DATES: Aug. 24, 2024 - Aug. 24, 2025
TIMES: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
PRICE: Included with Membership or General Admission.
The Leaf Connection showcases the vibrant plant diversity of the Phoenix metro area through an intricate display of hand-made, ceramic leaves at Webster Center. With more than 1,000 ceramic pieces, each leaf’s design is influenced by observations community scientists record on iNaturalist, an established online platform where nature lovers share information on biodiversity.
During the course of the exhibit, local artist Mary Meyer will periodically add new ceramic leaves as more people contribute observations on iNaturalist. The Garden invites guests to engage with this distinctive art installation, offering a captivating opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Exhibition unavailable during private events.
Mary Meyer is a sculptor and mixed media artist whose work utilizes systems of carved components that investigate the intimate connections between community and botanicals. Originally trained in stone carving, she is drawn to meditative processes and materials such as clay, wood and metal that foster the intuitive exploration of form. Meyer has lived in Arizona for more than 28 years. She holds a BFA in sculpture from Arizona State University where she studied foundry casting methods and metalworking. She completed her graduate studies at the University of Arizona, where she received the MFA Fellowship for her work with large mixed media installations. The artist has exhibited at the Phoenix Art Museum; Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum; Tucson Museum of Art; and FOMA Gallery Santa Fe, among others. Public collections include Sky Harbor International Airport Museum; Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art; City of Tempe; and Royal Caribbean International. She is an alumni member of Phoenix artist collectives Eye Lounge Contemporary Artspace and MARS Artspace, and has served as an adjunct professor teaching sculpture and 3D Design at Arizona State University, Scottsdale Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. She lives and works in Gold Canyon, AZ, and has a studio at Cattle Track Arts Compound in Scottsdale.
Aug. 24, 31 | Sept. 7 & 14
Escape the heat and explore the Garden after dark with family and friends! Discover the Garden’s five thematic trails, encounter desert creatures, and immerse yourself in the captivating nighttime ambiance with cool drinks and treats.
Sept. 5
Not all bugs are causing trouble in your garden! Get to know the good-guy insects that will help you manage pest problems.
Sept. 18
The Arizona Natural History course will introduce students to the geology, flora, fauna and human history of Arizona. Using information and theories from biology, ecology, geology and archaeology, the class will explore the adaptations of desert animals, plants and other life forms, the landscape that set the stage for their evolution and the human cultures that have called this desert home.