"CELEBRATING THE ARTIST AS EXPLORER"
In keeping with the 2010 flower show theme, Passport To The World,the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators has chosen to showcase paintings of plants introduced to the U.S from the far corners of the world by plant hunting expeditions throughout history. A little known fact is that illustrators have always been important members of these explorations. What surprises many is the fact that many of these early botanical artists, who traveled to some of the most remote and uncivilized places on earth were women! While botanical illustration is by no means an exclusively female occupation, the PSBI would like to dispel the myth that it is a mere "hobby" for the pampered housewife. Botanical artists are still valued today on plant hunting expeditions to illustrate specimens in an accurate and detailed manner that even the most sophisticated camera cannot capture. Our members will educate the public to both the history and techniques of botanical illustration both through continuing demonstrations at our exhibit and an informative brochure describing the role of the botanical artist through history.
This year the society will donate a portion of sales of paintings to the Philadelphia area Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization. This is a cause that is dear to the hearts of many of our members and their families. It's almost impossible to find someone who hasn't been touched by this horrific disease in some way.

For more information on this exhibit please contact
Joan Frain
joanfstudio@verizon.net
610 363 5534