New Reedy Gallery Collaboration Presents ‘Seasons’ Collection
Artwork, Pumpkins, Book Sale On Tap this Weekend at the Arboretum

            Chanhassen, MN (Oct. 1, 2009) - For the first time ever, the Reedy Gallery at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is pleased to present 13 notable artists in an engaging exhibit of original oil paintings and watercolors celebrating the beauty of autumn. 
            “Seasons/Autumn Unplugged” opens Friday, Oct. 2, showcasing the work of talented artists from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Utah, ranging in age from 26 to 85.  They include: Olexa Bulavitsky, Jerry Calingor, Richard Krogstad, Michele Combs, Leo Stans, Jim Hillis, Gary Max Collins and his son John Collins, Tom Foty, Howard Sivertson, Keith Wilcock, Harold Atkinson and Ashley Dull. 

            This exhibition is the first resulting from a new agreement between the Arboretum and the Wilcock Gallery in Excelsior to collaborate on a series of art exhibitions.  While the Reedy has featured nature-themed art since its opening in the Oswald Visitor Center in 2005, the new collaboration will attempt to provide greater exposure to a broader community of artists in seasonally-themed collections.  All works will be available for sale and a portion of proceeds from each sale directly benefits the Arboretum.  A series of collections will be featured in seasonal exhibits throughout the year.

            The “Seasons/Autumn Unplugged” exhibit continues through Thanksgiving when it will transform into “Seasons/Winterscapes” through Jan. 31.  Exhibit brochures and pricing lists are available in the gallery.  Informal tours and commentary by Wilcock Gallery representatives are planned for the weekend of Oct. 24-25 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Also Featured this Weekend (Oct. 3 & 4):

·        Pumpkin Palooza Exhibit: Checkout this picturesque indoor display of nearly 50 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds, all grown at the Horticultural Research Center.  Oswald Visitor Center.

·        Friends of the Library Used Book Sale: Browse among thousands of gently used books – everything from horticultural classics to novels. Proceeds benefit the Andersen Horticultural Library.   10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4, Snyder Auditorium.

·        Apple-Tasting: Sample U of M research apples – you might discover the next Honeycrisp! 1-3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 3 & 4. Oswald Visitor Center. ·        Youth Voices Conference: Young adults share personal experiences in growth and leadership development learned from garden-based programming and how to plan successful youth programming.  8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, MacMillan Auditorium, Oswald Visitor Center.  Fees range from $15-$70.  Call for details: 952-443-1422.

·        Japanese Moon Viewing: Celebrate the full moon and the beauty of fall in the Arboretum’s lovely Ornamental Grass Collection.  This unique outdoor experience includes flute music and poetry reading.  6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.  (This event will be cancelled in the event of rain.)

·         Weekend Family Fun: “Minnesota Healthful Harvest” is the theme of October’s family nature craft activity offered on a drop-in basis at the Andrus Learning Center from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Free with admission.

            There’s no need to travel far for breathtaking autumn color and outdoor fun!  Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and savor this special season. Grounds are open every day (except Thanksgiving & Christmas) from 8 a.m. to sunset.  For info, visit: www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400. Admission is $9 adults; free for members and ages 15 and younger.
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The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen.