Stop and Smell the Roses

A walk through the garden enjoying works of art is no longer an act set aside for the wealthy. Thanks to Tangletown Gardens’ ninth annual garden and art tour, this experience is open to the general public. Attendants will enjoy a self-guided tour featuring contemporary and traditional art by dozens of the area’s finest artists installed for the day in private Twin Cities gardens.

This year’s theme presents nature and garden-themed works in the private gardens along neighborhoods bordering St. Paul and Minneapolis. Tangletown Gardens owner Scott Endres says to expect the unexpected throughout these “outdoor galleries,” integrating paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, ceramics, and sculpture into the natural setting of each garden. For the inquiring minds, the artists and gardeners will be stationed at each site, ready to answer questions and discuss their work.

Attendants can enjoy complementary coffee and refreshments from the Wise Acre Eatery before kicking off their tour. All proceeds from ticket sales and the sale of art work go to support public garden and art projects and partnerships throughout the Twin Cities. Past tours have funded the likes of horticulture scholarships and sculpture restorations. Endres and co-owner Dean Engelmann hope that these public gifts will serve as inspiration to many in the years to come.

Tickets for the July 27 affair are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour and are available through July 23 at Tangletown Gardens, Gallery 360, and Grand Hand Gallery. Tour maps can be picked up the day of the event at Tangletown Gardens. The gardens will be open from 9am to 4pm while the Garden Center will be open from 9am to 6pm. For further inspiration and information, visit the Tangletown Gardens website at www.tangletowngardens.com.