Lakewold is pleased to present Lakewold Up Close, a new exhibition by horticulturist and artist Brianna Phoenix on view inside the Wagner House October 11-November 13, 2026.

Brianna is a mother, sister, nana, friend, artist, and steward of nature. She can often be found immersed in an unexpected project—transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary works that invite us to pause, look closer, and experience art from a new perspective. Her work is rooted in curiosity, reverence, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

For the past five years, Brianna has cultivated a meaningful relationship with the land at Lakewold, allowing its landscapes, rhythms, and countless small wonders to inspire her creativity. Through her work, Brianna honors the life cycles of plants and creatures, celebrating not only their beauty, but also their transformation, impermanence, and place within the larger ecosystem.

Brianna sees possibility and beauty in the overlooked, the discarded, and the seemingly ordinary. For this exhibition, she invites you to step closer and see Lakewold from her perspective—to experience the art of noticing the details that are so often passed by. When it comes to materials, very little is off limits. Each piece has been thoughtfully and ethically harvested, with care for the land and respect for what has been given.

This collection is both an artistic exploration and an offering of gratitude: a closer look at the often-overlooked pieces of nature that quietly tell the story of Lakewold.

lakewoldgardens.org