An African adventure at the Botanical Gardens

January 21, 2000
Contact:
  • umichnews@umich.edu

An African adventure at the Botanical Gardens

An African adventure at the Botanical Gardens

ANN ARBOR—Quilts, an African-style bazaar, interactive dance demonstrations, and the plants that link two continents make “Out of Africa” one of the most unique experiences of Black History Month. Sponsored by the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens, activities begin Feb. 4 and continue throughout the month.

Highlights of the month-long celebration include “Piecing Memories,” a quilt show of stunning designs and vibrant colors. The dozen quilts crafted by African American women each tell a story. Interpreters will be available at selected times to reveal the secrets in the threads. The quilts will be displayed Feb. 4-March 3. Admission is free. The public and members of the Gardens’ Friends group are invited to the opening night festivities, “Such a Night: Art, Jasmine and Jazz.” The festivities begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 4. Admission is $35 for the general public and $30 for members. R.S.V.P. by Jan. 28 by calling the Gardens at (734) 998-7061. Feb. 5 offers families and community groups an opportunity to celebrate the plants of the African American heritage through a variety of cultural activities. A quilt show will be open 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; an African-style bazaar, noon-5 p.m.; and a “Taste of Africa,” 1-5 p.m. Underground Railroad activities will be held at 1 and 3 p.m. The Messias Temple Church Choir will perform at 2:30 p.m., Safiya Tsekani will give an interactive dance demonstration at 4 p.m., and interpretive tours of the Conservatory will be conducted noon-5 p.m. Admission for the day is $5 for general public adults and $3 for adult members of the Friends group. Admission for children is $1. Preschool-age children will be admitted free. A “Quilters Conversation” will reveal how experts weave together the delicate patterns of their quilts. The Conversation will run 1-3 p.m. Feb. 12. Admission for general public adults is $3, children $1, and free admission for members of the Friends group. For more detailed information, contact Matthaei Botanical Gardens at (734) 998-7061, or visit their Web site at www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg. The Gardens are located at 1800 North Dixboro Road in Ann Arbor, east of U.S. 23, between Geddes and Plymouth roads.

Matthaei Botanical Gardenswww.lsa.umich.edu/mbg