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Boerne Chapter

Call for Artists for Local Art Exhibition in Celebration of 25th Anniversary

We are inviting local artists to showcase their nature-inspired artwork in a special exhibition at the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne during the month of May 2025, in celebration of our 25th anniversary. 

This exhibition is an opportunity for local artists to contribute their work to a vibrant display of creativity and natural beauty in celebration of a significant milestone for the organization.  The exhibition not only highlights the creativity of local artists but also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of native plants and conservation efforts. 

Exhibit Details:

  • Exhibition Dates: May 1-31, 2025
  • Venue: Boerne Public Library, 451 N. Main Street, Boerne, TX
  • Number of Pieces: Up to four entries per artist (professional or self-taught) will be accepted.
  • Medium: Artwork can be in any of the following mediums: Paint, pastels, pencils, photography, textile, mixed media.
  • Eligibility: Open to all current members of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT), with a preference for members of the Boerne Chapter of NPSOT.
  • No Fee: There is no cost to exhibit artwork.
  • Artwork Themes: The exhibition will focus on native plants and Texas landscape, as well as native wildlife such as birds and butterflies.
  • Ownership: All participating artists will retain ownership of their work, but must agree to license the work for use by NPSOT Boerne in social media, in presentations, or in promotional outreach materials for the exhibit.

Artists interested in participating in this exciting exhibition are encouraged to submit their work to the NPSOT Boerne Chapter for review.

How to Apply:

  1. Become a Member: Ensure you are an active member of NPSOT, preferably of the Boerne chapter.
  2. Submit Your Artwork: Interested artists must submit photos of their proposed artwork (Up to 4 pieces) by March 28, 2025 for review to boerne-chapter@npsot.org. Please include a brief description of the artwork, including the dimensions.
  3. Selection Process: All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee from NPSOT Boerne. Artists will be notified by April 15, 2025 if their work is selected for the exhibition.
  4. Deliver Your Work: Accepted artwork must be delivered to the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne by April 28, 2025.

For more information, please contact NPSOT Boerne at boerne-chapter@npsot.org.

About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason