Desert Diversity Art by Steven Derks & The Southwest Society of Botanical Artists

Steven Derks and The Southwest Society of Botanical Artists present Desert Diversity Steven Derks worked for the Arizona Department of Agriculture, which resulted in his appreciation for the aesthetic diversity of cactus and succulents. While photographing a saguaro cactus from an overhead perspective, he aligned the plant’s spines to reveal its bio-symmetry. “Cacti are so remarkable in their symmetry that it is difficult to believe they are living things. I’m endlessly fascinated by these expressions of nature.” His work can be found in museums and private art collections in the United States and abroad. His work was displayed in the Oval Office during the Clinton administration. The Southwest Society of Botanical Artists (SWSBA) Is an Arizona-based chapter of The American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA). Botanical Art accurately and artistically depicts plants in a way that would allow a botanist to identify the species portrayed. We also do Scientific Illustration, a sub-discipline of Botanical Art usually intended for publishing. A “plate” follows a format where all the essential diagnostic details, including parts dissected under a microscope, are presented. This exhibition is intended to raise awareness and appreciation of plants native to Arizona, their beauty, and their diversity. WHAT: Desert Diversity Art by Steven Derks & The Southwest Society of Botanical Artists WHEN: First Friday reception, April 5th, 2024, 6:00pm - 9:00pm WHERE: Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 100 W. Roosevelt St. Phoenix, AZ 85003 (Free parking garage available for guests!) COST: Free EXHIBIT DURATION: April 1st to April 25th BUSINESS HOURS: Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 4:00pm Friday by appointment Sunday - 8:00am - 12:00pm ~ CONTACT: Olney Gallery Director Manny Burruel (623) 826-9912 olneygallery@gmail.com