For those who wait in winter for the colors of spring, a welcome reprieve is around the corner. The world-famous Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, known as “Glass Flowers,” from the Harvard Museum of Natural History is visiting Camden virtually for a private online tour January 31, 10–11AM thanks to the Camden Garden Club.
The public is welcome to attend and experience the wonder of this unparalleled example of artistic mastery. Tickets are now on sale for a limited time through January 24 for $15 to the general public with Camden Garden Club members receiving a special discount.
You do not need to live in Camden or be a Club member to attend. Remote attendance is welcome. Ticket holders will be emailed a link to join the event in advance.
The renown permanent exhibit draws nearly 200,000 visitors each year. Now, it’s available to midcoasters from the comfort of their own living rooms for one time only.
This unique collection was made by Leopold (1822-1895) and Rudolf Blaschka (1857-1939), a father and son team of Czech glass artists. Over fifty years, from 1886 through 1936, the Blaschkas produced 4,300 glass models that represent 780 plant species.
During the hour-long program, virtual tour guide Carol Carlson of Harvard Museums of Science & Culture will perform a live showcase of the collection and answer questions from attendees.
Carlson, M.A., has managed the volunteer docent program at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture since 2007. She has participated in numerous workshops and seminars on the Blaschka glass marine and plant specimens and trains museum docents to share the historical, glass flameworking, and botanical stories with visitors to the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants at Harvard.
The event is hosted by the Camden Garden Club to kick off their 55th Annual Winter Horticulture Series. The remaining four public talks take place in partnership with the Camden Public Library Tuesdays in February, 10–11AM. Topics conservation and environmental stewardship for home gardeners, as well as botanical photography and research.
Since 1969, the Camden Garden Club has provided the Winter Horticulture Series of public talks to Camden area residents as a community service in Maine’s coldest months.
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The Camden Garden Club is a registered nonprofit and is always open to new members. It is Maine’s original garden club. Its mission is to cultivate the art of gardening to its fullest sense, develop and preserve beauty in and around Camden, and promote civic improvements, education, and conservation of natural resources.