In its first student exhibition, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (SUBG) is exhibiting 50 excellent artworks produced by unexhibited artists as young as 10 years old.
This exhibition showcases works in many mediums and subjects of nature – from a beautiful charcoal drawing by Andrea Slabber to a botanically accurate crochet piece by Genevieve Broccardo.
SUBG opened a call for submissions late in 2025, and received an overwhelming response from novice artists interested in gaining experience in exhibiting. The exhibition takes place in the Garden Gallery from 14 March – 17 April 2026. It includes works of scholars, students and early career artists who depict nature. Annerie Senekal, SUBG acting curator, says: “Botanical art is an important medium that showcases both artistic ability and the science behind the plants. At SUBG, it has become increasingly important to highlight plants through art, and we are excited to see so much talent and creativity in early-career artists.”
Zoe Mac Donalds
Botanical art curator Karen Stewart oversaw the curation process. Karen says: “We are really impressed with the quality of many of the works we received. We got over 100 artworks in the initial call and had to choose 50.”
A unique opportunity for young artists
This exhibition is made possible by the James & Shirley Sherwood Project at SUBG. Thanks to funding from this project, SUBG is currently developing the first public florilegium in South Africa while supporting South Africa’s top botanical artists in producing world-class artworks. This funding also allows SUBG to support early-career artists through this exhibition by showcasing their work in a professional way, providing informal mentoring and advice from a both an art curator and botanical garden curator, and building their exhibiting experience. The project is also supporting three art interns who are learning more about how exhibitions are run and looked after. SUBG also acquired a work from this exhibition depicting Disa maculata by Bradley Wiehahn for the permanent collection.
Artworks in this exhibition are for sale.
As part of the aim to support early-career artists, SUBG waived its commission fee for all artworks. As a result, artworks are very reasonably priced, offering younger collectors the opportunity to get into the market and make their first purchase! Prices for works range from R100 to R6000. We hope the exhibition can continue to provide inspiration, learning and growth for artists and the garden visitors alike.
Tian Strydom, Aafromontane Forest acrylic A2 (detail)
WHAT: Student Exhibition - Botanical Art
WHERE: Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Garden Gallery,
WHEN: 14 March – 17 April 2026
INFO: Annerie Senekal EThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Karen Stewart E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Follow on instagram: @subotgarden | See also MapMyWay
LEAD PHOTO: Ime van Coller, Protea embroidered
ABOUT the James & Shirley Sherwood project.
This special collaborative project is the initiative of Karen Stewart M.Phil (specialising in Botanical Illustration) and chair of the Botanical Artists’ Association of southern Africa’s Cape branch, Dr Donovan Kirkwood (PhD Botany Ecology) late curator of the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Annerie Senekal (acting curator of SUBG), and academic partner Prof Léanne Dreyer, expert in the mega diverse Cape Oxalis.
