CALL TO ARTISTS
Gnomevember: Calling Artists!
New England Botanic Garden is seeking artistic individuals or groups to help us creatively decorate one of our signature concrete garden gnomes. Gnomes will be displayed during our annual Gnomevember exhibition, which takes place each November, and will join our gnome family after the exhibition ends. Successful design proposals will be creative, fun, inclusive, and family-friendly. Please note that designs should focus only on painting the gnomes; any additional elements or structural alterations will not be accepted. Please click here for submission directions and the proposal form. Proposals are due by August 3, 2026.
A great gnome uprising is coming! In 1986, the Worcester County Horticultural Society purchased Tower Hill Farm in Boylston and began building New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. It is said that gnomes inhabited the property long before the Garden was built, but strangely, over the past few years, gnome activity has been on the rise. But why? Perhaps the gnomes are tired of hiding. Or maybe they are curious about the visitors, or the new gardens we’re building. No matter the reason, we’re prepared for their return this year. Are you?
Don’t miss your chance to meet all 40 gnomes and search for the elusive Golden Gnome.
Call for Artists: Fairy Hollow 2026
The Garden was seeking original proposals for handcrafted, illuminated, nature-inspired fairy houses to be featured in Fairy Hollow, a special outdoor exhibition on view from August 29 to October 25, 2026.
- Fairy House Artist Proposal Form was due May 4, 2026.
- Selected artists were notified by May 11, 2026.