Botanical Sketching at the U.S. Botanical Gardens: A Creative Reunion
On a crisp Saturday afternoon, November 16th, a group of enthusiastic artists and nature lovers came together in Washington, D.C., for a long-awaited botanical sketching event.
Organized by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) DC Chapter, this gathering marked a joyful return to in-person activities after several years of limited events, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 20 participants, including GNSI members and friends, met at the stunning U.S. Botanical Garden, a glass-enclosed haven situated within view of the Capitol Building. The group included attendees from as far away as Richmond, Virginia, eager to spend three hours exploring and sketching the garden’s diverse biomes and plant collections.
Throughout the afternoon, participants roamed the gardens, settling to sketch the intricate details of the plants around them. Intermittent group check-ins offered opportunities to share drawings, exchange ideas, and reconnect with old friends—or forge new connections. Despite the collaborative spirit, the event also provided moments of quiet, meditative sketching that appealed to both seasoned and novice artists alike.
Top row, from left: Katie Sayers, Diana Marques, Nadya (Bella) Steare, Riley Cutler, Laurain Park, Jen Wang, Mesa Schumacher, Christin Perez
Bottom row, from left: Olivia Ambrogio, Kia Penso, Liz Sisk, Britt Griswold, Corynne Gamboa, Bailey Miky, Mia Nickell
Not pictured: Alice Tangerini
Afterward, the group adjourned to local eateries, where conversations continued over meals. Participants shared stories about their careers and hobbies, revealing a vibrant mix of medical and scientific illustrators, designers, and freelance creatives in attendance.
The event was a testament to the enduring power of art and community, bringing together a diverse group united by a love of nature and illustration.
Dinner Photo - names are, left to right: Alice Tangerini, Liz Sisk, Mesa Shumacher, Christin Perez, Diana Marques, Danielle Kunkel, Michelle Gates, Laurain Park, Katie Sayers, Britt Griswold, Mia Nickell, and Corynne Gamboa.
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