Where the Gardens Meet Art: Exhibit at Brookside Gardens

Where the Gardens Meet Art

Brookside Gardens

Key Dates

• Show Dates:  May 4 - June 15, 2026
• Registration: April 6 - 20th  (or once the maximum capacity is reached)

• Drop off: May 4,  9:30am - noon 
• Show hanging: May 4, 10:00am - 2:00pm
  
• Show: May 4 - June 15, 2026
• Meet the Artists:  May 14, 3:00 - 4:00pm
• Art Pick Up:  June 15, 8:30am - 10:30 am 

WHERE THE GARDENS MEET ART

Artist Subject Requirement & Theme Interpretation

Artwork submitted for this exhibition should have nature as its primary focus, reflecting the horticultural setting and mission of Brookside Gardens. Subject matter should be clearly connected to the natural world—gardens, plants, landscapes, or nature-inspired forms.

Where the Gardens Meet Art explores the rich intersection between nature and creative expression. Artists are invited to draw inspiration from the gardens—through direct observation or personal interpretation—capturing the color, structure, movement, and seasonal rhythms found in the natural environment.

From blooming forms and layered greenery to shifting light and intimate details, this theme encourages artists to look closely and respond creatively. Work may be representational or interpretive, but should remain grounded in nature as the central source of inspiration.

• Number of Artworks Allowed:  MAA members are invited to submit one artwork with an optional second.  

• Eligible Media:  2D artworks: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pastel, encaustic, drawing/ink, photography, hand pulled prints, textile fiber art and digital paintings. 3D works are not included in this show.  All work must be consistent with the subject requirement & theme.  W
• all hung work must be no larger than 28"x28". 

• Note Registration of Art Prints (code required):  This show will include art prints to be displayed in 3 shared bins.  There is a separate art print registration is required for prints at  Art Prints - Brookside Garden Show.   To complete registration of art prints a code will be emailed to you as part of your registration confirmation of original 2D. You will need this code in order to complete registration of prints.  

• Show Labels:  Show labels will be generated from the artists' registration information.   There will be no changes to label information after April 21st .  If you need a change to your registration -  labels, contact the show managers before April 21st. 

• Framing Requirements:  All 2D artwork must meet MAA framing and wiring standards -- MAA Framing Requirements .  

• Show Limit: 70 for 2D work. 

• Additional Second Entry: For 2D may be registered if space is available. The second work will be added in order of registration. The show manager will notify members at close of registration regarding inclusion of a second entry. 

• Registration dates: Registration opens Monday April 6  and ends Monday, April 20th at 11:59 pm ET, or earlier, if show capacity is reached. 

• Cost: There is a $10 (nonrefundable) show fee to be paid at the time of registration. There is a 25% commission charged by Brookside Garden on all sold art.

• Volunteer Support:  The registration form includes a request for volunteer support. To help make this show possible, participants are asked to check one of the volunteer activities: Art Drop Off, Art Curating and Hanging, or Art Pickup.  THANK YOU for Volunteering.  

• Show Prospectus: The  SHOW PROSPECTUS will be available on April 1.   The show prospectus will provide additional information on all show requirements including framing, wiring and registration details.  

We look forward to showing your art in this lovely exhibit space.

Contacts: If you have any questions, contact the MAA show managers: Cecelia M. Laurendeau cmlaurendeau@gmail.com or Susan Crawford at susancrawford@aol.com.