2014 AMERICAN BOTANICALS: Book by Driggers and BAEE - American Society of Botanical Artists

Home2014 AMERICAN BOTANICALS: Book by Driggers and BAEE

NATIVE PLANTS OF THE MID ATLANTIC

Bonnie Driggers

Grant project: The Anne Ophelia Dowden Award of $3000, was awarded to Bonnie Driggers and the Botanical Artists for Education & the Environment group located in Falls Church, VA. This award will contribute to publishing a book American Botanical Painting: Native Plants of the Mid Atlantic. There will also be an associated exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.

Bonnie’s update: We have selected sixty artworks for our book based on the judging that took place in June. We were delighted to have 143 submissions from over 56 artists. We are busy preparing text and photographs related to each chosen painting or drawing to be included the in book. The focus of the book is on the art itself, but also on the importance of native plants in the environment. Our book is scheduled to go to the publisher in October and should be ready in time for our exhibition opening.

Critique of our work at the last class before our paintings were due. Left to right: Mary Paige Hickey, Karen Ringstrand, Esther Carpi, Marcia Long, Anne-Marie Evans, Bonnie Driggers, Clarissa Bonde Photo courtesy of Bonnie Driggers

All the paintings chosen for the book will be displayed at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. for several months, with the opening scheduled for February 15, 2014.

The Botanical Artists for Education and the Environment (BAEE) is pleased to announce that their book, American Botanical Paintings: Native Plants of the Mid Atlantic is now available to pre-order for only $39.95 with free shipping in the continental United States through December 31, 2013 at www.starbooks.biz.

The expected availability date to receive the book is February 1, 2014. The U. S. Botanic Garden in Washington, DC will hold an exhibition of the paintings from February 15, 2014 through June 15, 2014.

The book, which was more than three years in the making contains 60 reproductions of original paintings and drawings of plants and 40 original paintings of butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. Each plant is briefly described with its habitat, and includes relevant information about the plant family and ways in which Native Americans or early settlers used the plants. For plants unsuitable for home gardens, their environmental importance is mentioned, such as food and habitat for birds and animals.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will be used to support native plant education, conservation, and horticulture. Publication costs are covered by donations, including a grant from ASBA, for which BAEE is most grateful.