As part of its Flourish 40th anniversary celebration, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden commissioned me, contemporary American multi-disciplinary artist Kyle Epps, as an artist-in-residence from April to September 2024. My work work during this time explored the garden’s landscape and history through various media. As part of the residency, guests meet and sat with Epps to experience the process of exploring the Garden through the artist’s lens.
PRESS: Check out Lewis Ginter’s New Vibe: Kyle Epps’ Artistry in Full Bloom, an article by RVA Magazine!
PHASE 1: April-May
In the first phase of “Plant,” Epps will be live painting in the Garden in April and May. This lays the foundation or “fertile soil” for the work. In a related activity, on Thursday, May 2, Epps will teach how to use earth pigments to make paint in the class From the Earth: Paint Making.
PHASE 2: June-July
“Grow” in June and July is when Epps’ dimensional tapestries will emerge and evolve in the Garden’s Community Art Gallery. The art will delve into the history of the land and include two large-scale works related to Lewis Ginter and Grace Arents. Read more about Lewis, Grace, and the history of the Garden.
Kyle will also host Harmony Among Hues: Drawing Inspiration from Nature on Saturday, June 15. Join the artist in finding serenity and creative inspiration amidst nature’s palette. Through guided meditation, you’ll harmonize with the Garden’s tranquil energy, immersing yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. With pastels in hand, explore the vibrant hues of the Garden, translating your inner reflections onto canvas. This workshop will be held outdoors in the Flagler Garden.
PHASE 3: August – September
"Bloom" and Step into Blooms of Light, an enchanting AR exhibition where the digital realm blossoms with the life and energy of the garden. Each artwork is a radiant bloom, capturing the essence of growth and transformation, illuminating the unseen beauty of nature’s cycles. Among these digital marvels, you’ll also find images of art created in the garden by the resident artist, subtly weaving the physical and virtual worlds together. Discover the magic of Blooms of Light, where every virtual petal tells a story of nature’s boundless vitality.
Click here to open the experience through Adobe Aero. If you cannot use Aero you can view the experience through our virtual exhibition map.
Phase 4: Infinity (Seeds)"
This experience guides participants through the historic Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on architectural waypoints and a riddle adventure. Designed for both novice and experienced participants.