Graceful calla lilies, lush bougainvillea, and blazing coleus were among the more than 25 different tropical and flowering plants which complimented the art work of twelve local artists, professional, student, and amateur, to create "Artistry in the Greenhouse," UMass Boston's display at the New England Spring Flower Show which was held March 13-21 at the Bayside Exposition Center in Dorchester. The theme of the Flower Show was "Artistry in the Garden."
UMass Boston's contribution to the show is a long-time tradition.
Exhibits are prepared, often months in advance, by the Biology
Department Greenhouse and its director, Jim Allen. This year's
exhibit was designed to highlight the greenhouse as a resource, not
only to the biology department, which grows plants for research
projects and other uses, but also as a resource to art students and
others who wish to use the greenhouse as a studio.
"The great challenge this year for the biology department was to
conform to the theme of the show and still contribute in a scientific
way ," says Allen. The success of the exhibit was confirmed by
several ribbons, including an award of the Massachusetts Department
of Food and Agriculture and an education certificate. Judges comments
on the exhibit noted it as an "engaging example of art and subject
matter."
The New England Flower Show has been Boston's harbinger of Spring for
128 years. All proceeds from the Show benefit projects and programs
of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.