A Big BIG Bug Invasion
Cape Fear Botanical Garden to host David Rogers Big Bugs exhibit
September 2011
Greater Fayetteville – From September 24 through December 31, David Rogers' friendly swarm of larger-than-life bugs will take up residence at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Visitors will get a bugs-eye-view of the world when they see a 1200-pound preying mantis, three 25 foot ants and six other larger-than-life sculptures.
The sculptures, created by artist David Rogers of Glenwood Landing, NY, are made of various combinations of whole trees found standing or fallen dead, dry branches and forest materials. The different shapes, colors and textures of these materials provide the bugs with character, definition and a sense of motion. The special visitors are on display throughout the Garden’s 77 acres.
In recent years, the Big Bugs have traveled to Denver, Disney's Epcot, New York Botanical Garden and the U.S. National Arboretum. "This is only the second time the exhibit has been seen in North Carolina," says Jennifer Sullivan, Cape Fear Botanical Garden Executive Director. "With the completion of our Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex and new gardens surrounding the center, the time was right to bring an exhibition of this caliber to the Garden."
The exhibit is included with admission to the Garden. Every Saturday from 12 to 3 pm during the exhibit, child-friendly activities are scheduled. Additionally, kids are invited to be “bug detectives” each day the Big Bugs are in residence.
While in town to see the Big Bugs, visitors might check out the Patri-Arts & Gardens Cultural Heritage Trail for other arts and gardens activities. As another option, browse the range of outdoor activities on www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com. Follow the link for information on ZipQuest, a 2-1/2 hour canopy tour through the trees, Gillis Hill Farm, a 9th generation working farm and Jambbas Ranch, a small zoo with walking trails and more.
“As America’s hometown, visitors can experience Americana at its best,” says John Meroski, Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO. “Come and see the Big Bugs, and create an All American adventure.”
ABOUT THE CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDEN
Cape Fear Botanical Garden is located on seventy-seven acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek just two miles from downtown Fayetteville. Founded in 1989, the Garden now boasts more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants and has several specialty gardens, including Camellia, Daylily and Hosta gardens and a newly installed Butterfly Stroll. The Garden is open Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm - 5pm. Admission is $8 for adults; $2.50 for children 6-12; free for children 5 and under. A Military discount is available. Tel. : 910-486-0221 . www.CapeFearBg.org
About the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com or call 1-888-98-HEROES. Fayetteville/Cumberland County is America's first military sanctuary. Through the Army's Army and other volunteer groups, our citizens and businesses are dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us ©.”
Press Contact: Melody Foote (mfoote@visitfayettevillenc.com), 888-98-HEROES
