Art in the Garden Classes

NEW! Painted Ceramic Alebrijes | June 16 | IN-PERSON

If you’d like to try your hand at sculpting a fantastical creature out of clay, join the fun as we dream up and build hollow ceramic animals that will be fired and painted with bold colors and designs of your choice. We’ll take our inspiration from traditional papier-mâché and wooden alebrijes as we form original 3D beings in the first session. The brilliant final colors will appear during the second session as we layer acrylic paints with brushes and fine paint pens. Participants are welcome to bring any additional acrylic materials they’d like to use on the painting day, and please bring a container and soft wrapping to transport your completed alebrije to its new home.

NEW! Alebrijes-Inspired Linoleum Printmaking and Collage | August 1, 8 | IN-PERSON

Alebrijes are brightly colored, fantastical creatures from Mexican folk art that often combine features from various animals—real and mythical—into a single, surreal form. Hosting their east coast debut, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens will have multiple larger-than-life alebrijes sculptures on display! In this artmaking workshop participants will create alebrijes-inspired drawings, and will use the linoleum relief printmaking process to carve and print their magical animal imagery! We will also use colorful patterned paper to create collages and incorporate the vibrant aesthetic that is characteristic of alebrijes. Finally, we will then linoleum print on top of these collages to bring the whole animal design to life!

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Floral Design Classes

NEW! Fantastical Florals: Alebrijes-Inspired Floral Design | June 23 | IN-PERSON

Alebrijes are brightly colored, fantastical creatures from Mexican folk art that often combine features from both real and mythical animals. Join floral designer David Pippin for an exploration of these vibrant works of art. After viewing examples of alebrijes, you’ll return to the classroom to create your own floral interpretation using bold, eye-catching blooms and foliage. Bring your camera and floral clippers! All flowers, materials, and containers will be provided. Instructor: David Pippin

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Food & Drink Classes

NEW! Beyond the Margarita: Tequila Cocktails | August 19 | IN-PERSON

Join local Tequila expert and mixologist Beth Dixon in this Alebrijes Exhibit inspired class, focusing on Tequila. Join Beth for an in-depth exploration of the spirit; from plant to production to your glass. Learn how to use Tequila in exciting and different ways – beyond the Margarita in a Paloma, Mexican Firing Squad and Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Come prepared to ask questions, connect with your fellow foodies, and treat your taste buds. As Beth showcases how to create these delicious traditional and modern Mexican cocktails, you’ll learn expert techniques for kicking your mixology up a notch. You’ll also enjoy a glass of each cocktail, finding pairing inspiration with three courses of small plates designed to play perfectly with the drinks’ refreshing, aromatic tasting notes.

Fee includes 3 cocktails, 3 courses, all taxes, fees and gratuity.

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Garden Tours

NEW! Dream Creatures of Mexico: A Walking Tour of Alebrijes | June 25, June 27, July 23 OR August 13 

Join us as we explore a fantastical outdoor art exhibit on display throughout the Garden featuring vibrant and whimsical, large-scale cartoneria (papier-mâché) creations designed by Mexico City cartoneros (papier-mâché artists). This immersive exhibition pays tribute to the exceptional craftsmanship of Mexican artisans while celebrating the depth and beauty of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll discover how these extraordinary creatures are brought to life, uncover the symbolism behind their imaginative forms, and learn about the history and enduring traditions that make this beloved folk art so unique.