The “German Society for Botanical Art”
Today, I’d like to introduce you to the German Society for Botanical Art, hereinafter briefly called Society.
I’ve been a member since 2023, and I think it’s simply fantastic that there’s finally an official association for this wonderful art form in Germany.
I’ve attended several member meetings and participated in a few casual, informal discussions via Senfcall (similar to Zoom).
The atmosphere has always been positive and relaxed, allowing us to share our common passion, and I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting some members in person.
I hope to have more of these opportunities in the future.
And who knows, maybe I’ll meet you there too!
But first, let me introduce you to the Society.
The Society´s Mission
The German Society for Botanical Art describes itself on its website as "a group of plant-enthusiastic artists and illustrators" who aim to "inspire many people to engage with botanical art and encourage them to join us."
What I particularly like is that there are no specific requirements to join the Society.
Everyone is welcome who wants to support botanical art in Germany, whether you’re a beginner, advanced, or simply interested in this great art form.
Another important aspect of botanical art that the Society wants to emphasize is the careful study and engagement with plants.
This opens up worlds for the viewer that they might not have noticed before.
This phenomenon, where we often do not actively perceive (and appreciate) plants in everyday life, is also known as "plant blindness," and the Society is committed to countering this.
A Look Back: 2022 to Today
The Society was founded in 2022 as a non-profit association with the help of botanical artists from all over Germany.
To properly celebrate its founding and make its first appearance as the German Society for Botanical Art, the first major event "Plantae selectae" took place in Rudolstadt in the spring of 2023.
At this exhibition, the founding members showcased some of their own works as well as historical botanical illustrations from the Historical Library Rudolstadt and the “Gesellschaft für Buchkultur e.V.” (engl.: Society for Book Culture).
Shortly afterwards, in August 2023, the Society’s first newsletter was sent out to its members!
I have to add, it’s more of a magazine than a newsletter and contains information about the Society and all kinds of informative articles on botanical art. But more on that later.
At the turn of the year 2023/24, the next event already took place, and for the first time the exhibition doors were opened virtually.
The online exhibition "Botanical Wonders" was held.
Visitors were able to gain fascinating insights into the plant world from November to January, depicted by the artists in various painting and drawing techniques.
Current: Exhibition in Seligenstadt
At the time this article is being published, there’s another opportunity to see the works of numerous members live.
The exhibition "A Monastery Garden" is currently on display in Seligenstadt.
Interested visitors can view the exhibition until October 6, 2024. It’s open on saturdays, sundays, and holidays from 11 AM to 5 PM.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the fascinating world of botanical art in a historic setting.
Society Membership
As of August 2024, the German Society for Botanical Art already has over 50 (!) members.
Members benefit from
invitations to exhibitions (both online and in person),
member meetings,
workshops (e.g., with Sophie Cross), and
Botanical Art Talks.
You also receive the member newsletter mentioned before with great information from the botanical art scene, as well as tips on activities and events.
What I think is great, is that members can actively contribute to the newsletter, creating a wonderful exchange on various topics.
A beautiful example of this is the wonderful article about Maria Sibylla Merian by Manuela Herhaus.
This was first published in the VBKD newsletter, and I’m thrilled to now present it to you as a guest article. You can read it here.
Such contributions and the exchange with like-minded people not only enrich your own artistic endeavors but also open new perspectives and learning opportunities for everyone.
If YOU too would like to promote botanical art in Germany and be part of this community, you can find all the information on the Society’s website.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For the coming year 2025, the Society is already planning more exciting activities and projects.
Stay tuned, as there are many new ideas and events to further advance and make botanical art more visible in Germany.
In the meantime, feel free to visit the exhibition "A Monastery Garden" in Seligenstadt and/or become a member of the German Society for Botanical Art.
It would be a pleasure to welcome you!
Additional Information
Instagram: @vbk_deutschland
Email: mitgliedschaft@verein-botanischekunst.de