Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Illustrating Pollinators for Botanical Art:
BUTTERFLIES

A Three-Day Intensive Workshop on the Form and Function of Butterflies

This workshop is designed to deepen your understanding of butterflies beyond basic anatomy. Rather than simply identifying the head, thorax, and abdomen, we’ll explore how leg structures, mouthparts, and flight patterns reveal a butterfly’s purpose, personality, and ecological role. By studying the epitome of form and function, artists will gain insight into how these elements create life in motion.

Over three intensive days, we’ll blend structured instruction, guided observation, and hands-on drawing exercises to develop both technical skill and scientific understanding. Instead of rushing to complete a portfolio-ready piece, you’ll create a meaningful, well-designed observational record that serves as a foundation for future work.

Key Learning Components:
✔ Live Demonstrations & Guided Instruction – Learn structured methods for drawing butterflies accurately and scientifically.
✔ Hands-On Drawing & Observation – Apply concepts directly through structured drawing exercises.
✔ Scientific Pinning & Preservation – Learn techniques for preparing specimens for study and reference.
✔ Group Discussions & Inquiry-Based Exploration – Strengthen your ability to interpret form and function through critical thinking.

This class bridges visual art, science, and ecology, guiding botanical artists to illustrate not just the beauty of nature, but its deeper purpose—capturing form, function, and the interconnected roles of pollinators through careful observation and mark-making.

See class supply list below.

This class has been cancelled.

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.

Dates:
Friday, June 20, 2025 - Sunday, June 22, 2025
Time:
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • This event has passed.
Event Details

GES: Bi, 16.5, elective*

*This class provides 16.5 hours of elective credit toward the Garden Education Series: Botanical Illustration Certificate.

Prerequisites: Completion of Botanical Drawing II or Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration.

This class takes place over Friday, Saturday, Sunday:

  • June 20
  • June 21
  • June 22

View and print the Supply List for Students.

Stephey BakerABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Stephey Baker is an artist specializing in pen and ink, watercolor, color theory, and graphic design for the professional artist community. Her lifelong connection to nature led her to botanical illustration, with a special interest in pollinating insects and the plants that nurture them. Stephey obtained her botanical illustration certificate at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She believes in cultivating a curious spirit and finds joy in teaching others how to easily connect to their artistic side. Stephey lives in Church Hill with her rescued cats and dogs and tends to an urban garden full of life. In her favorite dreams, she can talk to Bumble Bees. Learn more at markedbythemuse.com

 

Claudette BakerClaudette Baker comes from a long lineage of artists and has lived her life as a student and teacher of various artistic practices. She taught art to children, served as a guest artist at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, and is a graduate of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s botanical illustration program. Claudette’s favorite medium is pencil, both color and graphite. She is a free spirit who accepts all with open arms. As a teacher, she encourages students to learn the basics as the first step in their journey to find their own style and voice. You can follow her on Instagram @claudette_baker.

 

 

Clara AusClara Aus is an avid bug collector and artist, having pinned hundreds of insect specimens for her personal collection as well as for Dr. Karen Kester’s VCU Bug Lab collection. A lifelong passion for insects led her to join the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden team in the M&T Bank Butterflies LIVE! Exhibit. In 2023, Clara became the Butterflies LIVE! Coordinator, and she currently works in the Children’s Garden as an Educator. She enjoys pollinator gardening, reading the latest Entomology research, and educating others about insects! Clara hopes to strengthen engagement with the community about how we can help native pollinators in Virginia and the surrounding states by planting native plants, being environmentally friendly, and raising awareness.

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