
Her project illustrating native plants will help to educate local residents about the biodiversity of Windsor-Essex, says Sarah Smitherman.
A graphic designer in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, she is the artist behind Flowering Plants of Ojibway. A collection of 20 of her latest watercolours will be displayed Jan. 12 to 18 at Artspeak Gallery.
“I am inspired by the many beautiful flowers and hope that my work will help people learn about flowers you don’t see every day, even though they are native to the area,” says Smitherman.
She is particularly pleased with her renditions of the fringed gentian and the Michigan lily.
“They’re unique flowers that look exotic,” Smitherman says. “Thinking about the name ‘Michigan’ lily shows us that plants don’t have borders.”
When she completes her full series, it will be packaged as an identification guide and donated to Windsor libraries to provide public access. Read more about the project: sarahsmitherman.com/ojibway.
The public reception on Thursday, Jan. 16, offers a chance to meet the artist. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Those who RSVP in advance will automatically enter a draw for one of five prizes, including original cyanotypes and a colouring book featuring 10 Ojibway species.
Artspeak Gallery is located at 1942 Wyandotte St. East. Find more details and RSVP here.