Visual Arts

The arts have always been important at Fernwood. Founder Kay Boydston was a weaver, dyer, silversmith, miniaturist, needle worker, and print maker. That tradition continues in periodic exhibits of work from Fernwood’s early days and in monthly classes offered by the Niles Handweavers Guild.

The Clark Art Gallery displays art on nature and garden themes. Exhibitions run for 10 weeks at a time. The work of local sculptors is occasionally showcased in the gardens.

Even the landscapes at Fernwood are works of art, being carefully designed to complement the natural areas nearby.

 

Clark Lecture Hall and Art Gallery

Exhibits at Fernwood's Clark Lecture Hall and Art Gallery change every few months and feature various mediums. The Clark Gallery was generously funded by Clark Equipment Company, and later enhancements were made possible by a gift from Leo J. McKernan.

On occasion, the Gallery is used for private events. Please call ahead to ensure that your next visit includes viewing the beautiful artwork on display.

No admission required to view the exhibits and/or to attend an artist reception/talk.

EXHIBITIONS

  • "Birds, Butterflies, & the Beauty That Surrounds Them"

    March 22 - June 2, 2024. Pam Kirkham is a professional fine artist from Bridgman, Michigan, focusing on nature-based acrylic paintings. Images include birds, butterflies, mountains, and water.

    Join us for an opening reception on Sunday, March 24, from 1 - 3 pm. You can meet the artist and enjoy refreshments. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome.

  • "Found & Altered Objects"

    This solo show from South Bend artist, Susan M. Ward features welded assemblages created from found objects, prints, and original drawings. The show runs June 7 - August 18, 2024.

    Enjoy refreshments and meet the artist at the opening reception on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 1 - 3 pm.

  • Ad Infinitum - A solo show by Karen Bondarchuk

    Karen Bondarchuk is a Canadian-born visual artist whose work spans a diverse range of materials and processes. Her current focus centers on crows and ravens, exploring the intricate and interconnected relationship between humans and these intelligent corvids.

    August 23 - November 3, 2024. Enjoy refreshments and meet the Karen at the artist reception on Sunday, October 13 from 2-4 pm.

  • 8th Annual Landscape Exhibition

    The Clark Gallery at Fernwood Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Fernwood Juried Landscape Exhibition. This all-media 2D competition is open to artists 18 years and older. More information available soon.

  • "An Abbreviated History of Fernwood"

    Currently on display in the Clark gallery is a collection of photographs, dioramas, and other items to collectively give an abbreviated history of the past 60 years at Fernwood. Come learn about the history of the garden, our founder, Kay Boydston, and much more.

    On display now through March 17.

Gallery Submission

Are you an artist? Or would like to suggest an artist that we should display in our gallery? Please fill out the form and submit. Include social media links and/or a website, if possible. Not online? No problem! Send a separate email with 3-4 images of the artist’s work to: award@fernwoodbotanical.org. Our curator will review submissions at regular intervals.