The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a diverse range of art classes for adults, focusing primarily on botanical illustration. Their flagship program is the Botanical Drawing Certificate, which consists of nine sequential classes covering various techniques and subjects. Additionally, the garden provides standalone workshops on specialized topics like cyanotype printing and Chinese watercolor. These classes cater to all skill levels and offer a unique blend of art and nature education.
What is the Botanical Drawing Certificate Program?

The Botanical Drawing Certificate Program is the cornerstone of Atlanta Botanical Gardens’ art education offerings. This comprehensive program consists of nine classes, each designed to build upon the skills learned in the previous one. Here’s a breakdown of the program:
- Introduction to Drawing in Black and White (Drawing Class 1)
- Intermediate Drawing in Black and White (Drawing Class 2)
- Introduction to Drawing in Colored Pencil (Drawing Class 3)
- Intermediate Drawing in Colored Pencil (Drawing Class 4)
- Drawing Orchids in Black and White (Drawing Class 5)
- Drawing Orchids in Colored Pencil (Drawing Class 6)
- Drawing Trees (Drawing Class 7)
- Fine Line Pen for Botanical Illustration (Drawing Class 8)
- Drawing the Fall Harvest (Drawing Class 9)
Each class consists of 5 sessions, with each session lasting 3 hours, totaling 15 hours of instruction per class.
What is the Schedule for 2024 Art Classes?
The Atlanta Botanical Garden has released its 2024 schedule for art classes. Here’s a table outlining the start dates for each class in the Botanical Drawing Certificate Program:
Class | Start Date |
---|---|
Introduction to Drawing in Black and White | January 16 and 18 |
Intermediate Drawing in Black and White | February 20 |
Introduction to Drawing in Colored Pencil | March 26 |
Intermediate Drawing in Colored Pencil | May 7 |
Drawing Orchids in Black and White | June 18 |
Drawing Orchids in Colored Pencil | July 30 |
Drawing Trees | September 3 |
Fine Line Pen for Botanical Illustration | October 1 |
Drawing the Fall Harvest | November 5 |
In addition to these certificate program classes, the garden offers other standalone art workshops:
- Fine Line Pen for Botanical Illustration: October 1 – October 29
- Cyanotype Printing Workshop: October 5
- Chinese Watercolor Roses: October 19
How to Enroll in Atlanta Botanical Gardens Art Classes?
Enrolling in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens art classes is a straightforward process:
- Visit the official Atlanta Botanical Garden website.
- Navigate to the Classes & Education section.
- Choose the desired class from the Class List.
- Click on the class to view details and register online.
- Complete the registration process and make the payment.
Important points to note:
- Class sizes are limited, so early registration is recommended.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email after successful registration.
- For any questions, contact classes@atlantabg.org.
What are the Costs and Fees Associated with the Art Classes?
While specific costs aren’t provided, here are some key points regarding fees:
- Garden members receive discounts on most education programs.
- Class fees include garden admission but not parking fees.
- Refunds are available for cancellations made 3 or more days in advance or due to illness.
It’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information for each class.
What Materials are Needed for the Botanical Drawing Certificate Program?
The primary material requirement mentioned for the Botanical Drawing Certificate Program is a portfolio. Participants need to:
- Purchase a portfolio.
- Arrange their work sequentially from classes 1-9 in this portfolio.
- Schedule a portfolio review with the instructor upon completion of all required classes and the workshop.
Specific art supplies for each class are likely provided in the class details or communicated to participants upon registration.
Are There Prerequisites for the Art Classes?
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens art classes are designed to accommodate various skill levels. For the Botanical Drawing Certificate Program:
- No specific prerequisites or prior experience are mentioned.
- The program is structured to start with basic skills and progressively build on them.
- Classes are numbered sequentially, implying that it’s beneficial to take them in order.
For standalone workshops, check individual class descriptions for any specific skill requirements.
How to Complete the Botanical Drawing Certificate Program?
To complete the Botanical Drawing Certificate Program:
- Enroll in and complete all nine classes in the program.
- Arrange your work sequentially in a portfolio.
- Schedule a portfolio review with the instructor.
- Successfully pass the portfolio review.
The program is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to complete the classes at their own pace over time.
What Other Educational Opportunities are Available at Atlanta Botanical Gardens?
While the focus is on art classes, Atlanta Botanical Gardens offers other educational programs that may interest art students:
- Soil Improvement Basics (October 19): While not an art class, this could be valuable for botanical artists interested in plant cultivation.
- Various gardening and horticulture classes throughout the year.
- Special events and exhibitions that often incorporate artistic elements.
These additional offerings provide a well-rounded educational experience that complements the art classes.
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens art classes offer a unique opportunity to combine artistic skills with botanical knowledge. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore botanical illustration or an experienced artist aiming to refine your skills, these classes provide a structured and inspiring environment to learn and create.
References:
1. https://atlantabg.org/classes-education/class-list/
2. https://atlantabg.org/classes-education/botanical-drawing-program/
3. https://atlantabg.org/classes-education/