This last season was a tremendous success for Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. We proudly hosted a highly-acclaimed art exhibition, in addition to a variety of classes, workshops, lectures, and concerts. At Bonnet House, we feel that it is our mission to offer enjoyable and enriching cultural experiences that connect today’s community to the Bartletts’ architectural, artistic, and environmental legacy.
Classes, Workshops & Lectures:
To enhance the mission of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we offer a variety of classes, workshops and lectures for anyone interested and willing to grow in their passions for art and nature.
From October 2017-April 2018, we hosted popular Birding Classes that focused on the identification of rare birds, as well as various approaches to understanding their behavior, habitat, and so much more. Each class included an informative presentation, numerous handouts, and a walk around our beautiful garden to search for rare and beautiful birds.
In February 2018, we also hosted three Orchid Classes in our Island Theater. Each class covered a different aspect of understanding and caring for different types of orchids. From repotting to diagnosing pests and diseases, these classes were a hit for all in attendance!
This fall, we also offered a variety of workshops in varying session topics and lengths. Some of our popular workshops included calligraphy, watercolor, acrylic, orchid painting, and even basket-weaving. We were fortunate enough to have found experienced artists to teach each of the workshops, ensuring our participants received a thorough, well-rounded experience.
On select Mondays between January and April 2018, we hosted 4 lectures discussing topics specifically chosen to help connect people living in today’s world to the Bartletts’ legacy. All lectures are free to members, and just $5.00 for non-members. These popular lecture topics included:
● Digging Into The Past: Tequesta at Bonnet House
● Abiaka (Sam Jones) in Context
● Trains & Travel: The Bartletts & The 20th Century Limited
● Planting for Life: How to Make Your Backyard Your Bird Feeder
Concerts Under The Stars:
At Bonnet House, we believe that there is no better way to experience the beauty and elegance of the Bonnet House estate than with live music and fantastic company. That’s why we make it a priority to host a variety of indoor and outdoor concerts each year. This fall, we hosted monthly “Concerts Under The Stars,”so that guests could experience musical performances on the beautiful Bonnet House Veranda, while enjoying wine, coffee, and sweet hors d’oeuvres. This series was a huge hit for all who came to celebrate and enjoy all that Bonnet House has to offer.
Holiday Magic Evening Experience:
Bonnet House never shines brighter than during the Holiday Season! Between 5:30 and 8:30 PM on December 1st-8th, 2017, all of the trees and wreaths throughout the house were lit and designed to delight as guests enjoyed a self-guided tour of the house during this rare nighttime opportunity. With something exciting every night (like a visit from Santa and his Elves, Christmas storytelling, strolling carolers, and more), our Holiday Magic Evening Experience surpassed even the highest expectations!
Making New Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit:
As of March 8th, 2018, Bonnet House has been hosting our Annual Juried Art Competition and Sale. All of the art work selected for the competition is for sale and 50% of the proceeds help support the preservation of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The Impressions exhibit will be on display in the Carl Weinhardt Gallery at Bonnet House during regular tour hours. If you haven’t gotten the chance to see this popular and vibrant exhibition, don’t worry, it will be staying until April 29th, 2018! Learn more about attending the Competition & Sale, here.
From all of us at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we’d like to thank each and every individual who attended any of our fantastic activities and events this season. If you may have missed out last year, don’t make the same mistake twice! Check out our upcoming events calendar & purchase tickets to our next event, here:
