'Second Life of Plants' on exhibit in Lake Charles - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

'Second Life of Plants' exhibit planned in Lake Charles

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Posted By Elona Weston - email
Fruits with a candle, by Rita Ford Fruits with a candle, by Rita Ford
Bird of Paradise, by Rita Ford Bird of Paradise, by Rita Ford
Thunderstorm above Saint, by Rita Ford Thunderstorm above Saint, by Rita Ford

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LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) -

A new exhibition, "Second Life of Plants," will hang at Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center from Feb. 15 through April 6, 2013.

The ancient technique of pressing dried botanical materials, known as oshibana, began hundreds of years ago by the Japanese.

Rita Ford is a garden designer and artist of botanical materials who creates floral collages. She selects her medium from Mother Nature.

"Every leaf and every flower is already a piece of art," Ford said.

Ford's creations are intended to save and extend the charm of floral beauty. She believes that in a world of high technology, her viewers are drawn to appreciate such a simple thing as the beauty of plants.

Ford is from Saint Petersburg, the cultural capital of Russia, where she was surrounded by museums, art galleries and exhibitions. She is currently a resident of Many.

While visiting Historic City Hall, be sure to see "50 Greatest Photographs by National Geographic" on exhibit through April 13.

Historic City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

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