January 2025
Words by Liz Nye and video by Megan Stouffer
New England Botanic Garden Staff 

What happens when awe-inspiring art exhibitions meet knock-your-socks-off summer gardens? Thousands of visitors are finding out through NEBG’s impressive summer double-feature: Art in Motion: 25 Years of Sculpture by George Sherwood and Chinese Empresses by Xiang Li. 

“Whether you love art, history or gardens, Chinese Empresses offer a rare opportunity to walk among legends, both botanical and imperial in full bloom,” writes Claudia Fisk in a recent feature in ArtScope. (And did you see? Art in Motion appeared on the cover of Art New England!) 

The Garden’s exhibitions manager Lea Morgan is thrilled that art lovers and nature lovers are finding resonance with both exhibitions. “We’ve really enjoyed the way visitors of all ages are responding to the very different art forms on display and deepening their engagement with the Garden and nature in the process,” Lea says. And that’s not all. One thing that connects these exhibitions and makes the experience of the work even more special, she says, is that the pieces exhibited represent the life’s work of such talented artists.  

George Sherwood, artist and engineer behind the large-scale kinetic sculptures of Art in Motion, began his study of movement through physical theater in 1970s. He led a career as an engineer before turning his eye to sculpture. Art in Motion is a retrospective representing 25-years. Xiang Li’s journey as an artist began within the storied walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, where she dedicated over 37 years as a professional artist specializing in the meticulous art of painting, restoration, and cultural preservation. Chinese Empresses, a collection of over 200 portraits brought to life with watercolor on silk, was 12 years in the making.  

“On your visit to the Garden you get to experience the culmination of decades of artistic passion and dedication to craft,” Lea adds. You can learn more about the artistic journeys and visions of George Sherwood and Xiang Li and plan your visit to the Garden today. There’s still time to experience art at the Garden this summer—and even into the fall! Chinese Empresses has been extended, so both exhibits continue through October 12!