Flora and Fauna Illustrata (FFI), a long-term project documenting the diversity of life at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, has an exciting (temporary) new home: the Minneapolis Central Library, where it will be on display through January 26, 2025.

Started in 2015, this collection is a partnership between Andersen Horticultural Library (AHL) and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Spanning over 1,200 acres, the Arboretum is the largest horticultural site in the state, home to thousands of different species of plants, animals, and insects. FFI aims to capture the rich diversity of life living and growing at the Arboretum through scientifically accurate drawings — from the tiny green frog to the great green ash tree.

Since its inception, the collection has blossomed to include over 100 pieces of juried art by over 30 artists, many of whom are local. Both accuracy and aesthetics are taken into consideration in the selection process; after artists submit work for consideration, a jury of scientists, naturalists, and artists assess the work on the basis of scientific accuracy, aesthetic quality, and artistic ability. Learn more about FFI and the judging process.

The exhibit currently on display at the Minneapolis Central Library features selected work from the collection, alongside artists’ sketches and specimens. Earlier this month, community members gathered at the library for an opening reception.

Guided tours in January

In January, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the exhibit, led by artists Ronda Dick and Jane Hancock and FFI Coordinator Alyssa Gregory, as well as an all-ages specimen sketching activity.

“With just under 40 works of art, this exhibit features the most FFI pieces we have been able to show at one time,” says Gregory. “We hope that the exhibit at the Minneapolis Central Library will bring new artists to the project so that it can continue to grow — and perhaps inspire folks to practice botanical 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

About Andersen Horticultural Library

Andersen Horticultural Library is located at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, Minnesota. The library preserves and organizes a wealth of knowledge and resources about botany, birds and other animals, horticulture, natural history, foraging, cooking, gardening, herbalism, and much more, for both adults and children.

AHL is part of the University of Minnesota Libraries system. It is the largest horticultural research library in the Upper Midwest and is world-renowned for maintaining one of the largest collections of seed and nursery catalogs in North America.

All are encouraged to visit the library, whether to do research, plan a garden, or simply to enjoy the beautiful space.