BAGSC Members Enjoyed Participating in the LA Arboretum’sPlumeria Festival July 17-18, 2026

Veronica Raymond and Emily Franz prepare for day two of the LA Arboretum's Plumeria Festival.

Outreach to prospective members and to the community was BAGSC’s purpose when the group agreed to participate in the Los Angeles Arboretum’s 2026 Plumeria Festival. Enthusiastic members, led by BAGSC’s exhibitions chairperson Emily Franz, staffed an interactive information booth and lent artworks to Plumeria & Tropicals, an exhibition mounted in the Arboretum’s library.

Emily, who was thrilled with how the exhibition came together, expressed gratitude to all who submitted pieces, volunteered at the festival booth, and produced elegant greeting cards of their work. “I believe that exhibitions can build community and foster appreciation for botanical art and artists in a meaningful way,” she said. “This is the first exhibition I have organized with BAGSC. I have learned much from the process and it has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.” 

Emily Franz organized the Plumeria & Tropicals exhibition at the Arboretum library, managed artwork submissions, and oversaw the hanging of artwork by a small team of volunteers.

“Emily gets credit for all the work,” said BAGSC president Paula Spence. “But I'd like to comment on the spectacular job our volunteers did, and the pleasure of seeing people light up when they discovered that BAGSC might be a welcoming, supportive group with space for them.” Paula hailed Lindsay Brennan, who brought a crafts bag on the festival’s first day, with kits so kids could make and decorate their own plumeria-themed fans. “On the second day, Veronica Redmond rolled up with even more supplies, plus tropical cuttings from her garden, to attract families to our booth,“ Paula said.

Volunteers at the Plumeria Festival chatted with visitors about botanical art and collected emails from artists and plant lovers for follow-up. For visitors who identified as artists, Donnett Vanek would ask what type of art they practiced, show them ASBA’s hardcover book, Botanical Art Techniques, and let them know that BAGSC welcomes people of all skill levels. “I pointed out that our workshops–in person and via Zoom--are a perfect place to start learning and to hear talks by botanists, ecologists, scientists, and curators of botanical art collections or gardens,” Donnett said. “Participating in the Plumeria Festival was a wonderful way to fulfill BAGSC’s and ASBA’s goals of increasing public awareness of botanical art and its traditions.”  

Confirming the success of Emily's leadership, treasurer Jack Daly noted that ASBA publications and beautiful greeting cards made by our members promoted both botanical art and its academic/scientific foundation. “Our volunteers were friendly and engaging with all who stopped at the booth. Directing folks to the exhibition in the library was done regularly and with enthusiasm.” Jack said he and his wife, Diane Daly, appreciated the opportunity to mingle with fellow members in a more casual environment than occurs at meetings or in classes. Diane reminisced that artist demonstrations at past events at the Arboretum had been popular, because “seeing people drawing always grabs attention.” 

BAGSC member Deb Shaw gave a shout-out to Veronica Raymond for bringing this festival’s dates to members’ attention last year, giving us time to plan and organize our participation. “Being there this year felt like coming home,” Deb said. “The Arboretum is where BAGSC grew and flourished in its early years. Back then, we had annual exhibitions in a classroom during the Arboretum’s Los Angeles Garden Show, as well as a booth on the grounds, demonstrations, workshops, and more.”       

Veronica enjoyed interacting with community members at our booth. “The festival is a multi-generational event with educational exhibits and traditional performances reflecting the area’s many cultures,” she observed. Her set-up, with colorful markers and decoration-ready fans, was a draw for families with small children and others who just wanted a hands-on experience with art. “We encouraged festivalgoers to be botanical illustrators.”

Visitors to BAGSC's table at the Plumeria Festival purchased cards featuring plumerias and other tropical plants created by BAGSC members, and were invited to sign up for future communications.

“It was hot,” Paula recalled, “but Emily had furnished the booth with fans, wet-able bandanas, and plenty of cold water. Wilting violets could beat the heat by stepping over to the Arboretum Library to enjoy the AC and contemplate our members’ exhibition of botanical art.” On view in the library through October 10, 2026, Plumeria & Tropicals features works by Susan Cumins, Emily Franz, Karye Hood, Patricia Hughes, Adrienne Klotz-Floyd, Veronica Raymond, Gilly Shaeffer, Deborah Shaw, and Kathi Snodgrass.

Watch your email for an invitation to join us at a closing reception on Saturday, October 10th. And join the fun when we get together again to spread the word about BAGSC!

Emily Franz does her level best to hang BAGSC members' artwork for the Plumeria & Tropicals exhibition.

Arboretum Librarian Leena Waller and volunteer Nellie joined Exhibitions Chair Emily Franz and her installation team, Susan Cumins and Paula Spence, to admire the gorgeous display.