Insects ‘Invade’ for Annmarie Exhibit
Insects: They are either the bane of summer or, for the truest nature lovers, they are the most exciting part of warmer temperatures. Until Aug. 28, 2016, Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center will celebrate our six-legged friends in all their glory with a jurored exhibit called “Swarm: Invasion of the Insects.”
The juror for the exhibit is Christopher Mooney, a lead at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.
The insects in our world are a vital part of the environment, and are the result of millions of years of evolution to create amazing creatures with complex communities and structures on their own bodies that are both beautiful and perfectly functional. This exhibit will celebrate all of those aspects of the insect world, focusing on form and color, or event mating and eating habits. The bugs in this exhibit may be fantastical artistic creations, or they may have been a way for the artists to engage with their natural world. Either way, guests will be able to experience an incredible and lush exploration of the insect world.
At the O. Orkin Insect Zoo, where Mr. Mooney is the lead, staff members care for animals and plants that are part of the exhibition, where visitors can be educated on all sort of topics. Some of the zoo’s current projects include breeding Giant Silk moths, and developing programs that help visitors understand conservation and insects’ vital role in the balance of nature. The zoo staff work closely with the Smithsonian Gardens to ensure the exhibits are accurate and that the insects kept there have appropriate food sources, with the correct plants and trees.
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Annmarie Garden is located in scenic Solomons, MD, on the Chesapeake Bay. The sculpture garden features a walking path that meanders through the forest and passes permanent and loaned sculpture, including more than 35 works of art on loan from the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art. Annmarie Garden also presents a variety of award-winning special events, gallery shows, and engaging public art programs.
Annmarie Garden’s Studio School offers creative classes for all ages and abilities taught by a talented faculty. Annmarie Garden is conveniently located just off Route 2-4, on Dowell Road; open 9 am to 5 pm daily; the Murray Arts Building and Gift Shop are open 10 am to 5 pm daily.
For more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center, visit their Leader member page.
