Memphis Botanic Garden Announces Rich Soil at the Garden Exhibition
Details & Programming
Rich Soil at the Garden Presented by Bank of America Opens on May 5, 2023

The Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) today announced further details and programming for the upcoming Rich Soil at the Garden seasonal exhibition presented by Bank of America. The exhibition officially opens at the Garden on May 5, 2023, with a special MBG Members Preview Night on May 4, and will close on October 1, 2023.

“We are thrilled to have Rich Soil at the Garden as our fourth traveling exhibit at Memphis Botanic Garden,” said Gina Harris, Director of Education & Events. “The sculptures of flowing dresses and figures in motion will feel as if they are part of the living landscape and give guests an opportunity to reflect on and be inspired by this art.”

Visitors can dig into Rich Soil at the Garden during the opening weekend festivities on May 4-6. MBG Members are invited to explore the exhibition early on May 4 from 6-8 pm to preview it before it officially opens to the public. Enjoy a lovely spring evening at the Garden while you explore the exhibition. Children can participate in a creative wire craft inspired by the exhibition & a cash bar will be available to grab a cocktail, glass of wine, or beer to enjoy. Admission is free and limited to MBG Members only for this special evening event.

On opening day, May 5, the Garden is hosting the Rich Soil to Rich Souls Panel Discussion at 11 am. The
esteemed panelists will discuss how art and nature can grow and heal a community featuring:
- Kristine Mays, Rich Soil at the Garden Artist
- Karen Niceley, Community Engagement Manager for Collage Dance
- Dorimar Ferrer, Executive Director of Cazateatro
- Lar’Jaunette Williams, Executive Director of Memphis Black Arts Alliance
- Anne Froning, Co-Owner of Being:Art
After the panel discussion, guests are invited to stay & explore the exhibition and bring a lunch to enjoy in the picnic area. The panel discussion is free to attend & no reservation is required.

Rich Soil at the Garden Family Day on Saturday, May 6, from 10 am-4 pm allows guests to immerse themselves in the exhibition. Visitors to the Garden on this day can meet artist Kristine Mays from 10-10:45 am, 1-1:45 pm, & 3-3:45 pm and enjoy performances by Collage Dance that were inspired by the exhibition at 11 am & 2 pm, and children can try their hand at creating their own miniature sculpture using wire. Plus there will be a cash bar and food trucks on-site for a picnic lunch. Free with Garden admission. No reservations are required.

Beyond opening weekend, visitors can en-RICH their experience at the Garden from May through September with Sunday afternoon music & performances from local arts & cultural organizations and a special field trip centered around the exhibition.

Rich Sounds at the Garden, a brand new event series developed in conjunction with the exhibition, will premiere on May 28 and continue on the last Sunday of June, July, August, and September, from 2-5 pm. Visitors can enjoy performances and demonstrations from local arts & culture organizations. There will also be a cash bar on-site to grab a seasonal sip on these special afternoons. Free with Garden admission. No reservations are required.

Rich Sounds at the Garden Schedule:

May 28: Ekpe Abioto

June 25: Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group

July 30: Memphis Jazz Workshop

August 27: Stax Academy

September 24: Memphis Symphony Orchestra Ensemble

School groups can book a special Rich Soil at the Garden field trip which includes an interactive tour, a craft, and thought-provoking activities. The one-hour tour will help connect students to the natural world and explore their artistic side. The program can be adapted for grades K-12 and is available between May 8 & September 29.

“Bank of America has long believed in the power of the arts to help educate and enrich societies, bring communities together and create greater cultural understanding, including here in Memphis,” said Trevia Chatman, president, Bank of America Memphis. “The bank’s sponsorship of Memphis Botanic Garden’s upcoming Rich Soil at the Garden exhibit combines our commitment to the arts and diversity by highlighting the unique perspective of artist Kristine Mays, while supporting arts accessibility at an important Memphis institution. This exhibit will showcase Mays’ artform of wire creations which are exquisite pieces of art.”

Rich Soil at the Garden is presented by Bank of America with support from Grinder Taber Grinder, Realty Capital Management, Forever Ready Productions, and WKNO Public Media.

MBG Members enjoy free daily admission to the Garden. For non-members, daily admission tickets can be purchased upon arrival and are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for children aged 2-12, and free for children under 2. The Garden is open daily from 9 am-6 pm.

Learn more about Rich Soil at the Garden at membg.org/rich-soil