In keeping with the theme of the 2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show, Passport To The World, the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators (PSBI) has chosen to showcase paintings of plants introduced to the U.S from the far corners of the world by plant hunting expeditions throughout history. This exhibition will be on view February 28 – March 7, 2010.
A little known fact is that illustrators have always been important members of plant expeditions. What surprises many is the fact that many of these early botanical artists, who traveled to some of the most remote and uncivilized places on earth were women! While botanical illustration is by no means an exclusively female occupation, the PSBI would like to dispel the myth that it is a mere “hobby” for the pampered housewife. Botanical artists are still valued today on plant hunting expeditions to illustrate specimens in an accurate and detailed manner that even the most sophisticated camera cannot capture. Our members will educate the public to both the history and techniques of botanical illustration both through continuing demonstrations at our exhibit and an informative brochure describing the role of the botanical artist through history. This year the society will donate a portion of sales of paintings to the Philadelphia-area Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization. This is a cause that is dear to the hearts of many of our members and their families. It’s almost impossible to find someone who hasn’t be touched by this horrific disease on some way.
For more information about this exhibit, please contact:
Joan Frain
joanfstudio@verizon.net
(610) 363-5534
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