Events and Exhibits Heat Up at Desert Botanical Garden
Temperatures may be raising in the desert, but activities continue at Desert Botanical Garden with an array of exhibitions and events. The garden is presenting a world-class season, including world-renowned artists, local musicians and dancers.
Three exhibits are currently on view. Through May 13, the “Spring Butterfly Exhibit” offers an up-close look at hundreds of North American butterflies such as painted ladies, zebra longwings and giant swallowtails among the garden grounds. Each week, 100 new pupae are added to the exhibit. Guests can also explore a caterpillar nursery and emergence chamber.
Patrons can celebrate the art, form and life of desert plants with “John Schaefer’s Flowers & Form” through May 20. Schaefer – who has distinguished himself as an educator, best-selling author and photographer – has chosen cactus plants and flowers as his photographic muse.
Head by Jun Kaneko
Through May 13, uncover Jun Kaneko’s colorfully glazed ceramic and bronze forms in the rich backdrop of the garden’s desert flora. Kaneko is an internationally renowned artist who specializes in large hand-built ceramic sculptures. His work has been featured in more than 40 major museum collections and shown in high-profile exhibitions and public art installations around the world. The garden displays the whimsical Tanukis and the iconic Dangos, Kaneko’s round form series.•
In addition to the three exhibits, Desert Botanical Garden presents a variety of events this spring.
During Spring Music in the Garden, the garden once again offers a diverse lineup of talented performers through June 23 (doors open at 6:30 p.m., concerts 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.).
• May 4: Cinco de Moio | Jazz
• May 11: A Touch of Class | R&B and more
• May 18: Dmitri Matheny Group featuring Holly Pyle | Jazz, contemporary
• May 25: Sahnas Brothers Band | Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired fusion
• June 1: Canyon Records Artists | Contemporary Native American performers
• June 8: Jay Allan and the Uncommon Good | Funky-folk, blues rock
• June 15: QVLN | Latin-infused contemporary
• June 22: AZ Dueling Pianos
The garden also presents Desert Night Cinema, May 10 – June 14 (doors open 6:30 p.m., movie starts 7:45 p.m.). Before the movie starts, live entertainment and movie-related activities will be offered.
On May 10, the garden celebrates National Cactus Day. Cacti are among the most threatened groups of living organisms in the world. The garden scientists are leading the way in the lab and in the field to address these issues.
Expect the unexpected as Ballet Arizona returns to the garden, May 15 – June 2, presenting Eroica, a new sensory experience choreographed by Ib Andersen. A presentation of movement and sound on a stage that embraces the desert, the garden provides a unique backdrop to pair with Andersen’s enchanting choreography.
“Eroica” performed by Ballet Arizona
Celebrate the agricultural roots of south Phoenix through the work of Spaces of Opportunity at Fund the Farm on May 17. Progress is being made through this community initiative by the garden to build this food desert into a thriving food oasis, including a farmers market, community farming and volunteer opportunities. The evening celebrates accomplishments and opportunities ahead with a performance by Las Cafeteras, a Chicano band from Los Angeles.
Flashlight Tours will be available Saturdays all summer, May 26 – Sept. 1. The tours are sensory adventures to see, hear and feel how the desert nights shimmer. Guests can capture the night-blooming plants and animals in the desert after dark.
Spring Events and Exhibits
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
For more information, visit www.dbg.org.
