Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
When gardening meets art, beautiful things happen. Lang’s Garden Landscape and Design in Linwood held its first floral art exhibit, “The Art of Gardening”, and the results were beautiful indeed. Local artists painted among the flowers throughout the garden center as customers viewed the artwork and exhibits while shopping for flowers, plants, and garden-themed artwork. Though rainy days preceded the event, the art show, held on Sunday, September 19, was met with picture-perfect weather.
Stephanie Santini-Duff, co-owner of Lang’s Garden with her husband, Joe Duff, felt the art exhibit was a success and hopes to make it an annual event at Langs. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day. We had a great group of talented artists, perfect weather, and a gifted flautist from Mainland Regional High School, all of which made the event a huge success. We look forward to doing it again next year, with a tentative date of Sunday, September 17th.”
Various mediums were used by the artists, such as pastels, oils, watercolors. First time exhibitor, Monica Kurtz, enjoyed participating in the show and was very pleased to sell some of her artwork. Others, like watercolor artist Carol Ann Keiser, who has been participating in art shows for years, enjoyed the outdoor setting among the flowers. “This is probably my favorite venue,” said Keiser. She felt it was “very conducive to the artwork and makes it pop out.” Pastels artist, Renee Leopardi, felt the casual setting in the garden made it more approachable for people to view the artwork.
Barefoot Bakery of Ocean City was on hand to provide attendees with baked goods such as baguettes, scones, muffins, and croissants. Meanwhile, music floated through the air from the flute of Mainland Regional High School student, Elizabeth Ong.
Both the artists and customers enjoyed the outdoor setting and organizers of the event were pleased with this first floral art show at Lang’s. Erin Daniels of Margaret James Design helped organize the art show with Santini-Duff and sees the event growing as she was approached by artists that would like to participate in the future.
Some of the additional upcoming art events in our South Jersey area include: the Green Day Festival, October 2, in Hammonton; Barn-fest at Silver Fox Farm Alpacas in Egg Harbor City on October 9; and Art in the Park, October 16, at Heritage Park in Absecon.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
