The Art of the Graft: Hands-On Grafting Workshop with Sam Van Aken

SOLD OUT! The Art of the Graft: Hands-On Grafting Workshop with Sam Van Aken
Saturday, May 2, 2026
11am – 1:30pm
At The Planting Fields Stand, behind the Main Greenhouse and across from the Dahlia Garden
$75 per person
This program is designed for ages 15+. All tickets final sale. All supplies are included. No prior experience is necessary.
This program offers two Arborist credits and two BCMA Practice credits through the New York State Arborists International Society of Arboriculture Chapter, Inc.

Join the waitlist: email us now! Include your name, phone, and number of people in your party. 

Join artist Sam Van Aken, Planting Fields Foundation’s 2025 Catalyst artist, for a hands-on introduction to the art and science of tree grafting. Internationally recognized for his Tree of 40 Fruit project – living sculptures that bear dozens of fruit varieties on a single tree – Van Aken is a contemporary artist and Syracuse University professor whose work has been featured at major museums and public sites across the globe.  

In this immersive two-hour workshop, participants will explore the rich history and techniques of grafting, learn how Van Aken weaves this centuries-old practice into his artwork, including his recent on-site installation The Planting Fields Stand, and then try it themselves! Each participant will graft their own apple tree to take home and plant, creating a living connection to this unique experience.

Capacity is capped at just 20 participants to ensure an intimate learning environment with direct guidance from the artist himself. This rare opportunity to learn alongside an internationally acclaimed artist is design to be personal and hands-on.

For questions, contact Exhibitions and Collections Manager, Emily Leger at eleger@plantingfields.org.

To learn more about The Planting Fields Stand, click here. 

About Sam Van Aken
Sam Van Aken is a contemporary artist who works beyond traditional modes of art making, crossing artistic genres and disciplines to develop new perspectives on such themes as communication, botany, agriculture, climatology, and the ever-increasing impact of technology. Van Aken’s interventions in the natural and public realm are seen as metaphors that serve as the basis of narrative, sites of place making, and in some cases even become the basis of scientific research.
 

All sales final. In the case of inclement weather, registrants will be notified of location change or cancellation. This program may continue in the case of light rain.

Additionally, our website and social media will reflect any updates. By registering for this event, you consent to receive emails from Planting Fields Foundation and also 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 eleger@plantingfields.org.

Thank you to our partners:

®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.