One of Baltimore's most beautiful settings will be showing off its place in the art world this weekend.
More than 50 painters will be exhibiting their work at the Cylburn Arboretum's "Celebration of Art."
While the work will certainly be varied, they'll all share a common theme. Every piece will depict a scene set within the grounds of the 19th-century North Baltimore estate, once home to a prominent Baltimore businessman, now a picturesque oasis of flora and fauna.
"When folks visit Cylburn, they find a space that is so inviting," said Nancy Hill, the arboretum's education director.
"It's such an inspiration to artists, there's such a natural fit between the art and nature. We just thought we would try to integrate that."
The paintings, more than 90 in all, will go on sale at a $75-a-ticket reception Saturday evening; any unsold pieces will be available for purchase during a free art show set for noon-3 p.m. Sunday.
Proceeds from the sale will be split between Cylburn (30 percent) and the artists (70 percent).
The weekend, Hill stresses, is not solely for prospective art buyers.
On Saturday, free family-friendly art activities will be offered by volunteers from the Walters Art Museum. Guided nature walks through the Cylburn grounds will also be available at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
"What we're offering," said Hill, "is the chance for people to really experience nature through art."
"Celebration of Art" is set for June 18-19 at the Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. For more information, call 410-367-2217 or go to cylburnassociation.org.