GAYLORD — Visitors to the 10th annual Art in the Garden Festival will be able to explore interesting garden paths, listen to live music, browse art displays and attend workshops.
This year’s festival is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 in the Otsego Conservation District’s Alternative Landscaping Demonstration Garden and Conservation Forest, at 800 Livingston Blvd. in Gaylord.
“We invite the community to join our celebration of the 25th year the gardens have been open to the community. Art in the Garden is a day to celebrate nature and the arts. Conservation-based workshops and presentations teach both kids and adults about our Northern Michigan environment,” said Joellen Saugrich, conservation district forester with the Otsego Conservation District (OCD), in a statement.
The whole family can enjoy a natural resource-based scavenger hunt and do yoga while surrounded by flowers. Patricia Osburn of the OCD will be offering tours of the native plant gardens and participants will be able to create their own wind chime, bee house, and fishing lures, said Saugrich.
Children can decorate life-sized butterfly wings, and learn to make crafts from recycled goods. The Nature Discovery will also have a large reptile exhibit for people to view and learn about these animals.
Attendees will be able to experience live music throughout the festival. Lee Anne Whitman of Indigo Moon will sing a variety of music accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Will Engleman plays acoustic guitar and sings American tunes as a solo performer. Talantis & Jans are a guitar, piano, and vocals duo who perform originals and old favorites. Jakey Thomas is a solo musician who frequents Northern Michigan.
Art in the Garden also features many Northern Michigan artists. Printmaking, photography, painting, and candles are just a few of the artworks that will be on display and for sale.
Admission is free and donations will be accepted to continue programs at the Otsego Conservation District. All proceeds go to year-round maintenance and upkeep of the Demonstration Garden and Conservation Forest.
For more information, visit the conservation district website.
