ARTANICA

Botanic art sits at the rich intersection of science and art. It is scientific in its precision—serving as a vital reference for botanists identifying specific genera and species—and artistic in its carefully considered composition and faithful attention to detail. Together, these qualities produce artworks that are both scientifically informative and visually captivating.

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The biennial botanic art exhibition ARTANICA celebrates this unique discipline, showcasing the exceptional work of some of Australia’s most respected contemporary botanic artists alongside emerging artists from the Mt Macedon Horticultural Society.

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ARTANICA will be held from 21 March to 6 April 2026 at the Mt Macedon Horticultural Hall, Mt Macedon Golf Club, Mt Macedon.

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Many of the exhibiting artists are nationally and internationally recognised. Participants include tutors from the Friends of the Melbourne & Geelong Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne Botanic Art School, as well as artists who regularly exhibit at major exhibitions at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and Sydney. Several members have had their work shown in leading international institutions, including the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in the USA and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London. Some exhibiting artists are represented in permanent collections such as the National Gallery of Victoria; HRH Prince of Wales’ Highgrove and Transylvanian collections; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK; and the Hunt Institute, USA.

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All works are exquisitely executed, displaying meticulous detail and crafted using the highest quality materials. A variety of media will be on display, including watercolour on paper, graphite, and coloured pencil.

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The Macedon Ranges itself has a distinguished history of botanic art. In the 19th century, Mt Macedon resident Ellis Rowan produced botanical illustrations now held in numerous national galleries and institutions. The 20th century saw the influence of Joan Law-Smith, respected gardener, botanic artist, writer and patron, creator of the renowned Macedon garden Bolobek. In the 1980s, Jenny Phillips of Kyneton founded the Melbourne School of Botanic Art and gained international acclaim, with works held in galleries worldwide. This tradition continues into the 21st century with Anita Barley of Woodend—Illustrator at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, and an award-winning artist whose work is represented in major international collections.

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The artists exhibiting at ARTANICA carry this legacy forward, embracing contemporary approaches while seeking to capture the remarkable biodiversity of plants found in both natural landscapes and historic gardens.

ARTANICA offers visitors the opportunity to view and purchase original works, and to appreciate the diversity of artistic approaches within this highly demanding art form.

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The exhibition is open 10.00am to 4.30pm, Saturday to Tuesday inclusive of Easter. All works are original and for sale.

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Join us for this exceptional event and enjoy the chance to experience—and acquire—outstanding botanic art from both established and emerging artists.