What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in April
Fort Wayne, Ind. –The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 1100 South Calhoun Street presents the following events and programs this month.
Featuring:
Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit!
Tuesday, April 15 – June 22, public hours
Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Watch in awe, their wings in flight, as they flash with color pigments and refracted light. Observe exotic butterflies emerging from their chrysalides right before your eyes! An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Sponsored by: the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, “In memory of Jo Ann and William Wyatt,” 21Alive and 97.3 WMEE.
Bunny Tales in the Garden
Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hop from one garden to the next while enjoying cheerful floral displays, interactive activities and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. Children are encouraged to follow the trail through the Conservatory’s lush displays to discover the ‘ending’ to the Bunny’s tale—an in-person visit with the Easter Bunny! (Note: Bunny takes a break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. A highlight of the event is the Color in Motion Live Butterfly Tent, where visitors can step inside and experience butterflies up close in a vibrant, interactive setting. Due to anticipated attendance, the Butterfly Tent will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with timed entries in five-minute intervals to ensure a positive experience for all participants. General admission fees apply. Sponsored by: Majic 95.1 WAJI, Fox55 and Koester’s Body & Frame Shop.
Color in Motion: Spring Artisan Market
Sunday, April 27, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Spring has sprung and butterflies have returned to the Botanical Conservatory. On the last Sunday in April, join in the fun by also taking part in a Spring Artisan Market during the Color in Motion Butterfly Exhibit! This new indoor/outdoor market features local crafters, artists and unique vendors selling great gifts for Mother’s Day and any other occasion. Garden admission is not required to shop the Spring Market or the Conservatory Shop. Present your validated admission ticket for free parking in the Civic Center Garage.
Grace Yencer: Gentle Turning
April 15 – June 22
Grace Yencer has been creating art for as long as she can remember, inspired by a childhood dream of becoming an artist or art teacher. Yencer’s love for snail mail sparked an early career in greeting cards, but she soon shifted focus to art as self-expression. With roots in the Midwest, her style reflects both a sense of nostalgia and a playful exploration of the world around her, making her pieces as heartfelt as they are visually engaging. Her work invites you to pause, look closer and maybe catch a hint of sorrow in the details. “To create one’s world takes courage,” Georgia O’Keeffe.
Also Happening:
Floor is Lava! Winter Showcase Exhibit
Until April 6, public hours
It’s the hottest garden around as visitors to the Botanical Conservatory experience the daring feats of your favorite childhood game! This winter, don’t miss your landing, as you navigate a challenging set of obstacles for all ages and abilities. Fiery hues of reds and oranges flood the challenge course amidst towering tropical plants under the shadows of a roaring volcano. Don’t fall in–the FLOOR IS LAVA! Sponsored by: PNC Charitable Trusts, English Bonter Mitchell, Magee-O’Connor Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation and 103.9 Wayne fm.
Lisa Heintzman: Innovative Abstractor
Until April 5
My paintings are inspired by the energy and emotions that I draw around me. I am very observant in how one motion affects the next and how simple daily life has so many moments all compiled into one day. I paint my abstract art with these emotions and perfect imperfections of each moment. In my paintings, time is suspended, as we are all dealing with chaos. I believe beauty is necessary and my intent and purpose is to help you view the imperfect world in bringing you calmness, joy and serenity of the movements you see in my paintings.
Slightly Used Bulb Sale
Until May 4, public hours
This annual sale features slightly used tulips, daffodils and hyacinths from the Botanical Conservatory’s winter exhibit. Located in the outdoor Sales Garden, bulbs are $1.95/pot and are ready to plant in preparation for next year’s bloom! Purchases are made through the Conservatory Shop while supplies last. Admission is not required to shop.
