You can imagine my surprise, strolling through San Antonio’s Botanical Garden when I was accosted by hordes of gigantic bugs! I was immediately beset by flashbacks to bad Joan Collins movies (like there are any other kind). Fortunately these insects were not bent on world domination, they are part of a new exhibit, Dave Rogers’ Big Bugs.
Dave Rogers' Big Bugs at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens
This gigantic exhibit opens Labor Day Weekend (September 5-7) and will be on display through December 6, 2009. Big Bugs is a nationally prominent touring exhibit. At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, visitors will see ten larger-than-life insect sculptures, all made from natural materials, positioned throughout the 33 acres of the Garden. Insects include: Three Ants (each 25’ long), Praying Mantis (25’ tall), Damselfly (10’ tall), Dragonfly (17’ wingspan), Lady Bug (7’ long), Spider with Web (12’ web), Assassin Bug (7’ long) and Grasshopper (11’ long).
The exhibit is intended to introduce guests to the world of insects, their role in the plant world, and their interconnectedness to our lives (I’m sure that’s what Joan thought, too). Bugs outnumber humans one million to one. Many live in communal groups working as one for the common good of all. Their ranks include engineers, soldiers, weightlifters, weavers, hunters, stalkers, gatherers, and even royalty. When you take this remarkable and diverse group of “hidden gardeners” and recreate them on a gargantuan scale, you have David Rogers’ Big Bugs. The effect is a role reversal of dimension and perception.
The sculptures are created using various combinations of whole trees found standing or fallen dead, cut green saplings selectively harvested from the willow family, dry branches, and other forest materials. The inherent uniqueness of these materials – their varying shapes, colors, and textures – provides the sculptures with character, definition, and a sense of motion.
Since its debut in 1994 at the Dallas Arboretum, David Rogers’ Big Bugs has traveled all across the United States. It consistently brings in “swarms” of new audiences to all the venues it visits. This three-month programming initiative is part of an on-going series of annual exhibits that connect families with nature at the Botanical Garden. This sculptural exhibit set in natural surroundings fascinates all ages.
Visitors can also view the massive geometric structures of contemporary sculptor John Henry. This Art in the Garden show opened in July 2009 and runs for a year.
The Botanical Garden is operated under the auspices of the City of San Antonio Department of Parks & Recreation and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It is located at 555 Funston at North New Braunfels Avenue. For more information, the public can call 210-829-5100 or visit www.sabot.org.
Check it out. It’s better than that Joan Collins movie any day!
Rad! Gotta go see this!
What an excellent picture Paul. We’re taking our kids to see as well.
Gracias. It is indeed my shot. Those ants were pretty impressive, but I really wanted to take the Assassin Bug home to be my new coffee table.
I saw a billboard for this today and was wondering what it was, then I check out Missions Unknown & Paul has answered all my questions! Definitely taking my boys to see this, thanks for the story & the pics!
What an excellent picture Paul. We're taking our kids to see as well….