Sheryl L. White, Coordinator of Visitor Engagement and Exhibitions

Throughout the year, I am involved in the curation of the Arnold Arboretum’s art exhibitions, currently on view, The Overstory by Richard Powers, a handmade scroll by Diane Samuels. My initiative to bring free, live events and theater to diverse audiences in the Arboretum’s landscape has resulted in outdoor performances, such as Abilities Dance Boston in September, MassQ Ball Origin 2022 in July, and Bomb-itty of Errors this past June with Actors’ Shakespeare Project (ASP).  Past collaborations with ASP were Macbeth in October 2018, Pride and Prejudice in June 2019, and on a virtual platform, The Nature of Shakespeare in 2020 Part I and Part II. From evaluation of prospective artists through to the completed shows, I coordinate the art calendar and am part of Public Programs’ event planning.

For more than a decade, I have helped thousands of visitors navigate the landscape of the Arboretum, explore our amazing collections, and even negotiate the roads of Boston to find us. Working with our wonderful docents and staff, I also coordinate public, private, academic, and theme Arboretum tours, all of which serve casual visitors and groups ranging from garden clubs, retirement homes, and graduate students in biology, to the occasional members of royalty. Additionally, I coordinate the Arboretum’s Interpreters and Bonsai and Penjing volunteers.

I have pursued graduate courses in museum studies at Harvard University Extension School. Before coming to the Arboretum, I had a garden design business, a graphic design business, and worked in publishing as an art director. I am a professional artist, published writer, and an avid gardener. I have taught art and poetry, as well as gardening and garden design.

I am past board member and president of Roslindale Green & Clean, an award winning, local non-profit organization dedicated to improving public green spaces and educating the community about horticulture.