Botanic Gardens

Art of Primavera

While food and wine is prominently featured at Primavera, art is also a significant part of this event.  Plein Air Artists attend Primavera and create works of art inspired by Primavera.

Each year our publicity posters reflect artwork submitted by local artists.  In the past, local Plein Air Artists (PAAR) and Photo Artists Network (PAR) have participated in our art contest. Well known local artists Joan Coffey, Chick Curtis, and Elin Pendleton have all participated and donated paintings for Primavera events. 

 Poster Contest Information Page for 2013!                   2013 Poster Contest Entry Form

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2012 WINNERS!

• 1st Place, "Garden Party" by Rachael Harms (shown above)
• 2nd Place, "Trellis and Bench in the Garden" by Kara Chen (shown below)
• 3rd Place, "White Taffeta" by Rachel Harms

2012 Honorable Mention

• "Glimmerose" by Jana Davidson
• "A Path to Spring" by Kara Chen
• "A Haven for Inspiration" by Laura Lim

Congratulations to the 2011 winners!

• 1st Place, Poster, Plein Air Artist Sharon VanderMeiden
• 2nd Place, Photographers Ira Yawnick and Bill Dalgleish (tie)
• 3rd Place, Photographer Bill Dalgleish

Each year in May, the UCR Botanic Gardens holds its annual major fundraiser, Primavera in the Gardens. Over the past 14 years, thousands of people have attended and supported Primavera in the Gardens. Our 2013 event will be held on May 19th. This year we are celebrating our 15^th Annual Primavera, and the 50^th Anniversary of the founding of the Gardens.

We advertise Primavera in the Gardens with 11” x 17” posters that go out to participating restaurants, wineries, and local businesses throughout Riverside County. In the past Plein Air Artists (PAAR) and Photo Artists Network (PAN) have participated in our art contest. Well known local artists Joan Coffey, Chick Curtis, and Elin Pendleton have all participated and donated paintings for Primavera events.

This year, we are inviting all local artists to submit original artwork to our annual poster art contest. We will have two categories for entries: 1. photography and 2. painting or drawing. Our only stipulation is that the art must be of the UCR Botanic Gardens and be no smaller than 11” x 14”. The original artwork must be submitted to us by March 15, 2013. The top two pieces chosen as winners in each category will become the exclusive property of the UCR Botanic Gardens.

We will auction the top two winning pieces from each category at the 2013 Primavera Silent Auction. The first place winning pieces, one from each category, will be used as the artwork for our event, as well as some of the publicity for our event. These pieces will be seen by people visiting the Botanic Gardens, as well as those supporting businesses where the posters are displayed. The two winning artists will be provided with free copies of the poster.  First place artists will each receive four tickets to Primavera in the Gardens, and second place artists will receive 2 tickets each to the event.

Once again, the due date for your submission is March 15, 2013. The Primavera Committee will judge the artwork on March 19, 2013, and the poster contest winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Please email your entry form and your submission to Margo at gogochabot@earthlink.net as a jpeg or PDF attachment.

We encourage all artists to donate their original artwork to our silent auction. Your support will greatly contribute to the sustainability of our Gardens and its many programs. Your contribution is tax deductible.

If you have any questions, please contact:

• Margo Chabot at gogochabot@earthlink.net or  (951) 312-3367
• Brightie Dunn at (951)-233-1854