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1927 Map of the Arboretum

Over Time: Through Art, the Impact of Change in the Arboretum Landscape

Whisper of Spring II, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26" x 40", Ginny Zanger
Watercolor of tree branches

Feb 12 - Apr 25, 2021

Join Ginny Zanger and researcher Cat Chamberlain for a fascinating and informative free event on Thursday, March 25, A Way In: The Art and Science of Climate Change.

Five decades of weekly walks in the Arnold Arboretum find expression in Ginny Zanger’s art. “Rambling” gives her time to sketch and paint. Using the unique possibilities of her favorite medium—watercolor—and printmaking, Zanger explores, with articulate interpretations, the Arboretum’s rich botanical display. In this online show, most of her work is on Yupo, a silky, polypropylene paper that enhances the flow of the watercolor.

After her undergraduate time at Harvard, Zanger moved from Cambridge to Jamaica Plain. On this side of the river, she has spent years thoroughly immersed in the education of the Arboretum.

Part of that education revolved around a concern for the effect of global warming on plants. Inspired by climate change research conducted by Arboretum Fellow Catherine Chamberlain, Zanger brought an additional and ongoing focus to her work. She made the exception to her monotype paintings in her dramatic charcoal drawing, False Spring/Fatal Budburst, based on a photograph provided by researchers.

I discovered the University’s best teacher—in Jamaica Plain.

Ginny Zanger

For more about Zanger and her art, read her interview with curator, Sheryl L. White, Over Time.

In March 2021, Zanger and Arboretum researcher Cat Chamberlain presented A Way In: The Art and Science of Climate Change. The program explored connections between art and science today, and how, as combined disciplines, they can help us comprehend, visualize, and respond to climate change in new ways. Click here to view the recording.

Ginny Zanger is an award-winning painter and printmaker whose work can be seen at the Cove Gallery, Wellfleet, the Copley Society of Art, JP Open Studios, on her website, and on Instagram @ginnyzanger and @artgirlzboston. Zanger has been a strong presence in the Boston Art community through teaching, participating in an extensive number of solo and juried group exhibitions, and attending numerous artist’s residencies.

Read an interview with Zanger conducted by Sheryl White, Coordinator of Visitor Engagement and Exhibitions at the Arboretum.

To provide opportunities for Boston children to learn here, 50 percent of any sales from this exhibition will go to support the Arnold Arboretum’s important, ongoing educational programming with Boston Public Schools.                      

All rights of the images reside with the artist. For more information on making a copy, or reusing an image, please send your request to arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu. For information on the work itself, or to inquire about purchasing art, please also send your request to arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu. We will put you in touch with the artist.

To best view this exhibition, hold your mouse on an image to see the small magnifier then click to get the gallery.


Watercolor of vines
Twining Vines, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 20″ x 8″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor, loose depiction of organic elements
Seasonal Rhythms, Monotype on Asian Paper, 13″ x 27″, Ginny Zanger

Abstract watercolor with images of organic elements
Afloat and Aflutter, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 10 1/2″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of vines hangin down
Vinyl, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 20″ x 8″, Ginny Zanger

Abstract watercolor with organic images
Artifacts of the Season, Monotype on Asian Paper, 13″ x 27″ Ginny Zanger

Slightly abstract watercolor with leaves
Autumn Ethereal, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 14″, Ginny Zanger

Abstract watercolor with images of organic elements
Coppertone, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 10 1/2″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of ice with leaves
Windswept, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 9″ x 12″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of ice with leaves
Translucence, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 25″ x 38″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of vines
Snow Vines, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 20″ x 8″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor with trees
Pastiche, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 40″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of leaves on ice
The Three, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 14″ x 13″, Ginny Zanger

Abstract watercolor and monotype
Alive in Winter, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 40″, Ginny Zanger

Abstract painting with dark organic elements
Mysteries of the Season, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 11″ x 14″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of vines and woods
Thickest Thicket, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 11″ x 14″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor, abstract of trees
Trees of Ancient Memory, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 40″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of branches intertwined
Through the Thicket, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 14″ x 11″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of woods by pond
Surprises of the Season, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 14″ x 11″, Ginny Zanger

Loose Watercolor of trees
Whisper of Spring I, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 40″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of tree branches
Whisper of Spring II, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 40″, Ginny Zanger

Panorama in watercolor of woods
Taking the Wider View, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 9″ x 36″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of twisted tree trunk and other trunks
Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 11″ x 15″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor of tree trunks in water
Above and Below, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 5″ x 12″, Ginny Zanger

Two watercolors, side by side, with visual elements of organic material
Late Snow (diptych), Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 26″ x 53″, Each-26″ x 26″, Ginny Zanger

Watercolor painting of trees
Hint of Drama, Monotype Painting, Watercolor on Yupo Paper, 12″ x 12″, Ginny Zanger

Charcoal, gray, black, white image of many leaves
False Spring/Fatal Budburst, Charcoal on Rag Paper, 72″ x 50″, Ginny Zanger