Sep 21 Monday
For the first time ever, Idaho Botanical Garden is welcoming a traveling exhibition, transforming pathways, gardens, and gathering spaces into an immersive outdoor adventure. Woodland Wonders features 21 larger-than-life woodland creatures and botanical sculptures, inviting guests of all ages to explore a world of art tucked among the beauty of the Garden.
Wander through the landscape and discover towering foxes, a curious owl, a graceful deer, colorful pollinators, and other whimsical creations inspired by the natural world. Around every bend, you’ll find a new opportunity to pause, look closer, and experience nature through the lens of art.
Lamont Lyons states: When I go out with my camera, I don’t ask myself what can I take a photograph of, but rather what I will be given. Minor White, a noted photographer and teacher, said “One should not only photograph things for what they are, but for what else they are”. Often, I see in my mind’s eye something very different from the ordinary view. I might compose from a different angle; I might imagine it in high contrast black and white or with colors manipulated in unexpected ways. In the end, the photograph becomes something seen differently or ‘for what else it is’. It is a whole in itself. It does not require interpretation of explanation, leaving plenty of room for ambiguity and wonder. As you view each photograph in this exhibition, I invite you to just be there with it. Be still. Live with it a few moments. Perhaps you will feel the joy I felt while making it.
In her artist statement, Stephanie Orton states: After emerging from a nine month major depressive episode, I created this body of work in response to my mother’s rapid decline from Parkinson’s Disease. September 7th 2025 was her first stroke; and her subsequent death occurred on February 22nd 2026. Studying Revelations per her recommendation, and Genesis, I read Homer’s The Odyssey, and I blasted Ozzy Osborne while creating work in my Boise studio, The Yamada. Using Historical, Biblical, Lunar, and floral iconography, I created the paintings. Allegorical Revelations proclaims a blood moon which happened 02/17/2026, and the lunar eclipse 03/03/2026. It also references angels. While visiting the Dry Creek Cemetery and found a statue of Gabriel which I recreated in oil. Tyrian Purple mixed with Damar varnish, I layered the works with the rarest color which dominates the series. Giving all works an eerie reddish tone, I introduced a new tone to my repertoire, whereas my past works have been subjugated by blues and grays. I scoured stamp collections, photographed the moon phases, amassed vintage postcards and Christian iconography assembling the imagery you will see in the exhibit.
Learn the ins and outs of throwing on the wheel, or use your registration to utilize our space and resources. Perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced potters alike. Even if you don't need guidance, there will be a Cat Clay staff member available in all sessions to provide support and answer questions!
Sep 22 Tuesday
Sep 23 Wednesday