$1 Night
First Thursday of the month
January 4, 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 January. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night Insight: Snowflake Trivia
Thursday, January 4, 6 -7 pm
January 4th is National Trivia Day and what better way to celebrate than with some snowflake trivia! Join us on $1 Night to learn some fun facts about snowflakes, make a snowflake craft and enjoy a special snowy treat.
Carolyn Stachera
Public Reception: January 7, 1 – 3 pm
Through February: Oil and Pastel
Carolyn Stachera came to Fort Wayne in 1966 and has been intrigued with art her entire life. She started drawing at a very young age and now works primarily in oils and soft pastels. Since 2011, Carolyn has enjoyed painting in plein aire – painting in the moment – and does this frequently with friends from the Fort Wayne Artist Guild. She especially loves being with nature, opening her senses to what surrounds her by blending the graceful flowing curves of nature with the strong, structural lines of mankind’s additions. In 2016, one of Carolyn’s plein aire paintings was a finalist in the Hoosier Women Artists competition conducted by the Treasurer of the State of Indiana for inclusion at the Statehouse for the year. Another of her paintings was displayed in the Lieutenant Governor’s outer office. Meet the artist during an informal reception on Sunday, January 7, 1 – 3 pm. Exhibit and reception are included in regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Beginners: Tuesdays, January 9 – February 27, 5 – 6 pm
Continuing: Tuesdays, January 9 – February 27, 6 – 7 pm
Learn to relax your body and focus your mind with the ancient art of Tai Chi, a gentle, graceful exercise to improve health and fitness. It is especially effective in reducing stress, thereby relieving arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Weekly sessions include a meditative walk in the garden. The class focuses on the basics of the Sun form and is great for new students or those wishing to continue their studies. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has 30+ years’ experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum. Drop-ins shouldcall ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Min. 10. Max. 16. Registration deadline: January 2. $69/person; $59/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127002-T1 for the beginners class and code 127002-T2 for the continuing class. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
“Fairy Tales” Winter Garden Exhibit
January 13-April 8
A child’s imagination is fueled by stories. In classic fairy tales, we discover giants, wolves, and witches are no match for the valiant but ordinary people to whom unusual circumstances fall. When the Conservatory converts its Showcase Garden to a winter play space, visitors can pretend to be Jack on a bean stalk, look for Rapunzel in the castle tower, trip-trap over the troll’s bridge, or take goodies to Grandma’s house. This participatory garden exhibit encourages active pretend play and a gentle exploration of moral virtues for children and adults alike. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1, Fun 101.7 and the Howard P. Arnold Foundation.
Winter Shinrin-Yoku
Thursday, January 18, 6 – 7:30 pm
Get out of the house this winter for an indoor forest bathing walk. This is not your typical walk in the park, but a series of invitations to rediscover your inner child and your connection with the natural world through your senses. Shinrin-yoku helps you immerse yourself in the sensory gifts of nature. The benefits include a greater sense of well-being, a boost in immune function, lower stress hormones, and higher serotonin levels. Being relaxed, revitalized, and better equipped to handle the stresses of daily living are the goals of this forest bathing walk. Instructor Christy Thomson is the only certified Forest Therapy guide in Indiana. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for the session, up to the class maximum. Drop-ins shouldcall ahead to make sure class will be in session. Registration deadline: January 11. All ages are welcome, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Min. 5. Max. 15. $15/person; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127055-A1. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Enchanted Cottage Workshop
Saturday, January 20, 10 – 11:30 am or 1:30 – 3 pm
When Hansel and Gretel, lost in the woods, came upon the witch’s house made of candy they thought it was a sweet dream. In fact, many fairy tales are set in cottages. Design your own dream cottage using your imagination and an array of edible and inedible décor. Whether youth, young adult, or older, you will enjoy expressing your artistic creativity in this unusual medium. We provide the assembled gingerbread house plus colored and white icing, candy and other “bling” along with simple tools and instruction. The house is for decorative purposes only, but you can enjoy an edible gingerbread cookie while you design. Age 10+. Registration deadline: January 13. Min 13. Max 21. $18/person; $14/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 127056-A1 for the 10 am workshop and 127056-A2 for the 1:30 workshop. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Winterval at the Conservatory
Saturday, January 27, 10 am-3 pm
Join the Conservatory and our Winterval partners in celebrating the season of ice and snow. You can make a winter bird feeder, learn how cold-blooded animals survive the winter, watch an ice sculpture take shape before your eyes, and have fun exploring our “Fairy Tales” garden exhibit. Other activities will be held around town at the Community Center, Headwaters Park, the Old Fort, Science Central, the Art Museum and other locations. Don’t forget about the Fort Wayne Rugby Club’s annual Snow Bowl match at Lawton Park at 1 pm. Winterval is sponsored by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, the Downtown Improvement District, WAJI Majic 95.1 and the CW. Regular Conservatory admission applies. 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 January is Children’s Poetry. 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.
