Events Calendar

A Workshop with Alyx Christensen

Fee: $15/$10 members
Registration: Space is limited; advance registration required. Register online or by phone at 414-446-8794.

It’s time to start planning your vegetable garden for three seasons of harvesting. In this workshop, you will be introduced to techniques such as companion planting, intercropping, and vertical growing, as well as sustainable maintenance practices, starting seeds from scratch, and how to incorporate established plants from greenhouses. Using this information, you will design a master plan for a 4 x 4-foot garden bed that can be scaled up for larger spaces or shrink to the size of a planter. Bring your questions and ideas, garden planning materials will be provided.

About Alyx Christensen
Alyx Christensen is a member of Lynden’s land team. She oversees Lynden’s vegetable and flower gardens, designs plantings on the grounds, and hosts the monthly garden work days. She is also an artist-in-residence as part of the artist collective Open Kitchen.

Fee: $100/$85 members (all materials included)
Registration: Suitable for ages 12 and up. Space is limited; advance registration required. Online registration is closed. Register by phone at 414-446-8794.

Making cartonería— papier mache sculptures—is a traditional Mexican paper-based craft. Among the varieties of cartonería are alebrijes, statues of colorful and mythical creatures. Cartonera Ceci Tejeda will immerse us in the Mesoamerican legend and traditions of the powerful Aztec deity Quetzalcoatl, who was transformed into a feathered serpent. You will create your own Quetzalcoat alebrije using traditional cartonería techniques. No experience necessary; suitable for adults and children 12 and up.

Pack a lunch and some beverages, and dress appropriately if you want to walk outside during the lunch break.

About the Artist
Ceci Tejeda was born and raised in Mexico City. Her parents are from Michoacán, Mexico, which is why she has Purepecha (Indigenous) blood in her veins. Ceci has admired her culture since she was a very young girl. When she first came to Wisconsin, it was difficult to adapt, but she never lost her love for creativity. Now that she has lived here for more than 10 years, she still embraces her roots and enjoys sharing them with others. She creates her papier-mâché alebrijes and skulls with joy and love and shares her papier-mâché skills with future generations through youth workshops at schools and cultural events. Ceci advocates for immigrant rights by volunteering for and using her artistic abilities to support Voces de la Frontera, a local immigrant rights group. She also collaborates with other Latinx artists in las R.A.R.A.S, a local artist collective. This work creates a sense of home by making her feel closer to her people, her culture, and herself. Participating in events for local artists supported by her community helps her to realize that no matter where she is, she can carry her roots with her.

From February to April, we will be offering free, monthly, drop-in workshops for families. Stop by for engaging, hands-on activities that bring art and nature to life. Whether you make a quick visit or stay the entire two hours, count on spending some quality creative time with family and friends.

Fee: Free (all materials included). All ages are welcome; children younger than 12 should attend with an adult.
Registration: Register online or by phone at 414-446-8794.

Sunday, February 11, 2024, 12:30-2:30 pm
Clay Magnets
Registration is closed.
Drop into the art studio to create a sculptural magnet to hang on your refrigerator. Get creative with shapes, patterns, and colors to make your magnet truly unique. Let your imagination fly as you work with air dry clay and a variety of materials and methods.

Sunday, March 10, 2024, 12:30-2:30 pm
Upcycled Wind Chimes
This session is full. Complete registration to be added to the waitlist.
Repurpose and assemble found objects and studio materials to create a wind chime that will give your outdoor space its own voice. Families are encouraged to bring objects from home to add to their piece.

Sunday, April 14, 2024, 12:30-2:30 pm
Sun Printing
Use the sun to make detailed prints from virtually any object that casts a shadow.
Cyanotype is a sun-printing process and one of the earliest photographic techniques. Discovered in 1842, it produces Prussian blue monochromatic prints. The cyanotype process is simple, flexible, magical, and fun. Stop by the studio to make your own cyanotype to take home.

FREE
This is a virtual event.

HOME Multilingual Story Time features children’s books written or illustrated by artists who have faced forced displacement as refugees, asylum seekers, or immigrants, and come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Designed for children aged 4-8, we believe that reading picture books is a way to share and discuss big ideas with young children. We end each virtual session with an art activity from Lynden art educator Claudia Orjuela.

Scheduled to screen every third Wednesday of the month from 10:30 to 11 am, HOME Multilingual Story Time is a collaboration with the Milwaukee Public Library, Alliance Française de Milwaukee, Hanan Refugee Relief Group, the Islamic Resource Center, Milwaukee African Women's Association, Milwaukee Taiko Group Hibiki, UWM Department of French, Italian and Comparative Literature - French Program, UWM Libraries, Walker's Point Center for the Arts, and Wisconsin Ukrainians, Inc.

Videos remain on view once they are posted, and can be accessed at any time. Download our resource handout for parents, teachers, and advanced readers here.

Schedule, Recordings, and Activities

January 17, 2024: Who Are We?, written by Anneke Forzani and illustrated by Maria Russo, read in Burmese and English by Mala Lue. Archival recording. View the recording here.
February 21, 2024: The Boy Without a Name, written by Idries Shah and illustrated by Mona Caron, read in Dari/Afghan Persian and English by Khatol Nazari. View the recording here.
March 20, 2024: Un Jour, Tu Découvriras.../The Day You Began, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López, read in French and English by Marie Sandra Aloka. View the recording here.
April 17, 2024: Flicts, written and illustrated by Ziraldo, read in Brazilian Portuguese and English by Cris Siqueira of Lion's Tooth. View the recording here.
May 15, 2024: Soñadores/Dreamers by Yuyi Morales, read in Spanish and English by Claudia Orjuela. Archival recording. View the recording here.
October 16, 2024 M is for Myanmar, written by Elizabeth Rush, and illustrated by Khin Maung Myint, read in Burmese and English by Mala Nan Leth. View the recording here.
November 20, 2024 El Día de los Muertos/The Day of the Dead: A Bilingual Celebration, written by Bob Barner, read in Spanish and English by Claudia Orjuela.
December 11, 2024 Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood / Quizás Algo Hermoso. Cómo el Arte Transformó un Barrio, written by Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, and illustrated by Rafael López, read in Spanish and English by Joan Luciano.

Access prior HOME Story Time videos and activities here.

Fee: $20/$16 members
Registration: Registration is closed.

Join horticulturist Justine Miller on a plant walk through Lynden's grounds with a primary focus on Wisconsin native spring ephemerals. These plants are the earliest flowers to bloom but keep their growing season brief, taking advantage of full sun before the canopy leafs out. Participants will learn about their ecology, cultivation, and how they can promote these beautiful species in their own yards.

About Justine Miller
Justine Miller is a horticulturist with a background in landscape design and public gardens. As a designer her emphasis is on the utilization of Wisconsin-native plants, recreating natural communities or in combination with nonnative specimens, to create beautiful and ecologically functional gardens. She currently works as the Desert Dome Horticulturist at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory.

Fee: $20/$15 members. Scholarship assistance available.
Registration: Space is limited; advance registration required. Register online or by phone at 414-446-8794.

Join artist in residence Jenna Knapp and poet KP Kaszubowski for an afternoon of walking and writing together during their third interactive poetry workshop at the garden. As Earth Day approaches, we will continue to honor and celebrate the life of the Norway maple that long provided shade and shelter at the top of the hill overlooking the labyrinth.

April invites us to celebrate the earth and take notice of all the slow and beautiful moments in nature that are always waiting for us, despite our fast-paced lives. In this third iteration of Actively Missing You we will continue to explore themes of grief, change and loss--this time through the lens of our relationship to the places that make us and how their ever-changing landscape changes us.

During the workshop, we will discuss the labyrinth's history, silently walk its winding path, and use poetry prompts to generate more written material. There will be time to share and reflect together as a group, and you'll have the option to contribute your writing to be engraved into the logs at a later date, allowing the Norway maple's history to live on.

Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of writing experience. We will spend part of this workshop in the labyrinth and part inside the studio. Wear comfortable clothes for the spring weather, and bring your own writing materials, beverages, and snacks for the afternoon.

Fee: Free.
Registration: Advance registration encouraged. Click here to register online. Work days are weather dependent.

Join the Lynden land team—Alyx Christensen, Robert Kaleta, and Esther Portnoy--for a volunteer work day on the grounds. The Lynden Sculpture Garden is transforming its natural habitats and formal landscapes into sustainable and diverse ecosystems that highlight the natural beauty inherent in them. The Lynden's goal is to steward healthy habitats for an array of native plants and wildlife while adding a vibrant mosaic of color and texture to this sculptural landscape through every season.

With over 40 acres and more than half a dozen specialized garden spaces, the Lynden provides many volunteer and learning opportunities, from removing invasive species to planting new trees and plugs, weeding, pruning, collecting, and spreading seeds. If you or someone you know has a few hours or are looking for regular, ongoing volunteer work that keeps you outside, you are welcome to join us. With a small land staff, volunteer help is essential to the evolution and restoration of the Lynden grounds.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their favorite gardening gloves and digging tools (if you have them)! Water, snacks, and additional tools will be provided.

Schedule

April 23, 10 am-12 pm
In April, help us control invasive garlic mustard within the forested ravine. Learn about invasive species control and leave with a handful of garlic mustard and a recipe for Garlic Mustard Pesto as a thank you for your time.

May 21, 10 am-12 pm
In May, we are back in the ravine to control garlic mustard and the now-blooming dame’s rocket. As we move through the season, we will be tracking different species of plants as they pop up around the grounds. Catching these plants at the correct time will help prevent them from seeding and spreading next year. While we may not want dame’s rocket in our landscapes, the leaves are edible; some compare them to a "sweeter arugula" (also known as rocket) or spinach.

June 25, 10 am-12 pm
In June, we're on the lookout for white sweet clover in Lynden's prairies and savannas. This clover tends to outgrow ecologically significant species, shading out the sun-loving plants we are working to cultivate in these microhabitats. While sweet clover is not so desirable in the landscape, it can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable or dried and used for vanilla flavoring in sweets and tea.

July 23, 10 am-12 pm
In July, we're still on the lookout for white sweet clover in Lynden's prairies and savannas. This clover tends to outgrow ecologically significant species, shading out the sun-loving plants we are working to cultivate in these microhabitats. While sweet clover is not so desirable in the landscape, it can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable or dried and used for vanilla flavoring in sweets and tea. We will also be watching for wild oregano, particularly in and around the labyrinth. Help us remove this vigorously spreading but pleasantly pungent plant to make way for native Wisconsin prairie. While we prefer to not keep this oregano in our natural areas, it can be a good companion in the form of fresh tea or when dried and used as a spice. Wild oregano is also thought to have some properties that are beneficial to human health.

August 27, 10 am-12 pm
In 2019, artist Jenna Knapp and the Lynden land team created a five-circuit walking labyrinth, 69 feet in diameter. Thoughtfully “nestled away from Lynden’s formal lawn, this labyrinth is carved into the tall grasses of the native prairie and evolves with the seasons, peaking in the early fall when the field is bright with goldenrod." In
August, we will spend some reflective time in Lynden’s labyrinth while also encouraging the native prairie plants to fill out by removing competitors like wild oregano, Queen Anne’s lace, Shasta/oxeye daisies, turf grass, and smooth bromegrass.

September 24, 10 am-12 pm
Lynden’s back areas are not open to the public, but they are home to heritage oaks and other unique tree species, ephemeral and native herbaceous species, and many land restoration projects. In September, we will take you behind the scenes to clear paths to ensure that staff can continue to traverse these landscapes, tending to projects and plant life.

October 22, 10 am-12 pm
This fall we hope to add about 30 new trees to the Lynden landscape. While much of our 40 acres consists of sculptures on mowed lawn and landscaped gardens, we also have a robust tree catalog of nearly 100 different species. With so many trees, there is constant maintenance and replenishing to be done, as some trees age or get sick and new ones get planted, strengthening the various ecosystems. Tasks that will be completed consist of digging holes, moving and planting trees ranging from 3-5 feet in height, and mulching them in to protect their roots.

November 12, 10 am-12 pm
Winter is a critical time for managing buckthorn, one of the most persistent and prolific plant species that competes against diverse plant ecosystems. Buckthorn has characteristics that allow it to outcompete other plant species; it grows and matures much faster than other plants and rapidly colonizes, leaving little time or room for the growth of anything else. In November, we will be on the eastern side of the grounds, tending the understory of our, within the understory of our paper birch island by manually removing buckthorn using the “cut-stump” method. This will clear the area and relieve competition for future native plantings.

Fee: Free.
Registration: Advance registration required. Click here to register online. Work days are weather dependent.

Join the Lynden land team—Alyx Christensen, Robert Kaleta, and Esther Portnoy--for a volunteer work day on the grounds. The Lynden Sculpture Garden is transforming its natural habitats and formal landscapes into sustainable and diverse ecosystems that highlight the natural beauty inherent in them. The Lynden's goal is to steward healthy habitats for an array of native plants and wildlife while adding a vibrant mosaic of color and texture to this sculptural landscape through every season.

With over 40 acres and more than half a dozen specialized garden spaces, the Lynden provides many volunteer and learning opportunities, from removing invasive species to planting new trees and plugs, weeding, pruning, collecting, and spreading seeds. If you or someone you know has a few hours or are looking for regular, ongoing volunteer work that keeps you outside, you are welcome to join us. With a small land staff, volunteer help is essential to the evolution and restoration of the Lynden grounds.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their favorite gardening gloves and digging tools (if you have them)! Water, snacks, and additional tools will be provided.

Schedule

April 25, 10 am-12 pm
In April, we will assist artist-in-residence Kim Khaira with seeding and spring cleanup in her tinctorial garden (a garden of plants that can be used in natural dyeing). Work alongside Khaira and the land team to continue with the removal of any remaining invasive species, as well as spreading seed for new dye plants to grow. Khaira will introduce the native plants she has chosen for the garden, including the significance of the seeds chosen, and talk about their many uses beyond their role in natural dyes.

May 23, 10 am-12 pm
Lynden’s two forested ravines are treasures: shady oases in the summer, home to many species of tree and plant life. Unfortunately, some of the older transplants are crowding out native species. In May, we will be removing daylilies from the upper ravine and learning about how to replace this fast-spreading plant with other, pollinator-friendly options.

June 27, 10 am-12 pm
Now that the fragrant lilac bloom has ended, it's time to prune all the dried-up buds. Pruning spent lilac buds helps promote the growth of more flowers next year. Spend a couple of hours in the formal gardens with us sprucing up the lilacs and learning about blending native and non-native plants to enhance the beauty and pollinator value of the aesthetic gardens here at the Lynden.

July 25, 10 am-12 pm
Upon your arrival at the Lynden Sculpture Garden, you are greeted by a picturesque waterfall and formally landscaped hill, home to an array of unique shade-loving perennial species, evergreens, and shrubs. Waterfall Hill has undergone many changes as we work to incorporate this small ecology into the larger Lynden landscape and to create a design that serves as an introduction to the tranquillity and the excitement that unfolds across the grounds. One month into summer, we are knee-deep in peak growing season and could use your help keeping Waterfall Hill tidy.

August 29, 10 am-12 pm
On the western edge of Lynden’s formal gardens, leading up to and embracing The Bremen Town Musicians, is our annual display garden. This traditionally styled garden plays with symmetry, structure, and color using annually grown plant species—species that don’t survive the Wisconsin winter--and it changes each year. Annuals play an important role in feeding pollinating insects because they bloom throughout the growing season. This is also a garden that accentuates a sculptural focal point, making an impact on visitors. In addition to acknowledging that flowers play an important role in pollination and visual engagement, we also like to understand and encourage the many functional uses of the plant communities we engage with. As we weed, prune, and deadhead the annual garden, we will be collecting the plant detritus to create floral teas or bath soaks to take home.

September 26, 10 am-12 pm
The stone path leading up to the patio is nestled between an evolving native shade garden and a sprawling beech tree that is more than 100 years old. In September, we will be removing thistles and dandelions and sprucing up this welcoming walkway. We will also let you in on our new plans for this area. While standing under such majestic trees as the beech or the neighboring elms is always awe-inspiring, over time our steps have been compressing soil and root structures, leaving little space for them to breathe. In 2024 we plan to extend the walkway garden to encircle the beech tree. This will minimize traffic under the tree, and adding plants will help support the beech tree's roots by regulating water availability and giving the soil a chance to recover through herbaceous plant root development. Not to mention adding plant diversity for the other living species we host at the Lynden. It will be a healthier and more beautiful environment for all, and we look forward to including you in that growth next season.

October 24, 10 am-12 pm
This fall we hope to add about 30 new trees to the Lynden landscape. While much of our 40 acres consists of sculptures on mowed lawn and landscaped gardens, we also have a robust tree catalog of nearly 100 different species. With so many trees, there is constant maintenance and replenishing to be done, as some trees age or get sick and new ones get planted, strengthening the various ecosystems. Tasks that will be completed consist of digging holes, moving and planting trees ranging from 3-5 feet in height, and mulching them in to protect their roots.

November 14, 10 am-12 pm
In November, we shield the soil from the harsh winter conditions by spreading fallen leaves and tucking in all the bare spots within the gardens. This leaf mulch—which we will till into the ground next spring before planting--will protect the top layers of soil, reintroduce nutrients, and boost fertility for next season’s barrage of flowers. Join us for one last garden work day as we say goodnight to the gardens until spring, jump in crisp piles of leaves, and enjoy the musty scents of autumn.

Fee: $15/$10 members. You may purchase a Mora sloyd knife to take home for $35.
Registration: The workshop is full. To be added to the waitlist, call 414-446-8794 or email staff@lyndensculpturegarden.org.

Sloyd, or slöjd, is a Scandinavian-based handcraft movement and educational system. It falls under the umbrella of green woodworking--woodwork that starts with "green" (still wet) wood. Sloyd items are meant to be functional, designed for everyday use around the home: spoons, bowls, cups, buttons, coat hooks, furniture. Practicing Sloyd encourages self-sufficiency and an intimate knowledge of the local natural resources.

Our green woodworking experience starts at 11 am with a carving-specific tree walk. You'll discover which trees are perfect for greenwood carving and gain insight into the unique forest management practices implemented at Lynden.

We’ll take a lunch break and at 12:30 pm we’ll gather around a campfire for an afternoon of hands-on carving. Sip tea made from foraged plants as you try your hand at carving a jam spreader, wooden bead, or spatula. The workshop will move indoors if the weather is inclement.

This workshop, suitable for ages 16 and up, covers carving fundamentals, including safe axe and knife techniques, responsible material gathering, finishing, and tool maintenance. Whether you're a beginner or experienced carver, all are welcome. Bring your own carving tools, or we'll provide sloyd knives for beginners. You can also purchase a Mora sloyd knife as part of the workshop package.