Makers Circle: Exploring Art Through Flowers *New!
Saturday, March 29 ~ 10am to 1pm
Embark on a brand-new creative adventure with the first-ever 577 Makers Circle Workshop! This choose-your-own art-making experience lets you explore your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. Each workshop will have a theme, but what you draw or paint is entirely up to you! Participants can create using graphite, colored pencils, chalk pastels, watercolor paint, watercolor pencils, or a mix of these mediums. All necessary tools will be provided, along with a selection of student-grade drawing and watercolor papers to bring your ideas to life.
The theme for the March Makers Circle is flowers! To kick off the workshop, staff artists will share creative ideas, techniques, and tips for drawing and painting flowers using a variety of supplies. Plenty of floral references will be available, and participants are encouraged to explore the beautiful 577 grounds for inspiration. Most of the class will be dedicated to hands-on creating, experimenting, gathering inspiration, and engaging with fellow art enthusiasts—all with plenty of instructor support. Plus, learn how to overcome the fear of the blank page and let your creativity bloom!
All supplies are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or their preferred drawing or watercolor paper. You’re also welcome to bring a favorite flower photo for inspiration.
577 Staff Instructors: Connie Stose and Isabelle Tucker
Annual special events include April’s Earth Month Celebration, May’s Plant Sale featuring tomatoes, veggies, native plants, and the Music in the Gardens series beginning in June. Plus, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for pop-up special events in the Gardens and Curiosity Shop.
Events are free, family-friendly, and open to all!
Save the Date! Saturday, April 26, 11am to 3pm
Celebrate Sustainability with a day of fun for the whole family! Explore the gardens and grounds, check out the special activities and guests, and tour the first floors of Virginia’s historic home and the Cottage.
Don’t forget to drop into the Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop and browse the large selection of once-loved books, magazines, art supplies, and more. There is always something new to discover, thanks to generous donations from the community. Bonus! When you find that perfect item to take home, you save it from entering the waste stream (and save a little money by buying used!).
Go Green Day is a free event. Rain or shine.
SCHEDULED COMING SOON!
Celebrate Earth Month with 577 in April!
Virginia Secor Stranahan envisioned 577 as a place where people would “learn to love the land.” While the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, here we honor it every day.
Join us in April, as we highlight the many ways we can all make small changes that make a big impact in protecting the planet. By taking action and working together, we can help ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Sustainability and the environment are one of 577’s key pillars. During April, many of our classes are tailored towards keeping our planet green, reusing and repurposing, and exploring new ways of loving the environment around us. Through sustainable art, and learning about & implementing greener practices, we can lead by example and inspire others to make the change(s) too. Check out our list below of upcoming Earth Month fun:
YOUTH & FAMILY
Youth Gardening: Fairy Garden with Herbs
Preschool: Fun with Plants
Preschool Move, Play, & Grow: Caring for the Earth
Youth Craft & Play: Create Your Own Game Box
Kids Explore Nature: Plant a Healthy Garden
Youth Art Adventures: Earth Day!
Youth Art Adventures: The Living Wonder of Trees
STUDIO ART
Watercolor & Gouache: Painted Pages
Explore Gelli Prints: Botanical Printed & Cards
Drawing Nature: Native Plants
Watercolor 2: Dandelions
Kindness Rocks: Creative Rock Painting
Watercolor: Create a Travelling Studio
Storybook Journals: Upcycled & Handmade
FIBER ART
Crochet 2: Granny Square Remix ~ Scrap Yarn!
Macrame: Easy Plant Hangers
GARDENING & NATURE
Grow a Garden Bouquet
Spring Foraging Workshop ~ April 12
Spring Foraging Workshop ~ April 14
Growing Mushrooms in Your Garden (April)
Container Gardening Success
Underwater Garden: Aquatic Plant Bowl
Plus! Earth Month Event Highlight: Go Green Day on April 26, 11am to 3pm
Save the Date! Annual Plant Sale begins Saturday, May 3 at 9am
More details coming soon!
All proceeds from our plant sale fundraiser will be invested back into 577’s programs, services, buildings, and gardens. Sales tax will be applied to all purchases.
A Heartfelt Thank You for an Incredible Music in the Gardens season in 2024!
More details about 2025 coming soon!
To everyone who joined us this year, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect season—sunshine-filled days, fantastic music, and the most wonderful people coming together to create unforgettable memories.
We are especially grateful to the incredibly talented musicians who graced our stage. Your beautiful performances were the heartbeat of our summer, providing the perfect backdrop for afternoons filled with garden bliss.
This year’s amazing lineup included:
- Chloe & the Steel Strings
- The Funk Trio
- TSA Urban Jazz Collective
- Southview & Northview Tri-M
- Christopher Schoelen
- Birds of a Feather Sing Together
- Ellie Martin Duo
- TSA String Quartet
- Rebecca Swett
- Jeff Tucker
A special shout-out to the food trucks, whose delicious offerings added extra flavor to our event days. We’re so grateful for your participation in making this season even more delightful!
Thank you to:
- Sweet Nate’s Coffee Food Truck
- Naan Stop Kebap
- Jacky’s Depot
- Swanky Scoops
- Smashdawgz Food Truck
Of course, none of this would have been possible without our incredible 577 volunteers. You brought heart and soul to every event. From the warm greeters at Virginia’s House to the Curiosity Shop volunteers who introduced guests to their next favorite read, and to our enthusiastic teen volunteers guiding nature art and craft activities—your passion made everything come alive. A special mention goes to our volunteer beekeeper, who offered guests a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of our bee program.
We were also honored to host For the Love of Cats and 419 Orphan Kitten Club, who joined us for an inspiring afternoon of learning about cat adoption and fostering. Your dedication to helping our furry friends made this event extra special.
To everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, or contributed in any way—thank you. Your presence made this season truly remarkable.