Plants, Cuisine and Culture Virtual Lecture Series: Hawaiian Cuisine with Sheldon Simeon

Plants are intimately linked to our cultural identities and food traditions. Plants tell us where we are, and who we are in how we use them to feed ourselves. When we migrate, we carry our culture and cuisine with us. In this series, renowned chefs, culinary historians, and authors from cultures around the world discuss how plants shaped their foodways.

This virtual lecture series is offered in Partnership with: Chicago Botanic Garden, Franklin Park Conservatory, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden and Missouri Botanic Garden

Hawaiian Cuisine with Sheldon Simeon

Tuesday, March 21, 7 – 8 p.m.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Sheldon Simeon was born in Hilo, Hawaii, and his culinary journey focuses on showcasing the authentic flavors of his homeland to a global audience. He has competed on “Top Chef,” has been nominated twice for James Beard awards, and is author of Cook Real Hawai’i, which showcases 100 recipes that embody the culturally diverse flavors of the islands. He operates three restaurants in Hawai’i, where his menus reveal a mix of innovative modern cuisine and adherence to tradition. 

Backyard Gardening Series (Full Series) | Phipps Conservatory Staff

Tues.: Mar. 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18, 25 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Full Series: $95 members | $110 non-members

Presented as Live Webinar through Zoom

In this virtual gardening series, learn all the basics for starting your backyard garden, from planting seeds to harvesting fruit and everything in between. Learn the steps necessary to start growing your food from home. Taught by our expert Phipps staff, this series will have you prepped and confident to get your hands in the soil come spring. 

Mar. 28: Indoor Seed Starting | Gabe Tilove 

Starting your transplants indoors gives you a head start when warm weather hits and allows you greater control over the variety and quality of your plants. Learn the steps and equipment to start and care for annual vegetable seedlings successfully. Plus, discuss heirloom and hybrid seed qualities and how to troubleshoot common seedling problems.

Apr. 4: Spring Vegetable Gardening | Allison Glick

Don’t wait until Mother’s Day to plant your garden – use the spring season and plant early, cold-weather crops that can give you an early start or extra harvest in your garden this season. Explore the best crops for earlier planting and discuss cold-weather crop protection strategies. 

Apr. 11: Build and Maintain a Raised Bed Garden | Gabe Tilove 

Raised beds offer several advantages over typical in-ground garden beds – improved drainage, greater control over soil and fertility, and easier weed and critter control. Explore the range of materials you can use to build raised beds and the best practices for filling and maintaining them. This presentation will also briefly cover trellising, season extension, and fencing options. 

Apr. 18: Organic Vegetable Garden Basics | Gabe Tilove and Allison Glick 

Learn the essentials of planning and caring for a vegetable garden using organic methods: how to arrange your crops within your space using the square foot gardening method, when and how to plant seeds and seedlings, how to water, how to minimize weeds, and how to manage pests and disease. A step-by-step worksheet for creating your plan will be included.

Apr. 25: Easy to Grow Backyard Fruit | Juliette Olshock

Fruits are one of the most satisfying crops you can grow at home! Learn the differences between types of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries and how to purchase, plant, and maintain them. An overview of other less common fruits will also be included.

Backyard Gardening Series: Indoor Seed Starting | Phipps Conservatory Staff

Tues., Mar. 28 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Individual Class: $20 members | $25 non-members

Presented as Live Webinar through Zoom

In this virtual gardening series, learn all the basics for starting your backyard garden, from planting seeds to harvesting fruit and everything in between. Learn the steps necessary to start growing your food from home. Taught by our expert Phipps staff, this series will have you prepped and confident to get your hands in the soil come spring. 

Mar. 28: Indoor Seed Starting | Gabe Tilove 

Starting your transplants indoors gives you a head start when warm weather hits and allows you greater control over the variety and quality of your plants. Learn the steps and equipment to start and care for annual vegetable seedlings successfully. Plus, discuss heirloom and hybrid seed qualities and how to troubleshoot common seedling problems.

Classic Quiche | Chef Emily Larsen

Wed., Mar. 29 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 

$25 members | $30 nonmembers   

Class is held virtually on Zoom. 

Perfect a flaky pie crust with this seasonal quiche recipe from Chef Emily. In this class, you’ll learn a classic recipe that gives you the building blocks to create your customized quiche full of seasonal flavors. A dish that can be adapted to any occasion or event, adding quiche under your cooking belt adds infinite possibilities for future use.  

Designing with Tulips | Polly Berginc AIFD

Thursday March 30 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Virtual Class offered through Zoom, Pick-up in person at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park*
$25 members | $30 nonmembers Material fee: $40 

Objective: To be able to make a vase arrangement of tulips.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Registration for this class is now closed.

Tulips are the essence of Spring; learn to design a classic vase of tulips with a modern twist incorporating foliage. Learn the proper care of these beautiful blooms to enjoy your tulips to the fullest.  Floral Design Certificate elective.

 *Pick-up can take place the Wednesday afternoon, day before class (4-6 p.m.) or Thursday the day of class (9 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.)

Drawing and Painting Insects | Christine Hutson

Saturdays April 1, 15, 22 and 29, May 6 and 13 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (with small breaks)
After-class meeting: Saturday May 20 | 9:30 – 11 a.m. [please note time change]

$245 members | $275 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to illustrate insects in natural poses using graphite, pen and ink and/or watercolor
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II (some watercolor and/or pen and ink experience or equivalent experience)

Supply List (PDF)

*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session.  Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.

In this class we will explore various methods for illustrating insects, and students may use any medium they are comfortable with already, including graphite drawing, pen and ink, watercolor, etc.  The goal of the class is to learn how to observe insects from life or from photos and then work on illustrating them in natural poses. There will be one final project due at the end of the class, but we will work on various exercises and sketches during class as well. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective.

Backyard Gardening Series: Spring Vegetable Gardening | Phipps Conservatory Staff

Tues., Apr. 4 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Individual Class: $20 members | $25 non-members

Presented as Live Webinar through Zoom

In this virtual gardening series, learn all the basics for starting your backyard garden, from planting seeds to harvesting fruit and everything in between. Learn the steps necessary to start growing your food from home. Taught by our expert Phipps staff, this series will have you prepped and confident to get your hands in the soil come spring. 

Apr. 4: Spring Vegetable Gardening | Allison Glick

Don’t wait until Mother’s Day to plant your garden – use the spring season and plant early, cold-weather crops that can give you an early start or extra harvest in your garden this season. Explore the best crops for earlier planting and discuss cold-weather crop protection strategies. 

Backyard Gardening Series: Build and Maintain a Raised Bed Garden | Phipps Conservatory Staff

Tues., Apr. 11 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Individual Class: $20 members | $25 non-members

Presented as Live Webinar through Zoom

In this virtual gardening series, learn all the basics for starting your backyard garden, from planting seeds to harvesting fruit and everything in between. Learn the steps necessary to start growing your food from home. Taught by our expert Phipps staff, this series will have you prepped and confident to get your hands in the soil come spring. 

Apr. 11: Build and Maintain a Raised Bed Garden | Gabe Tilove 

Raised beds offer several advantages over typical in-ground garden beds – improved drainage, greater control over soil and fertility, and easier weed and critter control. Explore the range of materials you can use to build raised beds and the best practices for filling and maintaining them. This presentation will also briefly cover trellising, season extension, and fencing options. 

Colored Pencil II | Amy Lindenberger

Saturdays: April 15, 22 and 29 | 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. (with lunch and additional breaks)
Wed. May 17, 7-8:30 p.m. after class meeting
 

$250 members | $280 nonmembers

Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to create a botanical painting with colored pencils, building on experience gained in Colored Pencil I
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Colored Pencil I

Supply List (PDF)

Building on the foundation of colored pencil techniques and layering principles established in Colored Pencil I, focus on more advanced layering and blending techniques to create a variety of surface textures. Improve your color perception skills and explore more advanced color theory to better understand hue, value, intensity and temperature. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course

This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.

Backyard Gardening Series: Organic Vegetable Garden Basics | Phipps Conservatory Staff

Tues., Apr. 18 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Individual Class: $20 members | $25 non-members

Presented as Live Webinar through Zoom

In this virtual gardening series, learn all the basics for starting your backyard garden, from planting seeds to harvesting fruit and everything in between. Learn the steps necessary to start growing your food from home. Taught by our expert Phipps staff, this series will have you prepped and confident to get your hands in the soil come spring. 

Apr. 18: Organic Vegetable Garden Basics | Gabe Tilove and Allison Glick 

Learn the essentials of planning and caring for a vegetable garden using organic methods: how to arrange your crops within your space using the square foot gardening method, when and how to plant seeds and seedlings, how to water, how to minimize weeds, and how to manage pests and disease. A step-by-step worksheet for creating your plan will be included.

Pop-Up Flower Cardmaking: Western Flowers | Shawn Sheehy

Saturday, April 22 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (with 30 minute break)

Single Session: $90 members | $100 nonmembers (includes material fee)
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Registration for this session closes on April 7.

*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session.  Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.

Supply List (PDF)

Why wait for spring to bring beautiful blooms into your home?  Join Shawn Sheehy in building four striking pop-up flower cards each class using just a few tools and a kit of pre-cut pieces.  You’ll leave the workshop with a set of completed cards- perfect for gift giving – and you’ll also gain insight into paper engineering and paper sculpture.  There are three individual wildflower workshops.  Take any or all three! All skills are welcome.

Session #3 (Western Flowers) April 22 – Miner’s Lettuce, California Buttercup, California Poppy, Sego Lily

Backyard Gardening Series | Phipps Conservatory Staff

Tues., Apr. 25 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Individual Class: $20 members | $25 non-members

Presented as Live Webinar through Zoom

In this virtual gardening series, learn all the basics for starting your backyard garden, from planting seeds to harvesting fruit and everything in between. Learn the steps necessary to start growing your food from home. Taught by our expert Phipps staff, this series will have you prepped and confident to get your hands in the soil come spring. 

Apr. 25: Easy to Grow Backyard Fruit | Juliette Olshock

Fruits are one of the most satisfying crops you can grow at home! Learn the differences between types of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries and how to purchase, plant, and maintain them. An overview of other less common fruits will also be included.

Charcuterie Board | Chef Emily Larsen

Wed., Apr. 26 | 6-7:30 p.m.

$25 members | 30 nonmembers 

$50 for grocery kit |  Pickup is on April 26 between 12 and 5 p.m. at Phipps Conservatory.

Class is held virtually on Zoom.

Join Chef Emily in learning what makes the perfect charcuterie board. This class teaches knife skills, balancing flavors, plating techniques, and seasonal substitutions. Chef Emily will lead this class and uses the finest of Pittsburgh’s meats and cheese from local producers such as Goat Rodeo, Pleasant Lane Farms, Parma Sausage and Salty Pork Bits.

Nature Journaling in Two Locations | Flora and Fauna of Spring \ Comparing and Contrasting Two Different Environments | Melissa Fabian

Thursdays April 27, May 4, 11 and 18 | 1 – 4 p.m.
After class meeting:  Thursday May 25, 6- 7:30 p.m.

$170 members | $200 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through zoom

Objective: To observe and sketch the awakening of spring Flora and Fauna in two different locations of your choice; students will compare observations from the two environments.
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Prerequisite: None 

Supply List (PDF)

*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session.  Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.

  This class will allow the student nature journalists to compare and contrast the awakening of plants and fauna in two different environments - recording the needs of the plants and fauna to sustain their continued existence in closely observed environments. Will the changing environments force the plants and fauna to new areas? Can “we” influence these environments in a positive way? Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective.

Plants, Cuisine and Culture Virtual Lecture Series: Indian Cuisine with Simon Majumdar

Plants are intimately linked to our cultural identities and food traditions. Plants tell us where we are, and who we are in how we use them to feed ourselves. When we migrate, we carry our culture and cuisine with us. In this series, renowned chefs, culinary historians, and authors from cultures around the world discuss how plants shaped their foodways.

This virtual lecture series is offered in Partnership with: Chicago Botanic Garden, Franklin Park Conservatory, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden and Missouri Botanic Garden

Indian Cuisine with Simon Majumdar

Monday, May 8, 7 – 8 p.m.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Simon Majumdar is a broadcaster, food writer, speaker, author, and cook who has dedicated the second half of his time on this planet to fulfill his ambition to “Go Everywhere, Eat Everything.” He’s written three books and is the creator, writer, and host of the food history podcast, "Eat My Globe: Things You Didn't Know You Didn't Know About Food.”

Plants, Cuisine and Culture Virtual Lecture Series: African American Cuisine with Toni Tipton-Martin

Plants are intimately linked to our cultural identities and food traditions. Plants tell us where we are, and who we are in how we use them to feed ourselves. When we migrate, we carry our culture and cuisine with us. In this series, renowned chefs, culinary historians, and authors from cultures around the world discuss how plants shaped their foodways.

This virtual lecture series is offered in Partnership with: Chicago Botanic Garden, Franklin Park Conservatory, Lewis Ginter Botanic Garden and Missouri Botanic Garden

African American Cuisine with Toni Tipton-Martin

Tuesday, July 25, 7 – 8 p.m.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Toni Tipton-Martin is a culinary journalist and author using cultural heritage and cooking to build community. She is editor in chief of “Cook’s Country by America’s Test Kitchen,” two-time James Beard Award winner for her books on African-American cooking, and recipient of the prestigious Julia Child Award for making a profound and significant difference in the way America cooks, eats and drinks.

Mastering Color I - VI | Amy Lindenberger

Saturdays: Jan. 14 and 28, Feb. 18 and March 25 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)   

$300 members | $330 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to use color, perception, hue, value, intensity and temperature for application to personal colored pencil renderings
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, and Colored Pencil I

Supply List (PDF)

These classes are mixed level and are sequential; please register for Mastering Color I if you are new to the series and other levels only as appropriate based on which level(s) you have taken previously. 

Mastering Color I: Work at your own pace within a group setting to create precise color-matching tools for hue, value and intensity. Then use those tools to match color to botanical reference photos (and live specimens as time permits). Be sure to bring your completed color wheel from Colored Pencil II.  

Mastering Color II: Using the tools created in Mastering Color I, learn how and why to categorize manufactured pencil colors - known as convenience colors - into families.  Then, working from a live plant specimen, use the color-matching system to match colors in a live plant specimen. 

Mastering Color III: Work from plant specimens and focus on the challenge of mixing interesting neutrals and near neutrals without creating mud. Explore the role opacity plays in color-mixing with colored pencil, and apply the principles of warm and cool colors to add to the depth of your renderings.

Mastering Color IV: Working with color schemes and other color considerations, student will work on techniques to enhance their individual color sense while remaining true to Botanical accuracy using both exercises and working from plant specimens

Mastering Color V: Students will work on experimental approaches to color usage - particularly in the area of intensity/value combinations - to further enhance their individual color sense and create a mood. 

Mastering Color VI: This level is an independent study level where students work individually with the instructor to devise a plan to focus on some aspect of color study that they wish to focus on. This level may be repeated

Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

Botanical Drawing II | Volume, Texture and Details | Robin Menard

Saturdays: Feb. 25, March 4 and 18 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch break)

After class meeting: Monday March 27, 6 - 7:30 p.m.   

$265 members | $295 nonmembers

Presented as a live webinar through zoom

Objective: To be able to apply skills gained in Botanical Drawing I to accurately capture various plant forms, details and textures that are unique to the subject.

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I

Supply List (PDF)

*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session.  Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.

Continue to develop your observation and drawing skills to accurately render leaves, stems, roots and flowers in varying positions, capturing details and textures unique to the botanical subject.  Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course

Silverpoint I & II | Melissa Fabian

Tuesdays March 7, 14, 21 and 28, April 4 and 11 | 6 – 9 p.m.
After class meeting: Tuesday April 18 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

$245 members | $275 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through zoom

Objective: for new students to be able to practice and complete a 6” square botanical drawing and for more experienced students to be able to complete a 12“ square Natural History drawing.
Level: Beginner, Intermediate to Advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I 

Supply List: Silverpoint I (PDF)

Supply List: Silverpoint II (PDF)

Silverpoint is a beautiful drawing medium, used by many Renaissance Artist prior to the use of graphite. 

Silverpoint I If new to silverpoint, check out Renaissance and contemporary silverpoint work online and familiarize yourself with the medium. Check supply list which provides resources for necessary materials, a stylus for the metal piece, silver and prepared paper.

There are several different options to choose from for the 2 necessary materials for the 1st class. A recommended book is listed that will be a resource during the classes.

 Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

Herbal Medicine Making | Michelle Soto

Thurs.: Mar. 9 and 23, Apr. 6 and 20, and May 4 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

$225 members | $250 nonmembers | Material fee: $38

Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Medicine-making is an ancient art that we can master today. This class is hands-on from the comfort of your home. Learn how to work with various plants and make medicinal syrups, teas, and tinctures. Michelle Soto of Cutting Root Apothecary will share stories and information about each plant and how to use them medicinally. Students will have the opportunity to order a bundle with supplies needed for making medicines to be mailed directly to their homes. All the herbs provided are grown and processed at Cutting Root Farm & Apothecary in Butler, PA. Choose from the fall, winter, or spring session, or take them all, as new herbs will be explored each season.

Colored Pencil on Mylar Film | visiting artist Susan Rubin

Saturdays March 11, 18 and 25, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  [please note new dates]

$225 members | $255 non members
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: to be able to use new colored pencil techniques on Mylar film
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Prerequisites: Colored Pencil I

Supply List (PDF)

Expand your Colored Pencil repertoire! The translucent, synthetic surface of Mylar film opens the door to creative possibilities.  Begin with a variety of colored pencil techniques specific to Mylar, including pencil application and layering. Learn how to make the back of the surface enhance the front, and how to erase (yes, erase!) colored pencil from Mylar. See how to add mixed media and layer Mylar with other materials to create one-of-a-kind botanicals. Through demonstration, guided exercises, and practice, create several small studies that you can use as a springboard for your future work. This fun, experimental class will open your mind to fresh ideas. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.

Botanical Drawing II | Volume, Texture and Details | Melissa Fabian

Wednesday, March 15, 22 and 29, April 5, 12, 19 | 6 – 9 p.m. (with small breaks)
After-class meeting: Wednesday May 3 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

$265 members | $295 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to apply skills gained in Botanical Drawing I to accurately capture various plant forms, details and textures that are unique to the subject.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I

Supply List (PDF)

*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session.  Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.

Continue to develop your observation and drawing skills to accurately render leaves, stems, roots and flowers in varying positions, capturing details and textures unique to the botanical subject.  Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course.