In the Leonhardt Galleries, 2025

Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 2025 art exhibitions will spotlight acclaimed regional and national artists united by a shared purpose: to foster community engagement by illuminating the interplay of art and the natural world. Some will captivate through sheer beauty and wonder, while others will prompt fundamental discussions on sustainability and the impact of human activities on the natural world. 

Here are the plans (so far):

‘Dreamscapes: Journeys into Nature’

February 7 through Feb. 23

In this juried show featuring artwork by the Guild of Berkshire Artists, nature serves as the muse. That includes Berkshire Botanical Garden itself, which hosts the Guild’s plein air group. The Guild’s work covers a wide range of visual media, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, wood, glass, and mixed media.The Guild was formed in 2014 to support and promote its members through education, exhibits and community events while contributing to the cultural life of the Berkshires.

Opening reception is Friday, Feb. 7, 5 to 7 p.m.

‘Seeds of Connection: An Exhibit by CATA Artists with Disabilities’

February 28 through March 23

Community Access to the Arts (CATA) presents an exhibit of paintings and drawings by artists with disabilities. Each work was created through CATA’s year-round workshops serving children, teens and adults. Some of the works were created on​-​site​ at Berkshire Botanical Garden​ as part of a​n ongoing​ partnership between CATA and BBG, while others were created by CATA artists ​at day programs and residences serving people with disabilities, as well as in CATA’s studios in Great Barrington. The exhibit includes botanical studies, landscapes, abstract paintings, and photographs each ranging widely in stylistic expression and scale of size. 

Opening reception is Friday, Feb. 28, 3 to 5 p.m.

‘Artscheming, Daydreaming’

March 28 through April 20

The grounds and offices of BBG are filled with staff members and volunteers during the busy season and in the quieter times, too. Our members and visitors will have an opportunity to see our creative side, too, with this second annual exhibition. Featuring botanical bas relief, ceramics, concrete leaf sculptures, acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings, photography, and fine needlework, the exhibition will highlight work from staff and volunteers.

Opening reception is Friday, March 28, 5 to 7 p.m.

‘Lucid Illusions, Richard James’

April 25 through June 1

Lucid Illusions is “the space between reality and dreams,” says fine-art photographer Richard James about his upcoming exhibition at the Leonhardt Galleries. For the better part of 15 years, James has traveled the United States and Europe in search of perfect, real-world florals and landscapes to playfully, almost romantically, blend with his unique imagination and creativity. 

Opening reception is Friday, April 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

'Daydreaming'

June 6 through Aug. 11

Curated by James Salomon.

Saturday, June 14, opening reception

Francis Palmer

August 15 through Oct. 5