Chicago Botanic Garden Classes

Chapungu: The Artists and Their Work

Learn about the artists behind the Chupungu sculptures and how these remarkable pieces of art narrate powerful stories of nature and its importance to our lives. Roy Guthrie will discuss the Shona artists who sculpt monumental creations from rock such as serpentine, verdite and granite, as well as the inspiration that guide their creations.

Roy Guthrie, Curator, Chapungu Exhibition
Sat., August 23, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Alsdorf Auditorium
BOA0292 $24/$30

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Shona Sculpture Private Collection Tour

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to enjoy a collection of Shona stone sculpture displayed in a private park in Woodstock, Illinois. This art collection, similar to the Chapungu exhibit, consists of pieces made from Zimbabwean stone carvings whimsically placed throughout a beautiful private park. Picnicking and fun are encouraged! You will start with a descriptive tour of the park’s pieces and end with time on your own for personal reflection, artwork or eating! Please bring your own picnicking supplies and food, and dress for the weather. Transportation is on your own, and a map will be sent prior to the program. Please note that there is a friendly dog on the park premises.

Park Associate, Woodstock, Illinois
Sat., Sept. 13, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Meet at park in Woodstock, Illinois
SPC0023 $49/$62

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Shona Culture and Art Tour

Join the Garden for an educational and inspirational day learning about Shona culture and Shona stone carvings. The morning will start with a stop at the South Shore Cultural Center’s “Sapphire Women” exhibit, where Edmund Mizha Chifamba will lecture on the Shona culture and show some of the Shona stone carvings on display. The next stop will be a Chapungu sculpture tour at Garfield Park Conservatory. The day will end with a guided tour of a beautiful private park in Woodstock that has an extensive collection of Shona stone carvings. Transportation will be provided. Please bring your own food and beverages, and dress for the weather. Please note that there is a friendly dog on the premises at the private park.

Tues., Sept. 30, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Meet at Gateway Visitor Center
SPC0053 $99/$124

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Shona Drawing and Sculpting Retreat

A collector of Shona sculpture opens her private park in Woodstock for your sculpting and drawing inspiration. This outdoor workshop invites creative exploration, interpretation and appreciation of this magnetic African collection. With Jean Warboy’s guidance and inspiration, basic techniques will connect you to the shapes and space in the world of the Shona sculpture. Feel free to bring your camera and film. Art tools will be supplied, including charcoal, conte crayons (black and sepia), medium pens (round head and Asian brush style), fat pens (square or rectangle), newsprint paper, heavy white paper, clay, work trays and wood tools. A map will be sent prior to the class. Lunch and beverages are on your own. Dress for the weather. Please note that there is a friendly dog on the park premises.

Jean Warboy, Artist and Designer
Sat., Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Private Park in Woodstock
SPC0123 $149/$187

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Zimbabwe: Culture, Traditions and Contemporary Issues

Roy Guthrie will discuss the cultures and traditions of the Shona people and how these influence their highly expressive stone art. Learn about contemporary issues and how they reflect on the Shona community as well as the images in their art.

Roy Guthrie, Curator, Chapungu Exhibition
Thurs., Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Alsdorf Auditorium
BOA0043 $24/$30

Register now
Please follow the links to Special Programs

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