Gala & Auction ’22

For LOVE IN BLOOM tickets and info, CLICK HERE.

A virtual benefit for Washington Park Arboretum

PRESENTED BY THE ARBORETUM FOUNDATION

Thursday, February 10, 2022

LIVESTREAM RECORDING: Click the YouTube link above to watch the full livestream recording of the gala. The main program starts at 28.40 minutes.

The Arboretum Foundation’s 34th annual gala fundraiser—The Art of Nature—took place on Thursday, February 10, 2022 and raised more than $310,000 for the Arboretum and Seattle Japanese Garden.

The FREE, livestream event celebrated the art and beauty of Washington Park Arboretum, and explored how nature in this special place inspires artists, visitors, and students to create in myriad ways, enhancing our shared community.

The event featured surprise guests, wonderful performances, and silent and live auctions, and was an unforgettable hour in support of the Arboretum.

All proceeds from The Art of Nature will help fund environmental education, maintenance, and volunteerism at the Arboretum, as well as cultural programs at the Seattle Japanese Garden.

Event Emcee & Guest Host

We were delighted that Angela Poe Russell, host of King 5’s Evening show, returned to emcee this year’s livestream gala. She was joined on stage by Arboretum Foundation executive director Jane Stonecipher, and gardening expert and TV/radio personality Ciscoe Morris.

Gala Teaser Video: Meet Sculptor John Grade

Check out this fun teaser video for gala. The 40-second video was created by our production partners, Seattle Lives, using footage from our recent interview with sculptor John Grade. The gala explored the connections between art and the natural world—and introduced viewers to nature-inspired artists such as John, who is creating a new installation for the Arboretum, to be unveiled in 2023.

Auction Preview

Our Auction Committee procured a unique selection of nature-based artworks, experiences, and getaways for our online auction, which opened Monday, February 7. Supporters bid on paintings from noted Northwest artists such as Julie Speidel and Alfredo Arreguin; tours of the Amazon Spheres and other private gardens; vacation stays at TreeHouse Point and Vashon Island; and much, much more.

• See a select preview of artworks in THE ART OF NATURE auction.
• See a select preview of tours, getaways, and experiences in the auction.

“Dance of the Muses” (2018), by Alfredo Arreguin. Limited edition serigraph. Value: $600.

Event Planning Committee

Co-Chairs: Joanna Thiagarajan, Bill McGee
Committee Members: Joan Affleck-Smith, Josh Dickson, Carol Hoerster, Tess Forte, Lane DeCamp, Jason Morse, Jane Stonecipher

Sponsors & Partners

Thanks to our event sponsors and partners for making The Art of Nature possible.

Partners: Foster-Garvey

Banner art: From “Natural Network I,” by Mari Shibuya.

Azalea Way in springtime at the Arboretum. (“Oil-painted” photo by Niall Dunne)