At the Watchung Arts Center, art and nature converge in a celebration of color, form, and wit with Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern’s “The Florilegium”, a vibrant exhibition running through October 25, 2025. The show invites viewers into an imaginative universe where historic botanical illustration meets contemporary creativity, offering a fresh and playful take on the timeless beauty of flowers.
Ficarelli-Halpern’s latest body of work is deeply informed by research into botanical art from previous centuries. Drawing inspiration from the meticulous studies of Victorian-era illustrators, she examines plants not only as subjects of scientific fascination but as symbols loaded with meaning. Each piece reflects a careful study of structure, color, and botanical accuracy, yet Ficarelli-Halpern injects humor and subtle innuendo, giving her work a modern sensibility that contrasts delightfully with the seriousness of historical botanical art.
The exhibition title, “Florilegium,” is derived from the Latin term for “a gathering of flowers,” and it perfectly encapsulates the artist’s approach. These works are at once scholarly and whimsical, honoring the detailed tradition of botanical illustration while celebrating the sensuality, humor, and cultural symbolism inherent in flowers. One particularly noted work, “A Little Plant Adultery,” exemplifies this approach, playfully referencing the reproductive processes of so-called “perfect” flowers while engaging viewers with a clever, tongue-in-cheek sensibility.
Visitors to the Watchung Arts Center will experience Ficarelli-Halpern’s signature mixed-media process, which combines traditional drawing techniques with layered textures, washes, and contemporary media. The exhibition showcases her meticulous attention to detail, whether in the delicate veining of a petal or the intricate composition of a floral arrangement. These pieces, often intimate in scale, encourage close inspection and reflection, rewarding viewers with both visual delight and intellectual curiosity.
“The Florilegium” is presented alongside concurrent exhibitions by Eileen Ferara and Tracy Duhamel McFarlane, offering a dynamic and engaging environment for art lovers. Visitors can see how Ficarelli-Halpern’s botanical explorations dialogue with other contemporary art forms, providing a rich, multifaceted experience.
The Watchung Arts Center, located at 18 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ 07069, is hosting this exhibition through Saturday, October 25, 2025, providing ample opportunity for art enthusiasts, botanists, and casual visitors to immerse themselves in this celebration of floral creativity. Whether you are drawn to the scientific rigor of botanical illustration or the playful, narrative twist that Ficarelli-Halpern adds, the exhibition offers a unique lens through which to view the power, symbolism, and joy of flowers.
In addition to its artistic appeal, “The Florilegium” resonates with broader themes in horticulture, agriculture, and the study of plants as cultural artifacts, making it a natural fit for visitors interested in New Jersey’s rich agricultural and botanical heritage. For those inspired by the intersection of art and nature, more stories on innovation in agriculture and plant-based artistry can be found at Explore New Jersey Arts & Culture, the Explore New Jersey’s Agriculture & Farming section and visit the webite for more information about the artist and any events.
The exhibition remains on view for a limited time, offering an intimate, colorful, and thoughtful exploration of flowers that bridges centuries of artistic tradition with a contemporary, playful voice.
