Bonnet House

Botanical Drawing Workshop
2027-01-16 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Botanical Drawing Workshop (6 weeks) – All Levels
Saturdays, January 16 – February 20, 2027, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Course Description
In this engaging and informative class, students of all skill levels will have the opportunity to explore the art of botanical drawing. The course is designed to support both beginners and experienced artists as they develop their abilities in this specialized field.
Learning Objectives

Develop skills in creating beautiful botanical drawings, focusing on accuracy and artistic expression.
Gain a foundational understanding of color theory, including how to select and combine colors effectively for realistic and vibrant results.
Study the principles of design and composition to create visually pleasing arrangements within each artwork.
Learn the technical aspects of working with colored pencils, such as layering, blending, and achieving various textures relevant to botanical subjects.

Click Here for the Materials List.
$220 Member/$250 Non-member (all sales are final and non-refundable)

Anita Orsini
Artist / Instructor
With nearly four decades of experience, Anita Orsini has dedicated her career to working with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Her instructional approach centers on empowering them to master a wide variety of materials and techniques while developing their own unique artistic voices. She places a strong emphasis on art theory and creativity, encouraging learners to make personal choices that enrich their enjoyment and artistic growth. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, Anita enables her students to thrive, making artistic exploration both rewarding and fulfilling.
Anita Orsini’s artwork has earned recognition at local, national, and international exhibitions. Her creative achievements have been featured in several prominent publications, including The Best of Colored Pencil Books 2 & 3, Colored Pencil Signature Showcase, and American Artist Magazine. In addition she served as President of the South Florida Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society for 11 years.

ZIMSCULPT OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBIT
2027-01-19 11:00 - 2027-04-11 15:00 (America/New_York)
Experience inspiring, hand-carved stone sculptures by 150 artists from Zimbabwe. Displayed throughout the House and Grounds, this extraordinary exhibit transforms the grounds into a sanctuary of global artistry.
JANUARY 19 – APRIL 11, 2027

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

FAU Winter/Spring Speaker Series - Jan 25
2027-01-25 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Winter/Spring 2027 Speaker Series
Learning in Bloom: An FAU and Bonnet House Collaboration
4-Part Series Dates:
Mondays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26
Schedule:
Monday, January 25
1:00-2:30 PM Island Theater, Lecture (45min) and Q & A (15min)
Title: Barefoot Mailmen, Theodore Pratt, and Florida Literature
Speaker: Dr. Taylor Hagood, Professor of English
Summary: Professor Taylor Hagood tells the story of the barefoot mailmen through the life and writing of “Florida’s Literary Laureate” Theodore Pratt, who wrote the 1943 novel, The Barefoot Mailman. The lecture will capture both the time of the barefoot mailmen in the late 1800’s as well as south Florida’s nostalgic mid-century period when Pratt was writing.
Cost: $5 for Members, $10 for Non-members (All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable).
In Person
Register Here
Via ZOOM
Register Here
An email will be sent to all Zoom registrants before each lecture with the link and instructions.

Yoga & Sound Bath Experience
2027-02-12 09:00 - 10:30, 2027-03-12 09:00 - 10:30, 2027-04-09 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
YOGA & SOUND BATH EXPERIENCE ON THE VERANDA
Register Here!
Slow Vinyasa Flow. Sound Bath. Tropical Tranquility
Step into a tropical oasis, enveloped by the nurturing embrace of nature’s beauty, as you flow gently through a Yoga experience for all, harmonized with a symphony of global melodies.
In this serene journey, yoga postures gracefully intertwine through a sequence of movements, enhancing your flexibility and mobility while centering your breath in harmony with motion. This sacred practice cultivates stability, strength, coordination, balance, observation, and awareness, inviting a profound connection with the natural world.
The experience culminates in a guided relaxation, an aromatherapy refresher, and a soothing sound bath meditation with a healing instrument, leaving your spirit renewed and uplifted.
LEAD TEACHER: Lisa Pumper, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Resident BH Yoga teacher & SoFlo leading teacher, producer, and founder of Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga powered by Yoga cOMmUNITY of Florida
Lisa will demonstrate poses and techniques while offering clear instructions, including modifications that cater to all skill levels, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the experience.
HOW TO PREPARE
TIME: Class starts at 9:00 am – check-in opens at 8:30 am. Duration 90 minutes
Give extra time for travel, parking, and walking up to the museum.
BYO: Yoga mat, any props, a large towel, a bottle of water, and a bag to carry your items.
The Gift Shop Cafe opens at 11:00 am for additional needs.
PARTICIPATION WAIVER: https://form.jotform.com/yogacommunityfl/bh-yoga
LOCATION: *Classes take place regardless of the weather, whether it’s sunny or rainy. They are conducted on the paved surfaces and in the covered areas of either the Veranda or the Courtyard at the Bonnet Museum home, both of which provide breathtaking views of nature.
TICKET OPTIONS: $ 25 Members / $30 Non-Members: Includes Yoga class, cool-down aromatherapy refresher, inspirational note card, extra free time after class, and free private parking.
$45 Non-Members: Includes yoga class and a self-guided house and grounds tour. Spend the morning in tropical tranquility after class with a self-guided tour of the house and gardens, see the rotating exhibits in the Gallery, listen to sweet tour stories from staff and volunteers, sit by the garden fountain, the pond, or lake, walk through forest trails, and breathe in the peaceful views.
Pre-registration is required to secure your spot. Class is rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable.
CLASS QUESTIONS: Contact Lisa @ info@yogacommunityfl.com
Register Here!
All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

FAU Winter/Spring Speaker Series - Feb 22
2027-02-22 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Winter/Spring 2027 Speaker Series
Learning in Bloom: An FAU and Bonnet House Collaboration
4-Part Series Dates:
Mondays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26
Schedule:
Monday, February 22
1:00-2:30 PM Island Theater, Lecture (45min) and Q & A (15min)
Title: Weathered Remains: The 1928 Lake Okeechobee Hurricane and Skeletal Remains
Speaker: Dr. Meredith A. B. Ellis, Chair of Anthropology
In this lecture, Dr. Ellis will tell the story of the 1928 hurricane that came on shore in Palm Beach County and caused devastation around the southeastern corner of Lake Okeechobee, killing an estimated 2-3,000 people overnight. Many of those who died in the swirling waters of the newly cultivated farming region were Black migrant laborers, and many were never found tangled in the sea of grass of the Everglades. Nearly 100 years later, two skeletons were found in the region and associated with the storm, and telling their story helps tell the story of that fateful night.
Cost: $5 for Members, $10 for Non-members (All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable).
In Person
Register Here
Via ZOOM
Register Here
An email will be sent to all Zoom registrants before each lecture with the link and instructions.

Orchid Care Basics
2027-02-23 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Discover the Joy of Growing Orchids!

New to orchids? This class will teach you how to select the right plants for your growing conditions and provide the essentials—water, light, fertilizer, and temperature—so your orchids thrive and bloom beautifully. Begin your journey into the fascinating world of orchid growing!
Join our orchid curator, Jose Exposito, and his team of orchid care experts on the historic Bonnet House Estate for orchid cultivation classes. Jose is the founder of Soroa Orchids, senior judge of the American Orchid Society, world-renowned speaker including World Orchid Conferences in Brazil and Malaysia. He has been featured in Orchids Magazine, Vogue, Martha Stewart Show, and many other National and International publications.
After each class, enjoy a guided tour of our Orchid Display House and Greenhouses, where you’ll see stunning varieties and learn tips from our experts.

Tuesday, February 23
9:30 – 11:30 am
$30 members / $35 non-members (all sales are final and non-refundable)
Register Here!

Oil/Acrylic Painting Workshop - February
2027-02-23 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Oil/Acrylic Painting Workshop with Bonnie Opie
Unleash your creativity in a beautiful, inspiring setting! Join artist Bonnie Opie for a six-week workshop focused on the fundamentals of oil and acrylic painting.
Participants will explore essential techniques such as underpainting, glazing, composition, and the use of light and color. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, all artists are welcome.
Come paint, learn, and grow in the serene gardens of the Bonnet House Estate!
Tuesdays, February 23 – March 30, 2026, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: Bonnet House Members $240, Non-members $270 (All sales are final and non-refundable)
Register Here!

Orchid Care - Repotting & Mounting plus Combating Pests & Diseases 1pm
2027-02-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Master the Art of Orchid Transplanting

This hands-on class will cover every aspect of orchid transplanting, with a focus on proven techniques and the use of diverse materials such as cork, driftwood, plaques, baskets, and even mounting on trees. You’ll also learn the importance of proper tool sterilization to prevent the spread of viruses and keep your collection healthy.
Each class concludes with a guided tour of our Orchid Display House and Greenhouses, offering an up-close look at stunning orchid varieties and expert care practices.
Meet Your Instructor
Join our esteemed orchid curator, Jose Exposito, and his team of orchid care specialists on the historic Bonnet House Estate for these exclusive cultivation classes. Jose is the founder of Soroa Orchids, a senior judge with the American Orchid Society, and a world-renowned speaker featured at World Orchid Conferences in Brazil and Malaysia. His expertise has been highlighted in Orchids Magazine, Vogue, the Martha Stewart Show, and numerous national and international publications.

Tuesday, February 23
1:00 – 3:00 pm
$30 Member/$35 Non -Member. All class registrations are final and non-refundable.
Register Here!

Acrylic Workshop February
2027-02-25 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Acrylic Painting Workshop with Bonnie Opie
Join fine artist Bonnie Opie for a creative journey in the beautiful Bonnet House gardens.
This workshop introduces the basic principles of acrylic painting, with guided instruction and plenty of time to paint outdoors in a serene, shaded setting.
Perfect for artists of all levels looking to explore or deepen their acrylic painting practice in an inspiring environment.
Six-Week Workshop
Thursdays, February 25 – April 1, 2027
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
$240 members / $270 non-members (all sales are final and non-refundable)
Register Here!

Watercolor Workshop March
2027-03-03 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Watercolor Workshop with Barbara DiMartini
Join fine artist and watercolorist Barbara DiMartini for a six-week workshop set in the lush, historic Bonnet House gardens.
This immersive experience includes instruction in traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing, along with dedicated time to paint outdoors surrounded by nature.
Art tables are provided in a shaded area, offering a comfortable and inspiring environment for artists of all levels.
Please click here for the supply list.
6-Week Workshop
Wednesdays, March 3 – April 7, 2027
9:30 am – 12:30 pm

$240 members / $270 non-members (all sales are final and non-refundable)
Register Here!

Family Fun Day
2027-03-13 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Family Fun Day with various family activities and discounted admission.
Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day of family‑friendly programming throughout the estate. Explore the historic house museum, filled with a delightful collection of art and personal treasures from the Bartlett family; wander the nature trails rich with native plants, trees, and wading birds; and take part in hands-on activities, live performances, interactive history experiences, art projects, and more—all designed for guests of every age.

The cost is $15 for adults and free for those 13 and under.
Register Here!
Schedule of Events:
10:00 am & 11:00 am: Gold Coast Youth Orchestra classical performances on the beautiful Bonnet House veranda
Ongoing throughout the Day:

Build Like an Architect

Presented by: BAM Black Architects in the Making and AIA American Institute of Architects

Historical Craft Table

Presented by: HISTORY Fort Lauderdale Museum

Meet and take Photos with Fort Lauderdale Police K9 Dogs and Mounted Horse Units

Presented by: The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department –

Bonnet House Nature Treasure Hunt

On the Grounds – Search for hidden treasures of Bonnet House

Historical Time Travel

On Grounds – Solve Ciphers, find the slough and meet the Barefoot Mailman
Other family fun craft activities!!
DETAILS:

$15 per person for adults (14 years and older), which is half off the regular price of admission
FREE for children (13 years and under)
Broward County Teachers are Free with ID
No other discounts apply

Register Here!
Tickets can also be purchased at the Welcome Center.

FAU Winter/Spring Speaker Series - March 29
2027-03-29 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Winter/Spring 2027 Speaker Series
Learning in Bloom: An FAU and Bonnet House Collaboration
4-Part Series Dates:
Mondays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26
Schedule:
Monday, March 29
1:00-2:30 PM Island Theater, Lecture (45min) and Q & A (15min)
Title: Building Paradise in South Florida
Speaker: Dr. Stacey Balkan, Associate Professor of Environmental Literature and Humanities
Paradise has long been associated with abundance–the fruits of the garden, the vistas of distant peaks, the shimmering beaches of Florida’s coastal horizons. Unfortunately, in an era of cascading climate crises, such images are now shrouded by the reality of ecological limits. In this lecture, Dr. Balkan shall untangle the enduring myths of abundance without cost, while looking to works of science fiction and speculative urban design that model a more sustainable paradise for our endangered home.
Cost: $5 for Members, $10 for Non-members (All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable).
In Person
Register Here
Via ZOOM
Register Here
An email will be sent to all Zoom registrants before each lecture with the link and instructions.

FAU Winter/Spring Speaker Series - April 26
2027-04-26 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Winter/Spring 2027 Speaker Series
Learning in Bloom: An FAU and Bonnet House Collaboration
4-Part Series Dates:
Mondays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26
Schedule:
Monday, April 26
1:00-2:30 PM Island Theater, Lecture (45min) and Q & A (15min)
Title: The Jesuit Atlantic: A Voyage from San Juan to St. Augustine
Speaker: Dr. Frédéric Conrad, Professor of Comparative Literature
Journey across the Spanish Atlantic from San Juan to St. Augustine and discover how these two cities were linked by the vibrant maritime world of the Caribbean. Through fascinating stories, historical maps, paintings, and archival discoveries, The Jesuit Atlantic reveals how faith, commerce, and cultural exchange shaped Florida’s early history. Join us for an engaging voyage that offers a fresh perspective on the shared past of Puerto Rico and Florida.
Cost: $5 for Members, $10 for Non-members (All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable).
In Person
Register Here
Via ZOOM
Register Here
An email will be sent to all Zoom registrants before each lecture with the link and instructions.
