The Planting Fields Stand: Exhibition Opening

The Planting Fields Stand: Exhibition Opening
Saturday, September 20
11am – 1:30pm
Location: Outside the Main Greenhouse’s rear entrance
FREE with registration

 

Register Now!

 

Join us for the opening of The Planting Fields Stand by 2025 Catalyst artist, Sam Van Aken!

This event celebrates nature, art, and history at Planting Fields. The Planting Fields Stand is a living artwork that consists of four multi-grafted fruit trees that trace the fruit-growing history of Planting Fields, from its origins as a Matinecock agricultural landscape, to its time as the Coe family estate, and up to the present day.

Blending art, horticulture, and history, this family-friendly gathering offers something for everyone: from engaging crafts and delicious seasonal refreshments to artist remarks and exhibition exploration.

 

Event Schedule
11am – 12pm: Exhibition opens
12 – 12:30pm: Panel Discussion with Sam Van Aken
12:30 – 1:30pm: Planting Fields Foundation Archives open for viewing
1 – 4pm: Self-guided tours of additional work by Sam Van Aken in the Main House

 

What to Expect
– Enjoy a 30-minute panel discussion with artist Sam Van Aken, Planting Fields Foundation President and CEO, Gina J. Wouters, and Planting Fields Arboretum Assistant Director, Michael Ahern, where participants will discuss the exhibition from artistic, curatorial, and horticultural points of view.
– Learn about rare fruit varieties and the importance of biodiversity.
– Enjoy a hands-on cyanotype craft inspired by Sam Van Aken’s botanical cyanotypes (photographic printing process that creates blue monochrome images) on view in the Main House – fun and educational for all ages!
– Explore archival materials that inspired the exhibition inside Planting Fields Foundation’s archives.
– Sample tasty, seasonal refreshments!
– Pick up native gardening tips and antique recipes.
– Visit the Main House for a free self-guided tour to see more of Sam Van Aken’s innovative work (free with registration to this exhibition opening).

Note: The archives have limited capacity (15 people at a time), so brief wait times may occur. We appreciate your patience!

 

This exhibition opening will take place outdoors, at the site of The Planting Fields Stand. Please reference the map below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Catalyst
Every year since 2020, Planting Fields Foundation has commissioned artists to create site-specific art within the 409-acres of Planting Fields. We launched Catalyst to continue the legacy of artistic patronage the Coe family brought to Planting Fields over a century ago by inviting leading artists of their time to create work for the site. Through Catalyst, we challenge and expand our relationships with history as we explore this site from different points of view.

 

Accessibility
The Visitor Parking Lot is wheelchair accessible and if you should need any special accommodation, please contact us in advance.

 

For questions or more information, contact: Lilly McGurk, Stewardship Director, Lmcgurk@plantingfields.org

 

We look forward to celebrating with you!

 

By registering for this event, you consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. If you have any concerns, please contact us at lmcgurk@plantingfields.org.

 

Thank you to our sponsors and partners!