[Communications] Celebrate February: Spring Flower Show, Black History Month Happenings, Mural Unveiling & More

[Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance]

Email from Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance February 2025 Newsletter You are receiving this because you subscribe to our e-newsletter. February 2025 Connecting People to Nature on Chicago's West Side EXHIBITS Spring Flower Show: Rooted In Mystery Wednesday, February 12 - Sunday, May 11, 2025 This year’s Spring Flower Show, 'Rooted in Mystery' explores the critical parts of plants that we don’t usually see – the roots! In addition to finding and delivering water and nutrition to the leaves and stems, roots perform many lesser known but important functions in the lives of plants.  For instance, plants “talk” to each other via chemical and electrical signals emitted by their roots to aid in survival.  Visitors will learn about the different types of roots and the cool stuff they do while enjoying a marvelous display of spring plants, including azaleas, pansies, snapdragons, astilbe, baptisia, hydrangeas, and 26 different varieties of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.  The Spring Flower Show opens on February 12th, and runs through May 11th, 2025, in the Show House and is included with every reservation.  BOOK YOUR VISIT   Black History Month Happenings!   Black History Month at GPC 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, most are free with no registration required unless otherwise noted. Black History Month activities are made possible in part by MacArthur Foundation, PNC, the Illinois Arts Council, DCASE and the National Endowment for the Arts. BOOK YOUR VIISIT (PHASE 1 OF MURAL WALL DESIGNED BY CHI NWOSU) (In Photo: CHI NWOSU)  Mural Wall Unveiling! Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens is excited to unveil a new mural, named A Place to Grow Our Souls, in the hallway connecting the Desert House to the City Garden outdoors. The mural was designed and painted by Chi Nwosu and final touches will be completed by February 13! Chi Nwosu is a Black, nonbinary, queer Nigerian artist based in Garfield Park. 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.  A Place to Grow Our Souls A Place to Grow Our Souls is a testament to the transformative power of art, inspired by Grace Lee Boggs' teaching: "Art can help us envision the new cultural images we need to grow our souls." Rooted in the landscapes of the Garfield Park Conservatory, it celebrates the beauty and interconnectedness of our human and non-human kin. The mural invites viewers into a shared dream of connection and care through vibrant imagery of echinacea, false sunflowers, pond lilies, bellflowers, eastern prickly pear, tropical plants, and nasturtiums. The two children symbolize nurturing relationships with the Earth and one another. A monarch butterfly and a bumble bee further highlight the delicate interdependence of all life. This mural is both a wish and a call: to connect deeply with the Conservatory and Gardens, fostering a sense of place and belonging that transcends boundaries. It asks us to embrace courageous imagination, to envision and build a world where we are deeply attuned to the fates of all beings, human and beyond. Updates & Announcements (In photo: Elara Engineering) 2025 Volunteer Group Opportunities Now Open!   Looking for a meaningful way to engage your team this year? Corporate sponsors and non-profit groups are invited to join us for impactful volunteer projects that create lasting memories while helping our gardens thrive. From garden bed installations to water lily projects, bulb planting, and soil replacement, there’s a hands-on opportunity for everyone to connect with nature and make a difference in our vibrant 12-acre space. Ready to get started? Submit a Group Volunteer Request Form to plan your experience today!   For more details, reach out to Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteering at garfieldpark.org or call 773.638.1766 x26.  A special shoutout to Elara Engineering, pictured above, for their generous support in making a difference!   EVENTS & PROGRAMS Autogenerated Closed Captioning is Available at GPCA Virtual Programs   Stretch, Breathe, and Flow at the Conservatory! Join us on Wednesday, February 12th, from 6–7 PM for an in-person yoga session with instructor DuShaun in Horticulture Hall. Open to all levels, this class welcomes everyone from beginners to advanced yogis. Tickets are $5, and space is limited—reserve your spot before registration closes at 9 AM on February 12th Register For In-person Yoga w/ DuShaun In The Kitchen Workshop with Urban Roots Saturday February 8,11am -1pm Tickets: $25 for adults, free for teens Join the Urban Roots Youth Advisory Council for a hands-on health and wellness workshop! Learn to create natural balms and syrups using everyday ingredients like honey, ginger, and essential oils. Space is limited, so register early! Your ticket includes Conservatory access—arrive early or stay late to explore. Register Origami Open House 2nd Saturdays Saturday, February 8, 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 Ask a Master Gardener Saturdays February 8 and February 22, 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 reservation to visit them. Community Quilting Night February 12 & 19, 4PM - 7PM Free Experience the calming art of quilting in a night of healing, reflection, and tribute. Honor a loved one by creating a quilt square infused with their memory—through color, fabric, or a cherished photo. Your piece can become part of a collective community quilt to be showcased this April. Materials provided—bring a photo or fabric with meaning. Free with registration Register Farming While Black Film Screening February 15,12:30PM -2:30PM Free Experience the powerful documentary Farming While Black at GPC in Jensen Room on Saturday, February 15th, from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM. This thought-provoking film explores the history, challenges, and resilience of Black farmers in America. Following the screening, join a post-film discussion led by GPC Alliance Exhibits Specialist Onyx Engobor to reflect on the film’s themes and its relevance today. Light refreshments will be provided. Free with registration – space is limited! Register Honey Extraction Workshop February 15,10AM -12PM Cost: $55  $45 Members/Volunteers Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day Weekend!  Join us for a hands-on Honey Extraction Workshop and discover the magic behind turning honeycomb into golden jars of deliciousness. Under the guidance of Head Beekeeper Marcin Matelski, you’ll learn the ins and outs of honey extraction, work with tools like centrifuges, and take home your own jar of GPCA honey! Spaces are limited. Register by February 13th at 5:00 pm. Register Tree ID Walk- Winter Friday, February 21,10AM -11:30AM Free Step outside and explore the trees of the Conservatory grounds with a Treekeeper from Openlands. Stroll through Bluestone Terrace, learn to identify different species, and deepen your connection to nature. Free with registration. Rain, snow, or shine—dress for the weather! Register Beginning Beekeeping Class Saturday, February 22, OR March 15, 9am - 2pm Cost: $70 $56 Members/Volunteers Ever wondered what it takes to care for a hive? Spend the day with our Head Beekeeper, Marcin Matelski, as he unpacks the fascinating world of bees! This in-depth, lecture-based class covers hive management, bee biology, and essential equipment—perfect for beginners and a prerequisite for our volunteer beekeeper program. Pre-registration required. Spaces fill fast—secure your spot! Register for February 22nd Class Register for March 15th Class The Legacy Of Jazz Sunday, February 23, 2pm-3pm Free Celebrate Black History Month with an unforgettable afternoon of live jazz! The legendary Margaret Murphy-Webb and her band from the South Side Jazz Coalition will take you on a musical journey through the rich history of this iconic genre. Free with registration—space is limited! Register   NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS Inspiring Children & Caretakers with The Power of Nature Urban Roots: Leading The Charge Urban Roots Teens Honor Black History Through Plants This February, our Urban Roots Teens invite you on a special Black History Month tour exploring the deep cultural and historical ties between Black heritage and the plant world. Through their personal connections to food, wellness, and nature, these young docents will guide you through the Conservatory, sharing powerful stories that highlight the resilience and traditions rooted in our plant collection Saturday, February 22, Free with registration. 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. Book Your Visit FAMILY PROGRAMS Art after Dark Every Wednesday from 4pm - 7:30pm Get creative with our nature educators! Stop by Horticulture Hall to explore nature through art—fun for kids and adults of all ages.   Morning Glories Every Friday from 10am- 12pm Perfect for tiny nature explorers ages 0-3 and their caregivers! Join us for gentle, sensory-filled activities that spark curiosity and joy. Budding Botanist Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm Hands-on experiments and nature discoveries await! Each session is packed with interactive fun and learning for young botanists. Family Programs are made possible in part by The Dr. Scholl Foundation, 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 Still deciding what to gift a loved one this Valentine's Day? Gifting a Membership is a perfect option to gift your valentine so they can enjoy the beauty of nature all year long at Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens! Learn more about membership benefits and purchase a Gift of Membership ahead of Valentine's Day below. Gift A Membership Momentum Coffee At GPC Wednesday-Sunday: 10am-3pm In Horticulture Hall Celebrate Valentines Day with our Chocolate Covered Strawberry Latte—a sweet and decadent treat that adds a little extra love to your visit. Stop by Momentum Coffee and enjoy the perfect blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry, guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat. Every sip is a moment of love! Book a Reservation COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Valentine's Day Dinner Friday, February 14, 6pm - 8pm 3504 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60624 Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with a special dinner at Inspiration Kitchens. Whether you're enjoying the evening with a loved one or friends, this intimate event promises delicious dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Choose your entrée and indulge in a memorable meal for $200 per couple or $100 per person. Space is limited to 20 couples—reserve your spot by February 7th for a night you won't forget!  Garfield Park Skate Meetup Thursday, February 20, 6pm-8pm Join us every third Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Gold Dome (Garfield Park Gymnasium) for a fun-filled evening of roller skating! Enjoy free skate rentals provided by the Chicago Park District (or bring your own skates) and grab a treat from the concession stand by Garfield PAC. Everyone is welcome—no admission fee! Come skate, connect, and have a blast in the heart of Garfield Park!   Heart Health Month Thursday, February 20, 6pm Garfield Park Field House 100 N. Central Park Ave. This February, take charge of your heart health with free screenings at five Chicago Park District locations. In partnership with the Chicago Department of Health, these screenings will provide blood pressure and heart rate readings, plus helpful tips for maintaining a healthy heart. Join us to get informed and stay active—whether you're starting or continuing your wellness journey in the new year! Dates & Locations: 2/6: Homan Square Park 2/13: Hamilton Park 2/20: Garfield Park Gold Dome 2/27: Grand Crossing Park & Amundsen Park  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
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/pipermail/communications_chicagocommunitygardens.org/attachments/20250205/d5df9150/attachment-0001.html>