History of Botanical Art

The story behind the history of botanical art, and its changing role through the centuries is a fascinating one. From drawings done by monks to record the medicinal importance of plants, to paintings commissioned by explorers and wealthy landowners, botanical painting has had a significant impact on the path of history. In this illustrated talk developed by the American Society of Botanical Artists, Sarah Roche will lead you on the journey and show you how external influences have impacted the art form that we all appreciate today.

Sarah Roche is Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture’s Certificate Program Education Director and has a degree in Graphic Illustration from the University of the West of England where she majored in Botanical Illustration. An experienced instructor, Sarah also teaches at the South Shore Art Center in Cohasset, MA where she is a Gallery Artist. She is Education Co-chair of the American Society of Botanical Artists and a professional artist member of the Copley Society of Art, Boston. See more at www.sarahrochebotanicalart.com

All Somerville Garden Club meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at the Tufts Administration Building, (TAB), 167 Holland Street, second floor, wheelchair accessible. Parking is available, and the building is a ten-minute walk from the Davis Square MBTA stop.