Artist-in-Residence
KYLE EPPS
As part of its Flourish 40th anniversary celebration, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has commissioned contemporary American multi-disciplinary artist Kyle Epps as an artist-in-residence from April to September 2024. Epps’ work will explore the garden’s landscape and history through various media. As part of the residency, guests can meet and sit with Epps to experience the process of exploring the Garden through the artist’s lens.
PRESS: Check out Lewis Ginter’s New Vibe: Kyle Epps’ Artistry in Full Bloom, an article by RVA Magazine!
Kyle Epps brings exciting new visions and perspectives in the Garden’s 40th anniversary year. Guests can look for the artist when visiting and during select special events. Music and live sound designing will accompany the visual art. Plans also include live streaming during the creative process. The artist-in-residency offers the rare opportunity to see the Garden through fresh eyes. Epps’ vision includes several phases: Plant, Grow, Flourish.
PHASE 3: August-September
Blooms of Light – Augmented Reality Exhibition
Step into Blooms of Light, an enchanting AR exhibition where the digital realm blossoms with the life and energy of the garden. Each artwork is a radiant bloom, capturing the essence of growth and transformation, illuminating the unseen beauty of nature’s cycles. Among these digital marvels, you’ll also find images of art created in the garden by the resident artist, subtly weaving the physical and virtual worlds together. Discover the magic of Blooms of Light, where every virtual petal tells a story of nature’s boundless vitality.
How to get started?
1. Click here to open the experience through Adobe Aero. If you cannot use Aero you can view the experience through our virtual exhibition map.
2. Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet or cellular connection to open and view the necessary AR content. We do not provide these services throughout the garden.
3. Enable Location Services: Allow Adobe Aero to access your location to experience the geospatial AR features accurately. This is required for the art to be placed relative to your physical location.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has graciously provided an alternative experience for any guest unable to operate within the constraints here. The exhibitor apologizes for any inconvenience in this new process.
How to get the best experience?
- Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your physical surroundings while using the AR app to avoid accidents or injuries. Do not use the app while walking on uneven or hazardous terrain.
- Respect Other Guests: If multiple users are using the app simultaneously, maintain a reasonable distance to avoid collisions and ensure everyone has a pleasant experience.
- Battery Life: Using AR apps can drain your battery quickly. Consider bringing a portable charger to ensure your device lasts throughout the exhibition.
- Weather Conditions: Be aware of weather conditions. If it’s raining or the ground is slippery, take extra precautions to prevent accidents.
- Internet/Data Usage: Using AR experiences may consume significant data. If you have a limited data plan, connect to a Wi-Fi network when available.
General Considerations
- Accessible Pathways: Ensure you stick to the designated accessible pathways, which are designed to be wheelchair-friendly and safe for all visitors.
- Avoid Obstructions: Be cautious of any garden features or AR markers that may obstruct accessible pathways. Report any obstacles to staff immediately.
- Elevated Surfaces: If using a wheelchair or mobility device, avoid elevated surfaces or slopes that may be unsafe.
- Support and Assistance: If you require assistance, please don't hesitate to ask the staff. They are trained to provide help and ensure your experience is enjoyable and safe.
- Companion Assistance: If you have a companion, they can assist in navigating the AR experience, ensuring you can fully enjoy the exhibition without any concerns about accessibility.
- Seating Areas: Take advantage of designated seating areas to rest if needed. These areas are strategically placed throughout the garden for your convenience and comfort.
The Secret Garden Legacy Adventure: Geocache experience
This experience guides participants through the historic Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on architectural waypoints and a riddle adventure. Designed for both novice and experienced participants.
PHASE 2: June-July
“Grow” in June and July is when Epps’ dimensional tapestries will emerge and evolve in the Garden’s Community Art Gallery. The art will delve into the history of the land and include two large-scale works related to Lewis Ginter and Grace Arents. Read more about Lewis, Grace, and the history of the Garden.
Kyle will also host Harmony Among Hues: Drawing Inspiration from Nature on Saturday, June 15. Join the artist in finding serenity and creative inspiration amidst nature’s palette. Through guided meditation, you’ll harmonize with the Garden’s tranquil energy, immersing yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. With pastels in hand, explore the vibrant hues of the Garden, translating your inner reflections onto canvas. This workshop will be held outdoors in the Flagler Garden.
PHASE 1: April-May
In the first phase of “Plant,” Epps will be live painting in the Garden in April and May. This lays the foundation or “fertile soil” for the work. In a related activity, on Thursday, May 2, Epps will teach how to use earth pigments to make paint in the class From the Earth: Paint Making.