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“Botanical Resurgence” Art Exhibit Comes to Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling

Art and science merge in the creation of botanical art, an ancient art form that documents and celebrates plant diversity.

“Botanical Resurgence” features 100 drawings and paintings in a variety of media by 12 members of the Allegheny Highlands Botanical Art Society (AHBAS). Works of art capture the aesthetic beauty and personality of plants as well as the details of anatomy.

This exhibit aims to increase appreciation and understanding of plant diversity, native plant ecology and conservation of our natural resources.

“Botanical Resurgence” is on display at Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling through August 27.

Opening Reception Sunday, July 17

Join us from 1-3pm Sunday, July 17 for a free opening reception. View the exhibit, meet the artists, observe artist demonstrations, and enjoy light refreshments.

Observe beautiful images, admire the skill and creativity of artists, and connect with nature!

Botanical Art Combines Science & Art

For centuries, prior to the invention of photography, scientists, physicians, and explorers relied on detailed illustrations to identify and analyze plants. However, our fascination with plants and flowers stretches beyond the scientific scope of the artform. The botanical world is visually captivating and full of wonder, making it a popular subject for artists and viewers alike.

To create realistic botanical images, artists must possess expertise in classical artistic techniques along with scientific knowledge.

“On the artistic side of it, keen observation skills, a steady hand and an extremely good understanding of composition, color theory, the value scale and contrast are necessary for botanical illustration,” said Rasmussen. “On the scientific side of it, understanding the parts of the plant as well as how those parts connect to each other is necessary.”

She explained illustrators must identify the specific Latin name as well as the common name of a plant they are illustrating. Most artists work while observing live specimens.

While illustrations contain botanically accurate details, the personal expression of the artist is also incorporated into the works.

Artwork by Stephanie Lind.

Rasmussen said each artist has a unique way of representing the botanical world. “Some of the differences are in the composition style. Others are in the use of color. Some are in the way the medium is used, but you will definitely see each artist’s style in their work.”

Featured Artists

In addition to Rasmussen, other AHBAS members featured in the exhibit are Marian Atkins, Holly R. Dobkin, Weldon Doran, Melissa Fabian, Raana Flemm, James Hansotte, Anita Jones, Stephanie Lind, Brenda Nemeth, Catherine Park, and Sue Ralston.

About the AHBAS

AHBAS, a regional chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA), is based in Pittsburgh, with members from Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia.

Through their annual flora project and local exhibitions, the chapter strives to educate the public on plant diversity, native plant ecology, and conservation. Members use many types of media such as watercolor, graphite, colored pencils, and printmaking.

Nature Journaling Workshop July 30

A Nature Journaling Workshop, taught by AHBAS member Melissa Fabian, takes place July 30 in conjunction with the exhibit. Participants explore nature journaling formats by various artists and try techniques such as quick sketching, sketching movement and adding color.

Artwork by Melissa Fabian.

The workshop is open to ages 13 and up and takes place from noon-3pm Saturday, July 30 on the nature trail at the Schrader Environmental Education Center in Oglebay Park. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Gallery Hours

Sponsored by United Bank, “Botanical Resurgence” is on display at Stifel Fine Arts Center through August 27 and can be viewed free of change from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays.  Evening hours are dependent on classes and special events.

Artwork by lisa rasmussen.

About Stifel Fine Arts Center

Housed in the historic Edemar Mansion and part of the non-profit Oglebay Institute, Stifel Fine Arts Center is a public arts center with galleries, classrooms, and performance space. It serves as a gathering place for artists, emerging artists, art lovers, students, educators, and families – connecting and engaging the community in creative pursuits.

For more information, visit OIonline.com or call Stifel Fine Arts Center at 304-242-7700.

Parcel Players Present “Little Women”

Oglebay Institute’s Parcel Players present a new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel “Little Women.” See the show July 14-17 at Towngate Theatre in Wheeling.

“Little Women” follows the coming-of-age adventures of four sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March—as they grow up in Civil War-era New England and is loosely based on the author and her sisters. Although published more than 150 years ago, the story remains popular and relevant today.

“The central themes in the work are family at the center, following one’s path, remembering what is truly important and growing into one’s destiny despite societal expectations,” said director Erin Gallagher Bond. “Even in today’s world with so many issues of identity and self-worth, these characters allow us to see ourselves in them.”

For example, the character Jo, an outspoken tomboy with a passion for writing, is trying to make her way in the world while balancing within the constraints placed on nineteenth-century women.

“Her sense of adventure, her magnificent imagination, her commitment to family and her bravery at a time when women were not so ‘Jo-like’… She is a trailblazer and a real heroine,” Bond said.

Love and purpose are also universal themes highlighted throughout the story.

“Sometimes it is romantic love; sometimes it is sister/family love; sometimes it is the love of one’s passion in life—writing, serving others, being a parent, art, etc.,” explained Bond. “We all want to belong and matter; we all would like to have at least one dream come true; we all need to lean on those around us when tragedy strikes. And we all must get up the next day and try again.”

New Take on a Well-Known Story

In addition to directing the production, Bond wrote the adaptation.

“I adore the original book and especially the 1994 movie. My adaptation is different because it includes Louisa May Alcott as the narrator. Alcott saw herself as Jo and this version really makes that clear,” she said.

In addition, Bond added some comedic moments and tried to illuminate some of the smaller characters from the book to create more acting roles for students.

Talented Cast of Young Actors

As director, she has high expectations for the young actors. “Since the Parcel Players are student-aged actors, it is important to me that they understand why certain things are being asked of them and how to truly develop themselves regarding the craft of acting…we are not playing dress-up or pretend. I want real relationships, truth behind the words, and sincere highs and lows reached as the action of the play dictates.”

The students are rising to the challenge. “It has been a delight to get to know them and watch the transformation from nervous or shy to blossoming into their roles and a joy to watch them grow to love the material and their characters.”

Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March are played by Destiny Robinson, Vivian Bloomfield, Clare Seibert, and Grace Thompson, respectively.

Anna Contraguerro plays the role of Louisa. Grey Woods is Marmee. Joel Nau is Laurie. Father is played by Everett Poole.

Other cast members are Daily Ward, Drew Tarrant, Will Medovic, Keyuri Morgan, Samantha Jarrett, Josie Figaretti, Rylin Russel, Josephine Vosvich, Jana Schodzinski, Arabella Ross, Alex Fabrizio, Claire McFadden, Emma Thompson, Brooke Porter, Lila Roman and Shelby Gibson.

Bond hopes audiences will “enjoy a different take on a well-known story” and “be impressed with and proud of these young actors who have given up part of the summer to bring this play to the Towngate stage.”

About the Director

Bond is a Wheeling-area native who recently relocated back to the area. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in theatre performance from the University of Mississippi. She has worked as an actor, director and teacher in New York City, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Central Florida, where she started her own children’s theater.

Soon after returning to her hometown, she became involved with Towngate Theatre. She teaches musical theater classes and camps, has performed on the Towngate stage and is now directing a Parcel Players show.

“I am so happy to be part of the Towngate Theatre team,” she said.

About Parcel Players

Through Oglebay Institute’s Parcel Players summer theater program, young people can act, direct, design sets, work with costumes, lighting and more. And the public enjoys fine entertainment. In addition, Parcel Players helps ensure the future of community theater in the Ohio Valley by fostering young talent.

Get Tickets

Bond said “Little Women” is a great show for all ages. “Perhaps a young person in the audience will get inspired to audition next summer or even write their own book about their own life experience, just like Louisa May Alcott did!”

“Little Women” will be staged at 7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 14-16. A 3pm matinee takes place Sunday, July 17.

Tickets for the show are just $10. Purchase online at www.oionline.com, call 304-242-7700, or you can purchase at the door, if available.

Part of the nonprofit Oglebay Institute, Towngate Theatre is located in the historic Centre Market District of Wheeling and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.