Through May 25, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is displaying art created by Swift Creek Middle students. There is no fee to view the “Emergence” exhibit, which is located in a hallway in the main building. (There is a fee for admission to the garden.)
The artwork celebrates observation, research and creative risk-taking through the study of insects. Inspired by the vibrant illustrations of French artist E.A. Séguy, Swift Creek Middle art teacher Sheila Donahue guided students in exploring pattern, color and texture across drawing and fiber-based media.
Eighth grade students researched insects native to a chosen country, combining scientific inquiry with artistic interpretation. Seventh grade students created yarn paintings of butterflies and moths, experimenting with fiber to build texture, movement and depth.
Together, these works highlight insects as subjects of beauty and structure while showcasing how young artists use research and inventive materials to express their ideas.