On the evening of Friday, February 7th, VNRC will be hosting an opening reception for “Birds, Bees & Tulip Trees”, an exhibit by artist Natalya Zahn of South Woodbury. The exhibit, which was previously on display at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts, is an exploration into the relationship between plants and pollinators through watercolor painting and textile design.

Natalya was inspired to return to textile design while working as a designer for a boutique children’s clothing company. That position gave her an opportunity to learn the basics of pattern layout and production, and planted a firm enthusiasm for the challenges of repeating compositions – specifically florals. This collection of work represents an application of textile design conventions to the natural subjects and organic painting styles that have been an evolving theme throughout Natalya’s independent career in illustration and design.

A natural illustrator, designer and art educator, Natalya currently teaches ‘Illustrating Botanicals’ out of the Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment (ALE) at the University of Vermont. You can see more of her work at www.natalya.com.

Doors will be open to the public from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.  Natalya will be on site to talk about the inspiration and technique behind her work. Light refreshments will be served while supplies last. Additional visiting hours for Natalya’s exhibit can be found here, or by appointment. Contact Alex Connizzo, Special Projects Coordinator, at (802)-223-2328 x126 or aconnizzo@vnrc.org for more information or to schedule a visit.