Garden Gatherings

Garden Gathering: From Plant to Pigment

Explore the garden through color and creativity. Make natural plant dyes and work with seeds while learning how roots, leaves, and other botanical materials can be transformed into art, beauty, and future growth.
Event Details
Sun, Sep 06 • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Garden Classroom
Admission
This event is free, but space is limited. Please note this event registration does not include Museum admission. Please bring your confirmation email with your digital ticket(s).
Register
An adult and 2 children planting seeds in a garden

Details

Transform plants into natural dyes and seeds into future growth in this colorful, hands-on garden experience.

Explore how roots, leaves, seeds, and other botanical materials can become something new. Learn how pigments are extracted from plants, watch fabric absorb color in a warm dye bath, and create with materials found in the garden. Along the way, experience the textures, scents, and tastes connected to natural dyes, all set to music from a live DJ. This Garden Gathering invites artists of all ages to experiment, make something of their own, and discover the value hidden in the plants around us.

In Partnership With

  • Urban Growers Collective logo featuring an illustrated avocado over a green watercolor background

    Urban Growers Collective

    We’re honored to feature Urban Growers Collective as our signature partner for the Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit working to build an equitable local food system. Urban agriculture is our tool and method to create pathways for economic stability and abundance.

Plan Your Visit

Fruit & Vegetable Garden

From the Parking Garage: Follow the signs to the elevator and take it up one floor to the Garden level. Make a right out of the elevator and follow the signs to the Garden. From the Plaza: Accessible Path: Head toward the South end of the Forum building and continue through the breezeway between the Forum and the Chicago Public Library. From there, head toward the Parking Garage and follow the signs to the Elevator. Take it up one floor to the Garden level. Make a right out of the elevator and follow the signs to the Garden. Outdoor Walking Path: Head toward the South end of the Plaza and follow the walking path up the hill to your left. This path will swing around to point you back northward and arrive at the Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Celebrate the legacy of two extraordinary First Ladies as you learn how to grow and make your own food. You can find dozens of garden beds or local plants and native vegetables.
Mon - Sun 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. CT

Raised garden beds planted with leafy greens in front of the Obama Presidential Center Museum
Good to Know

Explore helpful resources regarding transportation, accessibility services, and on-site amenities before you arrive.

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