Black Tie Botanicals is an artistic group consisting of botanical artists working in Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.  Founded in 2005 by artist Nancy J. Ballard and led by artist & instructor Mary L. Harden, the group provides botanical artists with opportunities for raising consciousness about the frailty of our ecosystem through educational exhibits, drawing attention to the detailed beauty and wonder of the plant world, and moving a 500 year old botanical art tradition into the new millenium.

This new unified vision takes an overlooked ordinary plant and transforms it into an amazing, intricate, and essential element of the universe. Observation and focused illustration of a plant's life cycle allows the artist and observer to connect with a spirituality often neglected and taken for granted in today's consumer-driven world.

Black Tie Botanicals exhibits in select fine arts venues throughout the western United States. We are currently showing pen and ink illustrations at the Conservatory of Flowers 'Edible Expositions' and watercolors at Smith Ranch Estates in San Rafael. Our website, www.blacktiebotanicals.org, lists our upcoming shows and venues, and provides a link to each artist’s own website. A percentage of our proceeds supports the Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture in Golden Gate Park.

Professionally matted and framed, taxonomically correct original illustrations are available for educational exhibits and fundraisers. For information to arrange an exhibition at your venue, please contact Nancy J. Ballard (nancyballard@me.com)