Botanical Art Workshop Q and A



The Botanical Art Workshop will give artists the chance to capture the beauty of Brincka Cross Gardens.

This weekend marks the first of what we hope will be many collaborations between Porter County Parks and Recreation and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, a gallery and education center in Michigan City. We are teaming with the Lubeznik Center to bring renowned artist and illustrator Olivia Petrides to Brincka Cross Gardens for a Botanical Art Workshop on Saturday, June 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spots are still available. Call 219-874-4900 or e-mail jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org to reserve a spot. The cost is $125.

This workshop is designed for students of all skill levels. Olivia will demonstrate how to capture the details and defining characteristics of plants in pencil and watercolor. We are very excited to be hosting this event, and we recently talked with Janet Bloch, the Lubeznik Center Education Coordinator, about this unique opportunity.

How long has Olivia Petrides been involved at the Lubeznik Center?

This is a new opportunity for residents and visitors to this area. I have known Olivia Petrides' artwork  for a number of years. It  is stunning and is represented in many museum collections. She lives in Chicago and has taught at the School of the Art Institute for 20 years.  I would not have been able to entice her out this way to teach just any class. It had to be a unique situation and one that had real appeal for her. The ability to hold the class in the Brincka Cross Gardens fit that bill because it is home to hundreds of species of plants, including some very rare ones. She was the first person I thought of when the Lubeznik Center for the Arts was asked to design some classes for the Porter County Parks and Recreation.

What makes Olivia such a great fit for leading the Botanical Art Workshop?

In addition to being a fine artist and educator, Olivia is a professional botanical illustrator. She has illustrated two of the Petersen's field guides to trees and her father wrote the text for them.  She understands how to capture the detailed qualities of  unique plant species and she is an excellent and experienced teacher. Who could be better?

What can students expect from this workshop?

Students can expect specific instruction in drawing techniques and the application of watercolor, personal attention  and honest gentle feedback from a woman who loves to teach and who loves and appreciates the nuances of nature.

What has drawn the Lubeznik Center to Brincka Cross Gardens and collaborating with Porter County Parks and Recreation to deliver programs there?

The Lubeznik Center for the Arts shared a great relationship and history with Bill Brincka and Basil Cross, the couple who donated the property to the Porter County. We have a gallery dedicated with their names at the Art Center. We are also the premier institution in this region for providing excellent art education to adults and children.