Set to opening on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse, “Color Me Orchid” exhibition is noted to be a vibrant and stunning display of orchids, which will pay homage to the brilliant colors, shapes and pattern of orchids, while also highlighting their history and connection to the Museum.
For more than 40 years, orchids have been a striking staple in the Greenhouse. The orchid was the favorite flower of Madeline F. Elder, who rallied volunteers and support to save the Greenhouse from demolition in 1972. From the beginning of Elder’s involvement, the Greenhouse has housed this exquisite flower. “Orchids have a great history of captivating people,” said Sue Nord Peiffer, the IMA’s greenhouse manager. “People really enjoy seeing this exotic and diverse group of plants. They have the most complicated bloom in the flowering world.”
This exhibition, serves as a living gallery space and it the first of its kind in the Greenhouse in recent years, offers for guests looking for extra tips for caring for these complex flowers, workshops on mounting and repotting orchids on February 27 and March 5.
“Although this exhibition may seem nontraditional for the IMA, it is reflective of our new direction,” said Dr. Charles L. Venable, the IMA’s Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO. “We are more than an art museum— we have botanical gardens, a park and a historic estate. We have scientists, horticulturists, teachers and historians on staff. We want to showcase the expertise of our team and the experiences that make our institution unique. When guests visit the IMA, we hope that they not only explore the galleries, but all that we have to offer on our diverse, 152-acre campus.”
