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GARDEN
Story of the Seasons
Artist Lenore Tolegian Hughes’s “The Reason for the Seasons” is showing in the Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery at the SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN through March 31. The exhibit of 29 works is inspired by Greek mythology, specifically the story of the goddess of agriculture Demeter’s loss of her daughter, Persephone, to Hades, the king of the underworld. Through her etching, watercolors, and multimedia collages, the artist explores how Persephone’s annual reunion with her mother creates the seasons. Summer is time to rejoice as nature is fruitful; fall is when Demeter begins to let Persephone return to Hades; winter is when the earth gets cold, mirroring Demeter’s pain; and spring prepares for Persephone’s return from the underworld. “I celebrate Demeter as a woman who used her powers to stand firm for what was good and right in the face of adversity,” says Hughes. “She demonstrates to us that the seasons of all our lives are inextricably intertwined with deep sorrow and wondrous joy, and that it is our challenge and our privilege to embrace them.”
Top to bottom: Hughes’s COUNTRY LIFE , watercolor/
collage, 28 x 35 in.; MOTHER LOVE ,
paper weaving collage, 26 x 19 3/4 in.
1212 Mission Canyon Rd., Santa Barbara, 805-682-4726. G . Z . T . S BBG. ORG
O N D I S P L AY Garden
Don’t miss the annual SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW (tickets: from $12) taking place March 15 through 17 at Earl Warren Showgrounds for the 74th consecutive year. The oldest and largest event of its kind, this is sure to hit the mark with garden-size exhibits, practical demonstrations, impressive artwork, and, of course, more than 25,000 spectacular blooms. G I A N A L E Ó N
Lotus; Praying Mantis and Cactus by A display from last year’s
ROBERT J. LANG .
SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW .
Master Folds
To celebrate the reopening of its Japanese Garden after a $5.5 million renovation, LOTUSLAND —Madame Ganna Walska’s famed breathtaking botanical estate in Montecito—is unveiling a special display of artistry and imagination featuring works of origami from 13 local and national artists. From March 1 to May 18, Lotusland’s Pavilion is bedecked with works of the 1,000-year-old Japanese tradition. Each part of the exhibition represents one aspect of Lotusland—flora, fauna, and Madame Walska— and pieces such as intricate koi fish, gentle butterflies, and bold crows are shown along with origami dresses, jewelry, and purses inspired by the late opera singer. 695 Ashley Rd., Montecito, 805-969-3767. G . L .
LOT U S LAND. OR G
S A N TA B A R B A R A
PHOTOGRAPH: ORCHID SHOW, LAUREN FERRELL
S B O R CH I D S H O W.C O M
Left to right: ROBERT SALAZAR ’s