‘Flora & Fauna Illustrata’ at the Hennepin County Central Library

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The Andersen Horticultural Library is delighted to bring the “Flora and Fauna Illustrata” collection to the Minneapolis Central Library. This collection is an ongoing project to document and celebrate the diversity of life at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – from the tiny green frog to the great green ash tree.

“Flora and Fauna Illustrata” began in 2015 as a collaboration between the Library and the Arboretum. Since then, the collection has grown to over 100 juried works of art by over 30 artists, many of them local! This exhibit features selected works from the collection, alongside the sketches and specimens the artists used to create scientifically accurate works of art.

Exhibit details

What: Flora & Fauna Illustrata at the Hennepin County Central Library
When: Dec. 5, 2024 through Jan. 26, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Hours: Open during library hours; Free

Exhibit-related events at the Minneapolis Central Library

Opening Reception | Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1-3 p.m. in the Doty Board Room (N-280): Please join artists and staff of the Andersen Horticultural Library for the opening reception of “Flora and Fauna Illustrata,” a long-term project to document the diversity of life at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Specimen-sketching activities (all ages) | Saturday, Jan. 11 from 1–3 pm, Doty Board Room (N-280): Join horticultural librarian Alyssa to explore botanical art from the collection of the Andersen Horticultural Library. Then, try your hand at observational drawing with exercises that emphasize the importance of looking closely at intricate details of natural specimens.

In-gallery scavenger hunt for children (preK-5th grade) — ongoing. Self-led scavenger hunt with materials found within the gallery. Kits will be available inside the gallery. Take home a coloring page and bookmark of the project as well!

Two separate one-hour artist-led tours of the exhibition: Meet some of the artists who have been working on “Flora and Fauna Illustrata.” Tour the exhibit with the artists and learn more about this long-term project to document the plants and animals living at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum!