Connecting Art and Nature

As temperatures dip into winter, finding ways to enjoy the colder days becomes a challenge. Luckily, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens offers a warm retreat where visitors can connect with nature year-round.

Located north of Lancaster Avenue in Devon, Jenkins is home to 48 acres of curated gardens, natural woodlands and serene walking trails through sweeps of native plants. In addition to its stunning outdoor spaces, Jenkins features a vibrant Education Center that hosts an art gallery, open throughout the year.

During fall and winter, this gallery is a perfect spot to discover local art inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Plan a visit to lift your spirits.

Showcasing Art

For nearly 25 years, Jenkins has curated a rich array of exhibitions that celebrate the connection between art and nature. Art first appeared in the arboretum in 2001 with “Monarch Gathering,” an installation of 1,000 oversized monarch butterflies clustered throughout the canopy to commemorate Jenkins’ 25th anniversary.

Two years later, Jenkins hosted its inaugural art show, “A Jewel in Your Backyard,” in its greenhouse. This event showcased artworks inspired by the gardens and set the stage for Jenkins’ role as a hub for local art. The construction of the John J. Willaman Education Center in 2009, and its dedicated gallery space, further marked Jenkins as a key destination for local art.

Since then, Jenkins has hosted 57 exhibitions, featuring the talents of more than 300 local artists, both professional and amateur. The gallery’s mission is to highlight the work of regional artists while reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding gardens. From oil paintings and watercolors to textiles and mixed media, each exhibition offers visitors a chance to view the world through the eyes of artists deeply connected to nature.

Amplifying Beauty

Exhibitions at Jenkins complement the natural beauty of the gardens, inviting visitors to appreciate the creativity of regional artists and the natural world that inspires them. These displays provide fresh perspectives, helping visitors develop a richer, more meaningful connection to their surroundings.

Valerie Craig’s 2024 exhibition, “Hesitation,” for example, explored the fleeting moments in nature that prompt reflection. Her expressive brushwork brought to life the quiet, intimate moments found in urban and rural settings, encouraging viewers to embrace the subtle beauty of landscapes that we often overlook. Craig’s work invites a deeper appreciation for the tranquil aspects of nature.

Currently on view, Radhika Srinivas’ exhibition, “Nature’s Palette,” explores the dynamic beauty of nature’s ever-changing canvas. Inspired by local landscapes, including Jenkins’ own gardens, Srinivas celebrates the harmony between light and color in the natural world. Her vibrant works highlight the intricate relationship between natural elements and artistic expression.

Inspiring Change

Beyond showcasing fine art, Jenkins is committed to hosting mission-driven work that fosters a broader dialogue on the relationship between humans and the environment. Visitors to the gallery are not just observers, they’re participants in a conversation that spans art, ecology and the shared responsibility of caring for our planet.

Last fall, Jenkins showcased the work of 22 students from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture in the exhibition “Environmental Poster Show.” Under the guidance of Professor Scott Laserow, these emerging artists used graphic design to challenge conventional thinking and spark discussions about climate resilience. The bold, thought-provoking posters encouraged viewers to reflect on their carbon footprint and consider their role in addressing environmental challenges. Set against the lush backdrop of Jenkins’ gardens, the posters reminded visitors of what is at stake.

Another striking example of the integration of art and ecology was Dr. Laura Guertin’s 2022 exhibition “Stitching Climate Science & Solutions.” Dr. Guertin, a Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences at Penn State Brandywine, used quilted and crocheted pieces to bring attention to the pressing issue of climate change. These textiles visually communicated changes in climate data, creating an accessible medium to convey complex scientific concepts. The work is a powerful reminder of how art can be used to engage diverse audiences in conversations about the future of our planet.

Visit Jenkins’ art gallery in the Education Center, open daily from 9 to 4. Admission is free, and exhibitions rotate quarterly.

Connecting Our Community

Jenkins is proud to provide a vibrant platform for showcasing local art that interacts with and enhances its natural surroundings. As you explore Jenkins this season, consider joining the conversation through the Arboretum’s 14th annual Visitors’ Photography Exhibition. This juried contest, on view from January 11–March 23, 2025, invites local photographers to showcase their work.

Submissions will be accepted on January 6 and 7, 2025, offering a chance for the community to contribute their unique perspectives.

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is a 48-acre public garden showcasing native flora of the eastern United States and a world-class collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. The gardens are open every day of the year and are always free. 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd., Devon. Plan your visit by visiting JenkinsArboretum.org.