Art in Motion: 25 Years of Sculpture by George Sherwood

Art in Motion at New England Botanic Garden Explore an extraordinary collection of kinetic sculptures, masterfully crafted by artist and engineer George Sherwood. Art in Motion spans an impressive 25 years of Sherwood’s artistic journey, showcasing 17 intricate stainless-steel sculptures that move in the wind and reflect the sunlight. Drawing inspiration from patterns and perspectives in nature such as birds in flight, ripples and reflections on the surface of water, and floral forms, each sculpture captures the dynamic forces of nature and reflects the beauty of our living world. Art in Motion invites visitors to New England Botanic Garden to find moments of tranquility and joy while considering the subtle, ongoing changes taking place in the natural world around us. Each sculpture featured in Art in Motion varies in shape, size, and movement, ranging from smaller more intimate sculptures to large-scale works reaching up to 21 feet. A collection of Sherwood’s work, Wind, Waves and Light, was featured at New England Botanic Garden in 2019. A few favorites from this collection return as part of Art in Motion along with pieces not previously displayed at the Garden and one new, never-before-seen sculpture. Discover them all this spring, summer, and fall! Guided golf cart tours of the exhibition are available Thursdays from 11 – 11:45AM. Learn more at https://nebg.org/art-in-motion/.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Chinese Empresses by Xiang Li at New England Botanic Garden

Experience the inspiring work of internationally acclaimed artist Xiang Li in a captivating exhibition celebrating historical empresses of China. Exhibiting for the first time in full, this impressive collection features over 200 empresses intricately hand-painted on silk using traditional Chinese watercolor techniques. Informed by decades of research, study, and practice, Xiang Li’s portrayals of each empress incorporate elements of nature, in particular floral forms, conveying the rich sense of symbolism woven into traditional Chinese culture and honoring the unsung women who shaped dynasties. Chinese Empresses will be on display in the Milton and Fern Galleries at New England Botanic Garden. While the exhibition is on view, visitors can enjoy a number of exciting learning opportunities and engaging programs to further enrich the experience of Xiang Li’s artwork. The Garden Shop will also be featuring a new exhibition book by Xiang Li and co-author Fei Wu, as well as a variety of products that feature the beautiful and empowering images from the Chinese Empresses exhibition. Learn more at: https://nebg.org/chinese-empresses/

Yoga at the Garden: Summer Twilight Yoga - Tuesdays

Join us Tuesday and Thursday evenings this summer to unwind, relax, and stretch in the peaceful setting of the Garden. Our repeat yoga classes are gentle-to-moderate flow, designed for all levels. The class will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please bring your own mat and any props. <a>Tuesdays</a>

Crafts & Cocktails: Botanical Monotype Art

Sip, swirl, and print—create one-of-a-kind botanical monotype art with a cocktail in hand, and instruction from artist and photographer Shelley Lawrence Kirkwood.&nbsp;&nbsp; Join us for a relaxed and creative evening as we explore botanical monotype printing—a playful printmaking technique that captures the textures and shapes of real plants. Guided by world renowned artist and photographer Shelley Lawrence Kirkwood, you’ll create your own stunning prints using seasonal foliage, ink, and a simple press. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail from our bar while you experiment with colour, composition, and nature’s patterns. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and a love of plants! WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE - Hands-on printing and take-home art:&nbsp; - Create unique botanical monotype prints using real plants and ink. - Creative techniques: Learn about layering, composition, and working with seasonal textures. - Artistic context: Gain insight into the history and significance of monotype printing.&nbsp;&nbsp; - Relax and sip: Enjoy a cocktail, casual conversation and creative company.

Crafts & Cocktails: Get Lost in the Moss

Sip, unwind, and craft a framed mossy wonderland—no watering required! Get lost in the soothing textures of preserved moss in this relaxing, hands-on workshop. Using a handcrafted frame, you'll design your own natural wall art with a mix of preserved moss, dried florals, wood accents, and a live air plant. With a cocktail in hand and all materials provided, this class is perfect for anyone looking to blend creativity with calm—no green thumb necessary. WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE - Hands-on moss crafting: Build a framed botanical art piece using preserved moss, dried elements, and an air plant. - Design guidance: Learn principles of texture, colour balance, and composition for natural materials. - Creative calm: Discover how moss art connects to biophilic design and mindful making. - Relax and sip: Enjoy a cocktail, casual conversation, creative company and leave with your custom moss masterpiece.

Landscape Design: Wilding Your Perennial Garden

Love the new wilder gardens?&nbsp;These naturalistic gardens are more than a field meadow. Want to use native grasses and flowers to attract pollinators? Small space or large, you’ll learn how to design “wild” for your existing or new perennial garden. In this three-session workshop, you’ll learn how to select a personal garden color palette, how to create vivid planting combinations that will flower in seasonal succession, and how to use drifts, masses, and individual plants to create garden lay-outs. We’ll note plants to add for winter interest. Our focus will be the wild pollinator perennial flower garden sequenced to bloom from spring through frost. Students will learn how to, and practice how-to, create their own: a personal color palette,&nbsp;planting combinations in bloom succession, and planting lay-outs. Choice plants will be introduced in lectures. You’ll practice creating a small garden with your own pre-measured small garden area (no larger 20 x 8’) and we will discuss how to expand your design to meet the needs of larger spaces. Maria will lead you through the process she uses and developed in her design work spanning 30 years. Tutorial walks in NEBG gardens will inspire our garden design. (Dress for the weather!). Color slide lectures, lecture hand-outs, practice worksheets, and instructor review of your in-class work will get you started on your naturalistic pollinator flower garden. This 3-day workshop will meet on July 10th, 17th, and 24th from 10am-2pm. We will eat lunch during class time after a short bio break. Students should bring their own lunch or order from the cafe.

Arias Aloft: Midsummer Magic at New England Botanic Garden

Join New England Botanic Garden for a magical evening of opera and circus where soaring voices meet sky-high acrobatics in an unforgettable open-air spectacle. Circus 617 and Opera on Tap Boston combine two thrilling art forms set against the blooming backdrop of New England Botanic Garden during this captivating experience. Featuring vocal and aerial acrobatics performed by some of Boston’s leading circus artists and classical singers, this performance showcases opera, musical theater, and cabaret classics paired with breathtaking original circus acts. Inspired by the summer blooms and stunning landscapes of the Garden, Arias Aloft: Midsummer Magic invites audiences to experience a world of whimsy, wonder, and the mystical beauty of nature—capturing the true enchantment of a New England summer. More information and tickets at https://nebg.org/arias-aloft/.

Introduction to Eco-Printing with Botanicals

Eco printing (botanical contact printing) is a contemporary application of the traditions of natural dyeing.&nbsp;During this workshop participants will explore the alchemy of water, plant materials, heat, and metal and end up with beautiful prints on watercolor paper. We will be collecting leaves and flowers and learning the alchemical tin can bundling process. Each student will have the opportunity to make several prints using different techniques which transfer the natural colors and shapes of the plants. The study of nature through art allows the “student-artist” to experience, observe, value, analyze, synthesize and express their understanding of, and their relationship to, nature, the environment, and elements. We will also discuss several other methods of eco printing including boiled books and the heat press.

Crafts & Cocktails: Modern Script Calligraphy

Sip, swirl, and script your way into the elegant art of modern calligraphy. Unwind with a cocktail and explore the timeless art of calligraphy in this beginner-friendly workshop. Whether you're a stationery enthusiast, a DIY bride-to-be, or simply love getting crafty, this session introduces you to the elegant world of modern calligraphy using a traditional dip pen and ink. Rooted in centuries of handwritten tradition, calligraphy has evolved from illuminated manuscripts to modern design. With step-by-step guidance, you'll learn foundational strokes, letterforms, and layout techniques—perfect for adding a personal touch to cards, home décor, or wedding goods. The workshop includes 1.5 hours of instruction and a complete beginner’s calligraphy kit (two nibs, black ink, straight pen holder, tracing paper, and guides)—yours to take home so you can continue your lettering journey long after class ends. What You'll Experience: - Introduction to calligraphy: Learn to use a dip pen and ink to form elegant modern letterforms. Plus your own calligraphy set to keep! - Hands-on practice: Build skills through guided exercises in strokes, letters, and layout. - A living tradition: Discover the rich history of calligraphy and its modern-day resurgence. - Relax and sip: Enjoy a cocktail, casual conversation and creative company.

Crafts & Cocktails: Ikebana-Style Dish Arrangement

Create a stunning Ikebana-style floral arrangement using local summer blooms and a pin-frog in a ceramic bowl.&nbsp;Learn key design principles, sip a cocktail or mocktail, and enjoy a mindful, creative evening. Our design will include gorgeous, locally grown summer blooms.&nbsp;We'll learn key Ikebana design principles to guide the floral design process.&nbsp;Enjoy creative mindfulness via flower arranging on a relaxing summer evening.

Chinese Brush Painting: Poppies

Create, sip, and unwind as you explore the art of Chinese brush painting surrounded by the summer beauty of the Garden at sunset.&nbsp;&nbsp; This class introduces you to the four treasures of Chinese brush painting - ink stone, ink sticks, brush, and paper - while guiding you through painting techniques for poppies and butterflies. Through demonstration and hands-on practice, you’ll develop skills in brushwork and composition inspired by the peaceful beauty of the Garden.&nbsp; Take this two-hour class to relax, create, and meditate through art.&nbsp;

Work in the Spring Garden at New England Botanic Garden

Join our hands-on workshop focused on summer gardening essentials. Discover best practices for pruning, natural pest management, water-wise irrigation, and seasonal care for your edible and native plants. Instructors: Lucy Smith &amp; Nathan Fournier, Reimagined Roots Lucy Smith, VP of Sales and Design, Reimagined Roots With a BA in Economics and Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Lucy’s passion for food sovereignty and ecological restoration led her to study permaculture across Thailand, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. Her work focuses on reconnecting people with indigenous agricultural wisdom and fostering resilient plant communities. After earning her Permaculture Design Certificate at Finca Tierra in Costa Rica, Lucy began designing landscapes along the East Coast, specializing in landscapes that blend biodiversity, beauty, and functionality. She later partnered with Nate to bring ecologically rich, immersive gardens to the Reimagined Roots community in Central MA. Nate Fournier, Founder and CEO, Reimagined Roots With a strong foundation in engineering, design, and construction, Nate discovered his calling in ecological landscape design after taking his first Permaculture Design Course (PDC) with Geoff Lawton in 2014. His passion lies in creating dynamic landscapes that serve as thriving ecosystems—providing food, habitat, and natural beauty while fostering harmony between people and the land. Nate has since completed three PDCs, earned his General Contractor’s license, and studied regenerative agriculture internationally. In 2020, he launched Reimagined Roots, a landscaping firm dedicated to building vibrant, sustainable landscapes that connect communities with the natural world.

Midsummer Celebration: Floral Crowns for the Summer Solstice

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a nod to Nordic traditions by crafting your own floral crown using fresh, seasonal blooms.&nbsp;Embrace the vibrant energy of summer as you explore ways to blend cultures and create new traditions.&nbsp; Enjoy a glass of honey mead wine as you honor the season’s spirit of creativity and connection. Samantha Paradis founded Sam's Stems in 2023, driven by a passion for using the art of flowers to foster a more interconnected community. Starting at local farmers markets, Samantha showcased her nature-inspired art in addition to offering unique experiences like fresh flower bars and custom dried flower crowns at New England festivals and events. As Sam's Stems blossomed, she expanded into private events and weddings, catering to diverse esthetics. Committed to supporting local flower farmers in Massachusetts and maximizing the life of each bloom through drying and preservation, Samantha blends sustainability with artistry in every creation.

En Plein Air Painting: Watercolors with Nadine

Spring is the perfect time for painting with watercolors outdoors “en plein air". Using compact, travel-ready supplies, we will explore the gardens and paint together.&nbsp; All materials included. Instructor: Nadine Mazzola Nadine is an award winning author of the Certified Forest Therapy Guide and founder/director of New England Nature and Forest Therapy Consulting based in Massachusetts. She is also a trainer, mentor and advisor for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT). Nadine's training includes special knowledge in guiding people of all ages in Shinrin-Yoku, "Forest Bathing," walks and the body of scientific knowledge demonstrating the benefits of spending time in nature as a wellness practice and an effective way to manage stress. She has come to know the healing and support that nature can offer us through her own personal wellness journey. Also an artist, she facilitates Expressive Arts classes at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, often incorporating elements of forest therapy throughout. She works with a wide variety of populations including the corporate business world, wellness professionals, people affected by cancer, students, special needs and seniors. Nadine is available for consulting, private or group forest bathing half-day and full-day workshops, and speaking engagements.

Thursday Summer Evenings at New England Botanic Garden

June &amp; July | 5–9PM August | 5–8PM Unplug, recharge, and escape to New England Botanic Garden this summer. Enjoy live music from talented local musicians, sip refreshing craft beers and cocktails, play lawn games, and savor delicious dinner specials. Wander the Garden’s woodland trails, admire the vibrant summer blooms, and enjoy colorful sunsets over the Wachusett Reservoir. Plus, discover an exciting lineup of workshops and classes for all ages — perfect for sparking creativity and connecting with nature. Let the summer fun begin! Thursday evenings are perfect for an after-work social, a fun night with friends, or a memorable evening with your family. Your new favorite tradition awaits! More information at: <a href="https://nebg.org/thursday-summer-evenings/">https://nebg.org/thursday-summer-evenings/</a>

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

newenglandbg

Experiences