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What’s Happening At The Botanical Conservatory In December

Santa and the Reindeer

Saturdays before Christmas 12 – 4 pm

December 2, 9, & 16

Santa and two of his reindeer will greet the children while Mom and Dad take pictures to capture the moment. Explore the Botanical Conservatory while it’s done up in the fun holiday theme of “Snow Days,” reminiscent of the pleasures of winter days free from school. Regular admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Conservatory members or volunteers and children ages 2 and under are free. Sponsored by PBS 39 and WAJI Majic 95.1.For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

$1 Night

First Thursday of the month

December 7, 5 – 8 pm

On the first Thursday night of the month we offer $1 admissions, 5 – 8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. Enjoy our holiday display at a deep discount on this special night in December. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.

Snow Days Concert

Thursday, December 7, 6 -7 pm

Experience our Snow Days exhibit with a crystalline night of music from an up-and-coming local Folk/Americana band: elle/the Remnant. They bring holiday favorites and original pieces inspired by literature, life, and the struggle within. This happens to be $1 Night, so you can drop in to visit the gardens, 5-8 pm, for just $1 admission price and take in the concert as well. No reservations required. We validate parking tickets from the Civic Center Parking Garage for free parking. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Suzuki Strings Holiday Concert

Sunday, December 10, 2 -2:45 pm

Visit the Conservatory gardens and enjoy this special concert offered by the accomplished students of Fort Wayne Suzuki. Children ages 4 to 18 will play folk songs, classical melodies, and holiday favorites on violin and cello. The Suzuki Method of instruction, also known as the “mother tongue method,” is based on the premise that music is learned like a language: children first hear the music and then learn to read and write it. Children develop the ability to “speak” music like a language and are able to play dozens of songs by memory. You can hear for yourself the results as local Suzuki students play music with holiday ear appeal. Concert is included with regular Conservatory admission. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Conservatory Member Holiday Night

Wednesday, December 13, 5-8 pm

Conservatory members are invited to a special open house during one of our evening openings. Enjoy some live holiday music with light refreshments and beverage compliments of the Conservatory, then stroll the gardens indoors and out to experience all the holiday exhibits. Not a current member? You can register or renew that evening: $35/individual, $50/family. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Holiday Sugar Scrubs

Saturday, December 16, 10:30 – 11:45 am

Sugar scrubs are a simple and soothing treat for the skin. In this holiday workshop, you can make sugar scrubs in a variety of holiday scents then fill and decorate four 4-oz. jars to keep or share. These sugar scrubs are gentle exfoliants that will make skin feel smoother and put a holiday scent in the air. We’ll have several scents to choose from as well as all the supplies you need to package these pretty holiday treasures for gifts. Age 15+. Registration deadline: December 9. Min 12. Max 20. $12/person; $10/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127048-S1. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Anita Trick Art Display

Through December: Pastel, Watercolor, Oil

Anita is a representational artist who has participated in over 40 group shows and as many solo business exhibitions since joining Fort Wayne Artist Guild in 2008. Anita grew up in Southern California, graduating from USC with a BA in English. Art was always part of her life from an early age, even though she had no formal training. As a career Army officer’s wife, she took art workshops wherever they were stationed. Her goal is to capture the excitement of a fresh snowfall, a colorful flower, an interesting building, or a spectacular sunset. She is an avid photographer, always ready for that special photo. She mostly enjoys painting in her home studio, but will paint en plein air on occasion. She has taken watercolor classes for several years with local artist Lynn Diamente and has attended workshops taught by various artists preparing her in the areas of watercolors, acrylics, pastels and oils. Anita’s display is open to view in our meeting room during public hours. Regular Conservatory admission applies for exhibit and for reception: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

“Snow Days” garden exhibit

Through January 7, 2018

Do you remember when school was cancelled because of unexpected winter weather? Snow days were a surprise, a break in routine, an invitation to play. In the Conservatory’s holiday imagination, snowkids go out for snowball fights and forts while snowmoms bake cookies and prepare hot chocolate. Snow angels mark the spot where families spent time together. Fishing, skating, sledding, and other activities fill the day. After sunset the light lingers, bouncing off that white blanket of snow. Wet mufflers are dried by the fire and everyone recounts their tales of the day over a supper of soup and cheese toasties. Then it’s off to bed…because there might be school again tomorrow. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1, the Wilson Foundation, and PBS 39.

Garden in Lights

Through January 7, 2018

We’ve decorated all through the gardens, indoors and out. Enjoy beautiful poinsettias from the Atrium to the Desert, along with the Snow Days theme, but don’t miss our outdoor Terrace display of lights and synchronized holiday music. Especially effective during our evening hours on Thursday and Friday nights for four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the gardens are lovely throughout the holidays and provide a tremendous backdrop for family photos, out-of-town guest entertainment, great conversations, and even marriage proposals! Make the most of your visit as you enjoy one of Fort Wayne’s treasured resources for beauty and relaxation. Our gift shop will also be open during public hours for holiday shopping. Sponsored by PBS 39, the Wilson Foundation, and Majic 95.1 FM.

Discovery Corner

Our young visitors are encouraged to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. The theme in December is Snow Days. Our materials are safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; pre-registration is not required.