What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in November

Fort Wayne, Ind. –The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 1100 South Calhoun Street presents the following events and programs this month.

 Featuring:

 Timeless Tradition

November 18, 2023-January 7, 2024

Holidays at the Botanical Conservatory have delighted the community as a family favorite over the last 40 years. Its gardens in light and scenes of merriment contribute to a warm holiday spirit in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Fresh cut evergreens, a lush poinsettia tree and deep ruby undertones are the backdrop to this year’s memories. Join us in celebrating an oasis of growth and tradition. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, Wilson Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.

 Julia Meek: Fort Wayne Traditions

November 28-January 5

Fort Wayne native Julia is a radio host, graphic artist and legendary community volunteer who has contributed to Northeast Indiana Public Radio both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts “Folktales” and “Meet the Music.” She also hosts live concerts and festival stages in northeast Indiana and coordinates special programs with Gregg Coyle, Director of Clyde Theatre. Known for her accessible arts and cultural offerings, Julia's list of achievements includes Easter Seals ARC's 26-year Portraits of Pride series and two decades of Cityscapes and Schooldays renderings, countless private commissions, multiple Mastodons on Parade, Canal Society of Indiana co-founder, Three Rivers Festival Millennial Artist and Fort Wayne's 1st Female Muralist designation as well as various works of public art including a recent mural in the Landing neighborhood.

An Herban Garden Showcase Exhibit

Until November 12, public hours

Digest the community impact of urban gardening and see herbs that flourish, mushrooms that thrive and rooftops that grow. Forage some more to discover dynamic graffiti art and container gardens accompanying uptown views from your local stoop. It’s a beautiful season in the neighborhood at the Botanical Conservatory’s own herban garden. Included with general admission. Sponsored by: the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation and WANE 15.

$1 Night Light Display

Wednesday, November 22, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day

Thursdays & Fridays, November 24-December 22, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

The gardens in light are best seen at night! Find yourself surrounded by festive greenery, stunning poinsettias and enchanted scenery as part of illuminated photo ops at the Botanical Conservatory. Cross gift buying off your list after stopping into the Conservatory Shop where there is a unique selection of thoughtful gifts. Kick-off your holidays with a stroll through gardens glistening and glowing on the $1 Night before Thanksgiving. Then come again to the $1 Night Light Display every Thursday and Friday evening from Black Friday leading up to Christmas. Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.

            $1 Night Light Displays In November:

Also Happening:

Holly Shopping at the Conservatory

Saturday, November 25, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

On this Day of Holly Shopping, locally owned and operated shops celebrate small businesses throughout downtown Fort Wayne, the West Main Shops and Wells Street Corridor. This includes the Conservatory Shop in partnership with Downtown Fort Wayne! Meet your holiday shopping needs in the Botanical Conservatory’s own “Artisan Village” consisting of local artisans, crafters and unique vendors. In addition, Cozmé Jewelry is hosting a pop-up shopping experience. Conservatory admission is not required to shop.

Daniel Dienelt: Relearning to Draw My Judgement

Until November 12, public hours

Daniel Dienelt draws creative inspiration from his reading of public space in the city. Dienelt is a deaf multi-disciplinary artist who applies recognizable day-to-day elements to unfamiliar situations in which the viewer is confronted by their own conditioning and perception. Growing up in Fort Wayne, listening through Beltone hearing aids and lip reading the phrase “don’t go downtown” was confusing especially considering where his grandparents lived and the street his audiologist was located on. Dienelt further recalls his experience touring the city via a JJR disability van service when he found himself spying on wonders of architecture and landscape. He later experienced the urban environment through skateboarding, which offers a whole new perspective allowing one to engage differently with architecture in a contemporary landscape. Relearning to draw his own judgement, Dienelt is retracing the steps of these profound moments and creating pieces that exalt experiences within them. This collaboration between natural and man-made environments creates compositions with questionably sublime messages.