Festival Plants Art All Over Botanical Garden

Photo courtesy Capture Me Photography by Nicole Arts Live actors will present "The Wizard of Oz," "Alice In Wonderland," "Tom Sawyer" and "Peggy the Pirate" Saturday at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, with a sneak peek of "Junie B. Jones: The Musical" wrapping up the event.
Photo courtesy Capture Me Photography by Nicole Arts Live actors will present "The Wizard of Oz," "Alice In Wonderland," "Tom Sawyer" and "Peggy the Pirate" Saturday at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, with a sneak peek of "Junie B. Jones: The Musical" wrapping up the event.

In just its second year, Saturday's eARTh Theatre Festival is intended to put the "art" in the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, says Brook Blanton, education and outreach assistant for the BGO.

"It has always been a partnership with Arts Live, a local nonprofit youth theater group," she explains. "They approached us about the idea, and we were glad to provide a beautiful atmosphere for their talented actors and actresses."

FAQ

eARTh Theatre Festival

WHEN — 3-7 p.m. Saturday; rain date is Sunday

WHERE — Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville

COST — $10-$15 at the gate

INFO — 750-2620

FYI — The Swalty Kernel, Dot’s Nashville Hot Chicken & Mo’ Tacos and Churros food vendors will be serving food for purchase.

Here, Blanton answers a few questions for 'SUP prior to the festival.

Q. What all will be happening Saturday?

A. This fun-filled event will feature five classic children's plays performed by Arts Live actors and actresses throughout the grounds of the beautiful BGO. In between the shows, guests can visit activity booths to engage their own imaginations with make-and-take crafts or interactive stations related to the plays.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish/showcase about the gardens?

A. It is wonderful to see two local nonprofits collaborate to showcase the beautiful things they both have to offer. Because of the gorgeous setting, it will be a wonderful day for families to unwind and relax from our busy lives and be inspired by budding local talent. Not only will the shows be entertaining, but the gardens are in their prime right now with blooms around every corner. This is truly a beautiful sanctuary for the families of our community to come and enjoy and be refreshed.

Q. Why is it important to introduce children to a place like BGO?

A. Research says it is getting less common for children to play outside and be exposed to the calming affect of being in nature. Not only is it crucial for the development of their well being, but it also instills in them a love for their own environment. Through the classes, field trips, camps and educational programs we have at the gardens, there are many opportunities for children to learn to be good stewards of their planet, starting right here in their very own local botanical garden.

-- Becca Martin-Brown

bmartin@nwadg.com

NAN What's Up on 04/26/2019

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