The Indianapolis Museum of Art will celebrate Indiana wildlife at the first-ever Day of Flight event on Saturday, Aug. 27. Learn about beekeeping, participate in a nature photography workshop, shop for new additions to your garden at the Native Tree and Pollinator Plant Sale, and watch butterflies, hawks and hummingbirds take to the skies in this immersive day of programming for all ages.
The campus-wide event will feature interactive workshops with experts from across the state, including:
Hummingbird Banding
8:30-11 a.m.
Included with general admission and free for IMA members
Kick off the day with the annual hummingbird banding demonstration in the Garden for Everyone. Marvel at the exotic beauty of these winged wonders and watch as nationally certified professionals catch, tag and release hummingbirds. A hummingbird viewing station will also be set up in the Border Gardens.
Birds of Prey
9-11 a.m., flight demonstration at noon
Included with general admission and free for IMA members
Ever wondered what a hawk’s talons look like up close? Meet these stunning creatures in the Lilly Allée and learn about their specialized traits with aviary expert Mark Booth. At noon, watch a bird take flight!
Native Tree and Pollinator Plant Sale
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
FREE
Get a jump on your fall planting and shop a unique selection of native tree and pollinator plants at Newfield, conveniently located adjacent to the IMA’s main parking lot. Horticulture experts will be on hand to help you with your selections and share personal tips on how to make your plants hearty and healthy this fall.
Butterfly Talk and Demonstration
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
FREE
Connie Etter, professional photographer and butterfly enthusiast, will share tips on how to make your own “garden with wings!” Learn about the butterfly life cycle and resources for creating a butterfly habitat in your own backyard. Catch Connie’s talk at Newfield, next to the Native Tree and Pollinator Plant Sale.
Nature Photography Workshop
Noon-1:30 p.m.
$50 Members/ $75 Public
Develop your nature photography skills in a special workshop taught by award-winning photographer Jackie Curts. Curts will share tips on composition, equipment and how-to approaches for achieving the best flower and bird shots. This workshop will include both an indoor and outdoor session and is limited to 20 attendees. Registration is required.
Beekeeping
1 p.m.
Included with general admission and free for IMA members
Join bee enthusiast Kate Franzman in the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse to explore about the art of beekeeping. Learn about the importance of bees in gardens, why they keep the pollen they collect and where all of that delicious honey comes from! The IMA’s director of horticulture, Chad Franer, will show examples of native plants used by pollinators throughout the IMA campus.
Songbird Banding
2-4 p.m.
Included with general admission and free for IMA members
Head over to the Gene and Rosemary Tanner Orchard and meet chief naturalist at Wildbirds Unlimited, John Schaust. Schaust will attempt to net colorful goldfinches, indigo buntings and other small birds to develop a better national record of how the species are doing in the area.
Art making activities will also be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Garden for Everyone and from noon to 2 p.m. in the Elder Greenhouse. Art making activities are included with general admission and free for IMA members.