Botanical Art & Illustration Class
Drawing by Instructor Suz Galloway
3 sessions:
Wednesdays, Sept. 9, 16 & 23, 2026 • 9:30 a.m.-noon
$140 member/$200 non-member, includes Arboretum admission for all three sessions.
Not a member? Become an Arboretum Member today to take advantage of Member pricing and much more!
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
Intermediate/Advanced
Class Overview:
Join Botanical Artist Suz Galloway in this three-part workshop for an in-depth look at botanical composition. In session one, you will explore the seven principles of composition — color, value, line, shape, texture, size and direction — by comparing successful and unsuccessful examples. You will then apply these concepts using objects supplied by the instructor to create a good composition. During session two, the focus shifts to the six rules of composition; you will use a variety of botanical subjects to practice and develop two or three unique layouts based on these new rules. Finally, in session three, you will bring a subject of your choice to class, applying your understanding of compositional principles to a personal project with guided instruction.
In this intermediate/advanced class you will:
- View and discuss good and poor examples of botanical design.
- Learn and identify good, better and best examples of each of the seven principles of design
- Learn and identify good, better and best examples of each of the six rules of composition and design.
- Discover tools you can use to facilitate good design.
- Learn to mix media to complement the subject and design.
- Learn to avoid certain botanical subject matter that is difficult/challenging to use in good design.
Supplies - Student is responsible for bringing their own supplies to include:
- Pencil and paper to take notes
- Camera/phone to capture some good design examples
- 11"x14" sketch pad to try some ideas
- 11"x14" tracing paper pad
- Additional supplies for Session 2 and 3 will be discussed
Instructor:
Suz Galloway has taught American Contemporary Botanical art for 22 years and is a gallery member of the American Society of Botanical Art and a chapter member of the Southwest Botanical Artist and the local Great River Chapter. She is co-founder of the 100 year project, Flora and Fauna Illustrata, an art conservation program within the Andersen Horticultural Library that documents in scientific accuracy all the plants, animals, birds and insects that live in or pass through the U of M Landscape Arboretum. Her work is also included in the Eloise Butler Wildflower Florilegium.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: Farm at the Arb Entrance
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Bee Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a gate pass for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your pass is valid for entry on the days of your class. Present your pass to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.