Each year in April, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center celebrates Earth Day with an Eco-Fest celebration and Butterfly Release.
“In celebration of ongoing progress in the rebuilding of Shangri La Gardens, join us for a three-day long Earth Day celebration that signifies what Shangri La is all about,” a release states.
Family-friendly activities and games will take place on April 19, April 20, and April 21, culminating with an inspirational Butterfly Release at 3:30 p.m. April 21.
“Each day has a different theme, so be sure to join us for all,” the release states.
The event schedule is listed as follows:
April 19: Blooms
Join us for a day filled with family friendly activities focusing on our garden! Families will enjoy a scavenger hunt, story time, planting in the children’s garden, a botanical craft and the opportunity to take part in a celebratory tree planting. Children of all ages are invited to take part in a day dedicated to the plants that surround us. Activities begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m.
April 20: Bugs
Calling all lady bugs and gentleman bees. Join us for a fun-filled day full of family friendly activities designed to showcase our beneficial bugs. Families will have the opportunity to participate in several ladybug releases and honey tastings. Bug-themed crafts and activities will be scattered through the garden. Activities begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m.
April 21: Butterflies
Join us to celebrate Earth Day with an Eco-Fest celebration and Butterfly Release. The day will be filled with family fun that highlights sustainability and natural history. Local and regional organizations and businesses will be on site hosting booths that provide information about earth-friendly products, services and opportunities. Games, activities, engaging presentations and live music provide entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy the gardens in full bloom and view baby birds in their nests on Ruby Lake. The day begins with activities starting at 10:30 a.m. and concludes with a Butterfly Release at 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy the gardens in full bloom and view baby birds in their nests on Ruby Lake. Strolls through the garden provide relaxing escapes from the hustle and bustle.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center will open for three days only to celebrate EcoFest 2018 and will re-open after Labor Day.
Visit the Shangri La Gardens Facebook page for future updates.
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Register now for the Art Museum of Southeast Texas Summer ArtVenture courses from June 18 through July 27, taught by professional artists.
Classes are divided into age groups for half day, week long, intensive art courses.
Children ages 5-7 (Young ArtVenturers) sample clay, paint and mixed media in classes augmented with story times and outdoor activities.
Children ages 8-11 (Summer ArtVenturers) are offered courses in ceramics, illustration, mixed media and even sculpture.
Teens ages 12-14 (TeenVentures in Art) will explore 3D art making practices. Teen campers will be introduced to works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Martin Puryear, Louise Nevelson, Frank Stella and Lee Bontecou.
“Summer ArtVentures is a lively experience for children and teens that enjoy making art,” Christle Feagin, curator of education/programs, said. “Young artists are introduced to a variety of materials and techniques geared toward expressing their creativity and honing their artistic skills.”
Summer ArtVentures camps are $75 for AMSET members and $135 for non-members. Registration includes the child’s first class and one-year family membership to AMSET. Scholarships are available.
Registration closes Friday, June 8.
For course descriptions and registration forms, visit www.amset.org.
For more information, email cfeagin@amset.org, or call 409-832-3432.
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The Art Museum of Southeast Texas is hosting Shaun Roberts: Rebels and Renegades, through June 3.
Roberts lives in Nacogdoches where he is assistant professor of painting at Stephen F. Austin State University.
This solo exhibition, featuring recent oil paintings by the emerging artist, is his first solo museum feature. Roberts’ compositions are often inspired by Italian Renaissance and Baroque masters, including Caravaggio, as seen in his dynamic, painterly strokes and theatrical settings. The artist has eschewed the characters of the early modern paintings and instead created a scene from everyday life in deep East Texas and incorporated contemporary people as actors and actresses in his compositions.
Roberts frequently inserts himself into his compositions, as well as his father and other friends and family, giving his Baroque-inspired compositions contemporary appeal and vigor.
AMSET is located at 500 Main St. in downtown Beaumont.
For more, visit www.amset.org.