ORCHID DAZE: IMPRESSIONISTS to Open 2/8 at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Orchid Daze: Impressionists celebrates the work of three artists who found creative energy in the beauty of landscapes: Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and Paul Gauguin. The Garden's annual exhibition, presented February 8 - April 13 in the Fuqua Conservatory and Orchid Center, showcases inspiration in the way all three artists opened eyes to new ways of seeing and perceiving the world.

Van Gogh's mad genius fuels the design for the Conservatory Lobby. Metal spirals above visitors' heads support a "starry night" of jewel-like miniature orchids. Curvilinear planter beds ascend from the floor to waist height, allowing eye-level floral views. Upright spikes of Dancing Lady orchids (Odontoglossum) echo the wheat fields the artist painted. The color scheme captures Van Gogh's frenetic energy: Oranges and yellows contrast delightfully with blues and whites.

Monet reigns in the Orchid Atrium. The centerpiece is a tranquil pool filled with planters of massed orchids suggesting clusters of "water lilies." Lilac, pink and salmon Pansy Orchids (Miltonia) and Cattleya hybrids appear to float above the reflective surface in an abstracted homage to the artist's most famous paintings.

Delicate wooden railings float over the water and suggest the elegance of Giverny's iconic bridge. Potted willows start the show as bare brown silhouettes, then scintillate with golden catkins, and finally unfold in a diversity of greens. Miniature orchids and grass-like plants create jeweled tapestries beneath the trees.

The Orchid Display House is the ideal location to celebrate Gauguin and the vibrancy of his polychromatic tropical visions. Striking blue Vandas, flaming orange/red/pink Masdevillas, and sunset yellow Nun's Orchids radiate the energy he found in island life. Planter forms and colors recreate in three dimensions the complex layered spaces of his paintings. Look closely: Some of Gauguin's trademark female figures may appear amongst the foliage.

In addition to Orchid Daze, visitors will want to explore these related activities:

Guided Exhibition Tours, Saturdays, 1 p.m.
Learn interesting insights about the exotic orchids in the exhibition.

Orchid Market Weekends ,February 8 - 9, March 1 - 2, April 5 - 6, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Gorgeous orchids, orchid supplies, expert advice and artwork.

Orchid Care Clinics, Saturdays, February 8, March 1, April 5, 10 a.m. - noon
Bring up to two orchids for expert advice; $5 repotting, materials available.

Gallery Exhibition: Exotic Tropicals, February 8 - April 13
An exhibition of orchid and botanical drawings by students of Garden art instructor Carol Anne Sutherland will be presented in the Orchid Center Gallery.

Vanilla Sunday, Sunday, February 23, 1 - 4 p.m.
Be surrounded by the aromas and flavors of vanilla during a celebration of this amazing orchid. Enjoy an afternoon of cooking demonstrations, sensory experiences, and delicious vanilla sundaes.

Atlanta Orchid Society Show, March 7 - 9, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hundreds of amazing orchids on display. Orchids and supplies for sale.

For more information visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org.