In line with our mission to “facilitate collaboration” and encourage and train students to be “informed and impactful change agents,” the botanic garden was thrilled to implement a new collaborative approach to the 2023 Spring Bulb Show. The show boasted the visionary imagination and interpretation of three of Smith’s studio art majors—Wells Wells ’23, Anne (Annie) Uesugi ’23 and Benjamin (Benny) Kleinman-Eddy ’23—which resulted in the installation titled, Between Bloom & Breadth. Each artist created a work that was integrated into the show. Read about each element. 

Between was created by Benjamin (Benny) Kleinman-Eddy ’23. The installation showcased cyanotype imprints using plant materials collected from Lyman plant materials. The cyanotypes were then sewn into shapes and hung over the show. These imprints of something once alive became beings who swim easily between water and sky, and play among the flowers.

Bloom, a large fountain wrapped in yellow yarn, was created by Wells Wells' 23. It was on display in the second house of the show. The fountain was welded together by the artist. For the artist, the process of wrapping the yarn was long and monotonous; and each individual strand represented a circle walked. As the piece burgeoned alongside young plants, each strand akin to a day of quiet, underground growth, the artwork and the bulb shoots reflected one another in mutual anticipation of spring—of bloom. 

With yarn, twine, pearls and fishing line, Annie Uesugi '23 created Breadth by crocheting "pools" of yarn and laying them out throughout the show. This piece was a nod to the myth of poor Narcissus, relating to the narcisus bulbs on display at the show as well as the greater idea of humans interest in flowers. "This bulb show, held for many decades, is an extravagant celebration of that very fleetingness; it draws crowds out from miles to catch a glimpse of this magnificent show," shared Uesugi. "And how lucky we are, to gaze into this beauty and to become like Narcissus, if only for a moment."