Anastasia Traina’s Fairytale Botanical World

January 6 – April 15

This exhibit contains a collection of more than 50 drawings representing Anastasia Traina's enchanting depiction of botanical subjects and fairy themes using pen and ink, silverpoint, watercolor, graphite, and colored pencil. An unusual installation for a gallery, the setting for the exhibition is in the original, c 1700s section of the Garden’s newly renovated and restored Center House, considered to be one of the oldest structures in Stockbridge. The main gallery will feature Ms. Traina’s relocated work desk, styled as it exists in her own studio, with tables and cloches scattered throughout. A small, naturally lit gallery and temporary home to a cyclopean tree gnome will be hung with prisms to create beams of reflected light, and a children’s art table and bench will be stocked with paper and crayons to inspire drawings of fairies, elves, and flowers. The galleries will be decorated with bits and bobs of natural artifacts throughout, creating a uniquely artistic environment.

“Years ago, reading The Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh Medieval Fairy Tales, I discovered Gwydion, a shape shifter who could create a woman out of flowers,” said Ms. Traina. “This was my inspiration in recognizing the spirit that lies within each and every piece of flora.  Attempting to articulate that led me to both studying and working in pure botanicals while also delving into a fairy world borne out of these earthly delights,” she added.

Anastasia Traina is a playwright, screenwriter, and botanical artist. Recently, her illustrations were published in the children’s book, BITSY and RAFF written by David Caudle highlighting the power of friendship and inclusion. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Art, the Tri-State Botanical Artists of NYBG, the Writer’s Guild of America and the Dramatists Guild of America.

The exhibition opens on Saturday, January 6 with a Member’s reception from 5 – 7 p.m. Gallery hours are weekends, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and weekdays by appointment by calling 413-320-4794.