Feb. 1-March 16, 2025
Welcome to “Birds and Botanicals,” an exhibition during the Spring Flower Show that beautifully intertwines the elegance of avian life with the lushness of plant forms through various mediums. This collection showcases a variety of sculptural pieces that celebrate the delicate relationship between birds and the flora that surrounds them. Featured artists are Fawzia Khan, Mindy Sisk and Patty Carmody Smith.
From birch trees adorned with captivating bronze birds to intricately designed clay creations with vibrant floral motifs, these artworks reflect the inspiration drawn from nature's beauty. The artists have skillfully employed techniques that highlight texture and color, creating a visual feast that invites you to appreciate the richness of the natural world.
As you explore the exhibition, take a moment to observe how the graceful curves of bird forms complement the organic shapes of plants which have been artfully arranged and designed by the Arboretums Horticulture team. Note how the colors of the artists’ renditions enrich and complement the hues of the natural world. All of this creates a dialogue between plants and artwork which celebrates artistry and allows a deeper connection to the wonders of nature.
Cost: Included with general daily admission, which is free for members and ages 15 and younger and $20-$25 for non-members ages 16 and older. Indigenous peoples receive waived general daily admission to the Arboretum when making a reservation by calling 612-301-6775.
Artist Meet & Greet
Artists Fawzia Khan and Patty Carmody Smith will be available to meet during the Spring Flower Show Preview Night from 7-8 p.m. on Jan. 31.
Mindy Sisk will be hosting a Meet and Greet from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Cafe Gallery. Come and meet Mindy to see her incredible clay creations and discover her creative process.
About Fawzia Khan
Artist Statement
My practice as a sculptor and multidisciplinary artist includes working with a variety of media and techniques, and choosing what best suits my concept. I create socially conscious bodies of work that engage viewers, opening a space for dialogue and reflection. Since graduation, I have expanded my repertoire of woodworking and metal casting to include digital drawing, screen printing on fabric, hand embroidery, digital embroidery, quilting, weaving and some video. I am interested in what unites us. My hope is that the work sparks a deep conversation amongst the viewers through which they see the “other’s” point of view and in doing so acknowledge our common humanity. This creates an opportunity for understanding and resolution. My work reflects my lived experience as an immigrant woman of color, a physician and a mother.
About Mindy Sisk
Artist Statement
Growing up in rural Montana, I was drawn to the beauty of nature from a young age. For much of my life, I endeavored to capture nature’s beauty in pencil and paint. When I discovered ceramics after moving to Minnesota, I realized I had found the perfect canvas for my nature-inspired designs. After years of training as a student of ceramics at community art centers, I began sharing my work at local art fairs. I am now instructing a ceramics class at Ceramic Sow, a vibrant pottery studio in Hopkins.
I carve the natural life around me into my wheel-thrown or hand-built pots when they are leather hard, a technique called sgraffito. Some of my sgraffito work involves a process I call slip-carving, where I cover a piece entirely in black slip before carving out my designs. The result resembles a block print, which emphasizes the small details that give my birds and foxes personality and my sunflowers movement. I use these techniques and more to express my love of nature and design and give my pieces personality and heart.
About Patty Carmody Smith
Artist Statement
I love to combine materials and techniques; this makes mixed media a perfect fit for expressing my artistic vision. There are unlimited ways to combine media and my willingness to explore a variety of these keeps me excited about my art. I made my first bird sculpture from air-drying clay in 2009, and soon after started mounting them on mosaic bases. I enjoy making birds and love that they bring a little joy into the world.