Cafe Gallery


The Cafe Gallery is an exhibit space adjacent to Rootstock on the second floor of the Oswald Visitor Center. It features special exhibits throughout the year, including photography from the Arboretum Photographers Society. Check out this more intimate and informal space for delightful interpretations of Arboretum seasons, fanciful prints and other photography exhibits in conjunction with Arboretum seasonal exhibits and displays.

All artwork is available for sale through the Gift & Garden Store. A portion of proceeds benefits the Arboretum.

Current Exhibition

  • Stillpoint, Changing Line

    March 19-May 4, 2026

    painting of shrub with pink flowers
    painting of vase of flowers
    dried flowers in a glass dome
    drawing of a creek in winter

    In a world defined by constant motion, "Stillpoint, Changing Line" explores the tension between what we hold onto and what we let go. This exhibition serves to illustrate that nothing remains static. Rather, the "line" is both a boundary and a path, marking the edge of what is known while leading us toward what is becoming.

    The exhibition brings together four distinct voices to explore as they move from the rigid and structural to the fluid and ephemeral. Viewers are invited to travel a complete spectrum of artistic interpretation as they enjoy “still world” of flower cloches to the kinetic power of untamed motion found in paintings.

  • Toward the Trees

    May 7-June 16, 2026

    silhouette of trees against two columns
    stripes of tropical plants
    cross section of earth beneath trees
    abstract spikey leaves against sky

    Walk toward the trees! Take in Mary Pat Maracle’s textured photo encaustics of detailed broadleafs and Kristen Palm’s vivid, representational abstract trees and landscapes. Step back to experience Palm’s bold colors and shapes that evoke our tall sylvan relatives in acrylic, then step closer to observe the blankets of palpable wax, layered intricately by Maracle. Though both artists depict trees in different ways – sometimes playful and loud, other times ghostly with an underlying structure of branches and twigs – each style of work celebrates their own connection to the trees that surround us.

  • Radiant Flow

    June 19-Aug. 19, 2026

    boats float on serene water
    carved gourd shaped like a tulip
    two orange forms on a blue sea

    Bringing together three distinct voices, “Radiant Flow” celebrates the movement between nature, tradition, and modern expression. This exhibition explores how light and energy transition across different surfaces. 

    Patty MacHalec’s plein-air style multimedia canvases display a classic depth. The organic, three-dimensional curves of Kristen Treuting’s gourds are stained with ornamental motifs. Jane Johnson's contemporary paintings vibrantly capture the fluid, ever-changing nature of the world around us. 

    Together, these artists invite you to witness the "flow" that connects the tactile world with the human spirit.

 

Exhibit Your Art

The Arboretum is pleased to curate art exhibits in its galleries featuring local and Upper Midwest artists. If you’re interested in showing your work, please fill out this form.

Sign-up for an Adult Art Class

From beginner to advanced and everything in between. Painting, drawing, textile and jewelry are just some of the more than 50 classes offered each year at the Arb. Classes are designed to engage the creative part of your brain and build community. 

Browse the complete list of classes