Botanical Gardens celebrates Black History Month through new 'Horticultural Heroes' exhibit

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Arcangel Gallery features, 'Horticultural Heroes,’ a celebration of diverse contributors to horticulture & gardening world from past to present

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Press Release & Photo

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is thrilled to welcome the public to experience “Horticultural Heroes,” an extraordinary collection of 30 diverse and visually striking portraits that pay homage to the groundbreaking contributions of thought leaders in the world of gardening, botany, horticulture, agriculture and conservation. Each of the 30 portraits displayed in the Arcangel Gallery, created by a different artist, honors the individual for their tireless commitment to advancing plant knowledge, fostering community, fighting injustice, and championing the preservation of vital ecosystems.

“Horticultural Heroes” is on loan from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and is on display now through April 26. During the month of February, the Botanical Gardens invites viewers to learn more about the 12 featured Black contributors in honor of Black History Month. 

These portraits, created by 30 different artists, tell inspiring stories to create an educational, engaging and beautiful learning experience. Through the expressive strokes and artistic ingenuity of the creators and artists, viewers are invited to discover the stories and legacies of these influential figures, both familiar and unsung, who have shaped the world of horticulture throughout history. This exhibition on display in the Botanical Gardens' Arcangel Gallery serves as a vibrant tribute to the trailblazers who have left their mark on the world of horticulture, offering an enriching experience for all who appreciate the beauty and significance of art and nature.

From famous faces such as George Washington Carver and Michelle Obama, to present-day activists Karen Washington, Ron Finley and Leah Penniman, “Horticultural Heroes” is filled with stories of Black excellence and achievement in the world of gardening and horticulture. During Black History Month, 12 of the 30 individuals are being recognized and highlighted with signs that share the stories behind the faces of these influential Black figures across generations. 

The full exhibit includes a diverse group of contributors across time and across the world celebrated for various achievements and groundbreaking discoveries in botany, medicine and agriculture. In the month of March, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will also feature the women achievers in the exhibit for Women's History Month. 

Designed as a travelling exhibition, “Horticultural Heroes” was first developed by New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in 2018 and then expanded in 2024. At both times, the Boylston botanic garden commissioned the works from artists across New England who celebrate their subjects in a range of styles and media including oil, encaustic, watercolor, collage, embroidery, acrylic, cast glass, digital AI and pyrography on wood. Narratives accompany each portrait so that viewers can discover the stories and legacies of these influential figures.

“Horticultural Heroes” is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is included with regular admission to the Botanical Gardens. Tickets can be prepurchased online at buffalogardens.com.