Visual and performing arts are important creative activities that help visitors perceive, question, and understand an artist's message. As a unit of a major university, the Gardens is a place where student and faculty artists may present their voice and work for public comment - some of the works are specially commissioned for precise locations. The Gardens profoundly supports this artistic creativity. All works on display have been vetted through faculty review, a select few are on permanent display.

• Matthaei Mosaics Win Golden Paintbrush Award

Award recipients for 2009 include the Great Lakes Ecosystems Mosaic Murals at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Bob Grese, Director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, came up with the vision for a project that would celebrate the unique habitats and flora of the state. Artist Yulia Hanansen designed the murals, and 47 volunteers from the community, including both skilled and untrained glass artists, completed the eight mosaic panels that now glow with gem-like colors from a previously bare brick wall at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. To see a gallery of the mosaics click here.

• Garden Kaleidoscope in the Conservatory

This kaleidoscope was created by Robert C. Anderson of Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. The garden kaleidoscope design is an original concept that Robert developed after being introduced to kaleidoscopes by his wife. Robert decided to design a kaleidoscope using flowering plants that could be used outdoors in a garden. Robert has created the interactive living sculptures since 1997.

• Entry Gates

The Ann Arbor Garden Club commissioned these entry gates to the Display Gardens at the Gardens in honor of their 75th anniversary. They were created by David Torgoff, an East Lansing artist, and were installed in the fall of 2005. It was the garden club's way of saying thanks to the Gardens where they have met for many of those 75 years.

• Erich Steiner Fountains

These bluestone fountains were installed as a memorial to past Gardens Director Erich Steiner (1971-77 and 1989-91). They were designed by John Stevens of K. C. Runciman Landscapes, Saline, MI.

• Jane LaRue Memorial Sundial

This sundial is a memorial to collections botanist Jane LaRue (1971-early 1980s). It was a commission done by Professor Jon Rush of the U-M School of Art. He studied bronze working at foundries in Italy and taught at Columbus College of Art before coming to the University. At the time of the sundial's installation on October 5, 1986 in the old Medicinal Garden, one of his sculptures was on display in Briarwood's concourse near Lord & Taylor. The sundial was moved to its current location when the display gardens area's redesign began in the 1990s.