Past Exhibitions
November 21, 2009 to May 30, 2010
Allan Houser: Tradition to Abstraction
The Desert Botanical Garden and Heard Museum presented a major exhibition of the works of Apache master sculptor Allan Houser. For the first time ever, visitors were able to see the breadth of Houser’s work at two of the Valley’s most prestigious destinations. The Desert Botanical Garden featured 18 sculptures in bronze that reflect the modernist influences from which Houser drew inspiration for his work, as well as a collection of his two-dimensional drawings for children’s books. The Heard Museum exhibition featured paintings, sketches and small-scale sculptures from their collection. Born on June 30, 1914, Allan Capron Haozous become known to the world as Allan Houser. Houser was a descendant from the Fort Sill survivors of the Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache tribe. He was immersed in the history and community of Indian people, is considered one of the best-known and celebrated American artists of the 20th century and is often referred to as the “father” of American Indian sculpture. Houser, who died in 1994, became famous for his bold statements in stone and bronze. He was also an illustrator and painter and never failed to create innovative new works of art.
October 15, 2009 to January 3, 2010
Legacy
Legacy featured some of the finest works from artists given the Diane Bouchier Founder's Award for Excellence in Botanical Art from the American Society of Botanical Artists. Never before had the works of these artists been exhibited together. The 27 paintings and illustrations displayed highlighted both the scientific foundation and artistic expression of this unique art form.
May 5, 2006 to August 3, 2009
Illustrating Nature: The Tradition Continues
Illustrating Nature: The Tradition Continues examined the history of botanical illustration, as well as the techniques and processes used to create these works of art. Artwork from the students and instructors of the Desert Botanical Garden Botanical Art and Illustration Program were included in the exhibition.
September 5 to October 19, 2008
The Spirit of the Saguaro
The Desert Botanical Garden presented an exhibition of photographs from Arizona photographer, Holly Metz. The large black and white images, taken in the desert, celebrated the beauty and uniqueness of this ancient desert plant.
February 1, 2007 to August 20, 2008
Patrick Dougherty: Childhood Dreams
With the help of Garden volunteers, world-renowned artist Patrick Dougherty spent the month of February 2007 creating a one-of-a-kind sculpture. Hundreds of willow branches were transformed into a magnificent large-scale sculpture at Desert Botanical Garden. The finished work of art, Childhood Dreams was located on the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail.
November 24, 2007 to May 30, 2008
Mayme Kratz – Artist in Residence: The Breathing Room
The Breathing Room, a living art installation by Arizona artist Mayme Kratz, was located on the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail. This installation of desert plants and flowers grew and blossomed through early spring, inviting visitors to connect with nature and experience the wonder and beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden. Once Mayme’s garden turned to seed, the collected elements of nature became a part of her unique art.
April 18 to May 30, 2008
Mayme Kratz – Artist in Residence
The Desert Botanical Garden presented an exhibition of the artwork of Mayme Kratz. Created from organic materials, her work celebrates nature and the cycles of change. Mayme’s creations of organic material suspended in resin create dynamic sculptural and two-dimensional works of art.
