“Animals are not only beholders of great beauty but are also beholders of ancient wisdom.” – Molly Friedenfeld
Denver Botanical Garden, York Street, is thrilled to welcome the enchanted, handcrafted Spirit Guides animals of Oaxaca, Mexico (April 28-September 8, 2024). Celebrate the joy and color spreading across the Gardens with stunning botanical displays, summer blooms, and must-see sculptures. This incredible exhibit, which is wheelchair accessible, is included with general admission. The free day of the exhibit is August 28. 2024. Due to the anticipated high demand, tickets will be required for that day.
Created by the workshop of Mexican artists Jacobo and María Ángeles, brightly colored and richly patterned sculptures depict imaginary hybrid animals that act as both spirit guides and astrological embodiments of human characteristics. Inspired by the Zapotec calendar, “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles,” features eight large sculptures commissioned by Denver Botanic Gardens. Maps located throughout the garden will direct you to the outdoor gallery of beautiful, fantastical animals.
A spirit guide animal is one who comes to you for a purpose. It may be to guide, remind, encourage, comfort, or protect you. Spirit animals may come to teach or to accompany you on your life’s journey. Each animal has certain traits and powers. The Spirit Animal website (https://www.spiritanimal.info) has many common animals alphabetically categorized which makes for fun exploration. They also offer a free “What’s My Spirit Animal?” quiz (https://www.spiritanimal.info/spirit-animal-quiz). Our imagination through this unique Denver Botanic Garden experience and be inspired by these one-of-a-kind Spirit Guides. Which one speaks to you? The sculptures allow you to see the gardens with playful, curious eyes. Each Guide is a hand painted masterpiece with exquisite detail; look closely for patterns of hearts, mountains, houses, waves and fish. Photographs are allowed and encouraged. The whimsical sculptures will appeal to people 2 to 102 years old.
For those who are physically unable to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens, Seldom Scene Photography has made the exhibit accessible to you at this link: https://seldomscenephotography.com/2024/05/11/spirit-guides-at-the-denver-botanic-gardens/
Enjoy these magical beings hosted at the Denver Botanic Gardens. But hurry, they will soar, swim, scuttle, jump and dash off on September 8, 2024. Don’t miss them, they are sure to be a highlight of your summer!
Marilyn Halpern is the founder and executive director of Aspen Care Services. This
locally owned business provides medical power of attorney, care management and professional guardianship services in the Denver Metro area. For more information visit
www.aspencareservices.com or www.aginglifecare.org. Photo credit: Roland Halpern.