Andy Warhol.
Just saying his name conjures up pop art images like Campbell’s Soup Cans and the Marilyn Diptych with Marilyn flashing her famous come hither smile.
But did you know the Pope of Pop had a love affair with flowers?
Neither did I.
Now the whole world knows. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida has an exclusive exhibit: Warhol: Flowers in the Factory, on view through June 30, 2018.
Andy Warhol exhibit pops up all over Selby Gardens
The exhibit opened February 11, 2018. A staff member said 1,000 people a day have flocked to the Flowers in the Factory.
Warhol liked to break boundaries between life and art, inserting pop culture into traditional art forms like silkscreen, photography and painting. He loved repetition of shapes, clean edges, and the POW of color where you least expect it.
Selby’s horticultural designers were tasked to express Warhol’s playful energy. And they have. The result: eye-popping living art in the Tropical Conservatory and on the grounds.
One whole wall of the Conservatory has floor to ceiling white modular boxes loaded with bright bromeliads facing the viewer. Stunning. Nearby is a photograph of Warhol’s Factory and a large floral print on the floor with the same repetitive flower power you see on the wall. Wow.
The Payne Mansion, home to the Museum of Botany & the Arts, has archival photographs of Warhol and his artist friends during the time when Warhol came to fame and Flower Power was on the rise. There are six of the artist’s prints of flowers on display.
There are Warhol things to see and Warhol things to do. Andy’s Art Factory on selected Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 has children’s art and nature activities – free with general admission. Factory dates are March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 16.
Andy Warhol Nights Burn Bright
Warhol Nights at Selby has nighttime viewings of Warhol’s world along with different musical events like a Perlman Music Program on March 14 and other dates and performances. These are ticketed events. See the Selby Gardens website.
Walking the paths at Selby Gardens affords lovely views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Being here is always a delight any season of the year.
Umbrella-topped kiosks with live volunteers are scattered around – you have plant questions? These well-trained volunteers have answers. Look for small signs, such as the one at the butterfly garden saying this is part of a phone tour and what number to call.
Like all botanical gardens Selby understands that you want to carry your enthusiasm for what you’ve seen home with you. So the Exit path takes you through the Garden Shop. Yes, they take credit cards.
Selby is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All-access admission is free for members. Adults: $25. Member guests: $15. Youth 4-17: $15. Ages three and under admitted free.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens address: 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236.
More to Explore
Visit Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens
Sunken Gardens Grows Lush and Exotic in St. Petersburg
Flower Power Blooms in Florida
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