 20% off GPCA classes Free admission for seasonal exhibits in the Artist's Garden JOIN / RENEW     COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS   Garfield Park Skate Meetup at the Gold Dome February 15, March 21, April 18 5:30pm-8pm 100 N. Central Park Ave. Roller skate at the Gold Dome! Free skate rentals (or bring your own). Concessions by Garfield PAC. All are invited! Repair Fair with Chicago Tool Library Saturday, 2/3; 1-4pm 4015 W. Carroll Ave. Breakthrough Urban Ministries will be hosting an Adult Yoga session every 1st and 3rd Friday, along with a GetFit HIIT Circuit Training every 2nd and 4th Friday. Youth Yoga will be Fridays 5-6pm. Contact Camille Joy Powell for more information. Garfield Park Community Hotline and GPRWC Partnership The Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative (GPRWC), in collaboration with several community organizations, has joined forces with Fresh Supply to engage with local residents via the Garfield Park Community Hotline. The Garfield Park Community Hotline, a text-based platform, serves as a vital link connecting community members to a wealth of programs, resources, events, and more within the Garfield Park area. To access this valuable resource, simply send a text to 872-814-6336. Upon initiating contact, the service will guide you through a series of prompts to confirm your age and name. Subsequently, you will be presented with options to discover upcoming events in Garfield Park, explore local landmarks and points of interest, learn about community buildings, and even contribute ideas for neighborhood improvements. To establish a connection with the  Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative hotline, text "GPRWC" to 872-814-6336 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL           Follow @garfieldparkconservatory On Tik Tok! GIVE 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 Unsubscribe communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by mstringer at garfieldpark.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!
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