The annual Brucemore Garden and Art Show will return Saturday, August 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. amidst the historic charm of the Brucemore gardens and landscape. More than 60 artists and garden vendors from across the Midwest will share their expertise by showcasing unique products, vivid presentations, and pertinent information, including ceramics, plantings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and more. New in 2012, The Glass Art Centre will be onsite conducting hot glass blowing demonstrations?gathering glass at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit on the end of a blowpipe and making drinking vessels, vases, sculpture, and more.
Educational opportunities will captivate attendees, whether it's engaging in a one-on-one conversation, participating in an interactive display, or listening to a featured lecture. The Linn County Master Gardeners, Ceramics Center, Eastern Iowa Storm Water Education Program, and Trees Forever will lead relevant presentations on the festival's main stage along with author Kelly Norris's discussion on dividing and planting irises. The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase several displays and demonstrations in the Formal Garden, including raised-bed garden creation, insect identification, and heirloom vegetable care. Plant vendors and horticultural organizations will share unusual and standard specimens; and artists will eagerly discuss their original pieces of work. Featured vendors include In The Country Gardens & Gifts of Independence, providing fairy gardens, garden art, succulents, and birdhouses; and fine art paintings by Solon's Susan Kennicott of Kennicott Fine Art.
The 2012 show will continue its rich tradition of incorporating hands-on activities for families. Children can decorate flower pots with mosaic pieces, fire raku, and participate in a clay activity with the Ceramics Center. For the third year, the special section "Chew on This" will highlight organic and locally grown food with interactive displays, heirloom tomato tasting, frozen custard tasting, old fashion lawn games, watermelon seed spitting contests, an insect petting zoo, and more. Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency will provide free compost to all interested attendees.
Tickets are sold at the gate the day of the event or online at www.brucemore.org. Admission is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is off-site. Shuttle service is available from Washington High School throughout the day. Handicap parking is available on-site by entering the First Avenue gate only. No pets, coolers, outside food, or weapons allowed during the event. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. The Brucemore Garden and Art Show is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, Green Endeavors, and Penford Products. For further information on the Brucemore Garden and Art Show, please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.
Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families. Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community. For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.
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