ART in the the Garden
SUMMIT, NJ – Reeves-Reed Arboretum will be kicking off its summer season of the arts with its annual garden party ART in the Garden on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 7 to 11 pm. This special event launches the Arboretum’s summer art exhibits and concert series and is their largest fundraiser of the year supporting environmental education, as well as the gardens, grounds, woodlands, and historic buildings. Reeves-Reed Arboretum will be honoring community advocates Nora and Robert Radest, and Amanda Parrish Block, Founder of GRACE, at the evening’s festivities.
The community-themed garden soirée is open to the public and will include a cocktail and small plates reception by David Ellis Events, indoor and outdoor art exhibitions, live music with Lenox Underground, silent and live auctions, and a wine raffle. Can’t attend but would still like to support this non-profit public garden? The Reeves-Reed Arboretum online silent auction opens on May 27, runs through the evening of the event, and you need not be present to win. For full event details, tickets and access to the silent auction, visit bit.ly/rragala2025. The following corporate sponsors have helped underwrite this event: Bassett Associates, Bartlett Tree Experts, Country Club Services, PwC; In-kind sponsors: Creative Digital Solutions, David Ellis Events, Lenox Underground, Prestige Party Rental.
Art Exhibitions
This year’s featured exhibition, Nature’s Tapestry, is a collection of improvisational quilts by local artist, quilter, and gardener, Carolyn McKibbin. This collection also comprises functional quilted pieces including pillows and clothing. McKibbin’s work captures the beauty of nature through organic forms, earthy textures, and seasonal hues. From abstract patterns to botanical inspirations, Nature’s Tapestry transforms traditional quilting into a vibrant celebration of the garden. Featuring many repurposed and reclaimed materials, these works also highlight the sustainable potential of quilting as an art form. The exhibit will officially open at the ART in the Garden event and run through October 31, 2025. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm unless closed for a private event. Check gallery hours before visiting.
ART in the Garden also marks the launch of new sculptural installations on the grounds of Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Included this year are works by artists Justin Roberts and José Criollo. The dynamic sculptures are crafted from natural materials (Roberts) and reclaimed metal (Criollo), reflecting the artists’ commitment to sustainability and exemplifying the power of creativity and the beauty that can emerge from reuse.
Sounds of a Summer Night Concert Series
Reeves-Reed Arboretum will present four performances this summer in their Sounds of a Summer Night garden concert series on select Wednesday evenings. The grounds open at 6 pm for concertgoers to picnic and enjoy the gardens with performances beginning promptly at 7 pm. The 2025 summer lineup includes: June 25 – RAVE ON! Duo; July 16 – Sahara Moon; July 30 – A Musical Journey Through the Decades with Diane and John Barros; August 13 – Simple Gifts. Tickets are free for Reeves-Reed Arboretum members and children under 3; Non-members are $15 per person; Students $5. Visit reeves-reedarboretum.org for tickets and details.
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum: Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a non-profit public arboretum, dedicated to engaging, educating, and enriching its visitors to become better stewards of nature and the environment for more than fifty years. This mission is achieved through the care and utilization of the historic estate and gardens. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. For more information, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org.
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum has been a cornerstone of Summit’s cultural landscape since 1974 and is currently celebrating its 50th year as a public arboretum. Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, it is open to the public 7 days a week and serves as a sanctuary for both visitors and wildlife. More information is available at www.reeves-reed arboretum.org.
About ArbNet
ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.com.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places and has been educating and inspiring community through nature for fifty years.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum…a place to grow, for everyone!
