Bee Inspired.
A couple of months ago I was contacted by the MN Landscape Arboretum as they are opening a new center dedicated to bees and pollinators and would I like to be part of the opening exhibition.
Absolutely, yes, of course.
Since it’s the bee and pollinator center it became obvious that maybe my horse images wouldn’t be the best suited for the exhibit. And I guess, my ladies won’t work either.
Flowers. Yes, flowers would be perfect. And since bees (and other accidental pollinators such as butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, etc.) are the main source of pollination for flowers, it’s a perfect fit. So, spring has a different significance this year as all I can think about is how this flower and that flower might work for my grid of nine images that will be on display.
Wait, I’ve also got a few butterfly images from a few years back. Let me give them a whirl and see what happens as well. This one will be donated to the upcoming gala event in June.
I’ve also been asked to give a demonstration at the annual gala. Lots of times when I give demonstrations people already have a sense of encaustic and what it’s all about. I’m guessing for some of those in attendance that painting with beeswax will be a whole new concept for them. I’m looking forward to introducing them to our wonderful medium—and hopefully they will fall in love with it as well.
The opening of the center and my involvement brings the topic to the forefront for me. I think as encaustic artists we should all be inspired and interested in the recent plight of our bee population. Without these magnificent creatures our lives and our art would be very different. It’s important for us to be committed to honoring the bees and their connection to our wellbeing.
I’m asking you to join me in creating an initiative to help save the bees. Make it a priority. Do what you can—where you can.
If you are looking for options to donate, The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center is responding to the urgent issue concerning the health of bees, pollinators, humans, and the environment by creating a timeless public community resource. Visitors will be encouraged to engage in innovative hands-on experiences that will help them to better understand how they can do something to help bees and other native pollinators in their own backyards and communities.
But there is a slew of other organizations in need of support. Please, do what you can.
With all good wishes,
