Art in the Arboretum

Celebrate creativity at the 3rd Annual Art in the Arboretum, a free outdoor community event set against the beautiful backdrop of the Varga Arboretum. This year’s theme, Community in Bloom, honors connection, creativity, and the spirit of Kaysville as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Wander tree-lined paths and discover an inspiring showcase of local talent — from quilts and paintings to sculpture, 3-D printed creations, and storytelling — all thoughtfully displayed among the gardens. Enjoy live music, explore interactive art stations, add your own touch with sidewalk chalk, or participate in hands-on classes (additional fees apply). Come hungry and savor delicious eats from local food trucks, then find a one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home.

Join us to experience art and nature coming together in full bloom.

For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact our Outreach Manager, Alex Zesiger, at alex.zesiger@usu.edu prior to the event.

All proceeds and donations directly support the garden. 

Art in the Arboretum graphic image

Sponsored By

Goldenwest Credit Union and Discover Davis

Plan Your Visit

We’re excited to welcome you to Art in the Arboretum!

Promotional flyer for “Art in the Arboretum” at the USU Botanical Center on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The flyer features a illustrated map of the Varga Arboretum showing activity locations including a storytime area, kid zone, tree tours, art competition, community art project, live music, art exhibitors, food trucks, plant diagnostic clinic, and gardening classes. A schedule section lists activities throughout the day: 10–11 a.m.: Legacy Winds Quintet, gardening lecture, and tree tour 11 a.m.–12 p.m.: Water-wise gardening class, storytime with Davis County Library, Kristina Eveonne music, and tree tour 12–1 p.m.: Gardening lecture, Kristina Eveonne music, and tree tour 1–2 p.m.: Water-wise gardening class, Rylee McKay acoustic music, tree tour, and storytime with Davis County Library Additional activities listed include outdoor art exhibits, community art projects, kids craft stations, chalk stations, plant diagnostic clinic pop-up, free gardening classes, food trucks, photo opportunities, and live music. Event information at the bottom lists the USU Botanical Center address at 80 E. 725 S., Kaysville, Utah 84037, and diagnostic clinic information for Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 1 to October 1, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sponsor logos for USU Credit Union, Goldenwest Credit Union, and Discover Davis appear along the bottom of the flyer.

Activities

Art in the Arboretum brings together creativity, learning, and community in a garden setting. Artists were encouraged to create and submit work inspired by this year’s theme, Community in Bloom. Activities take place throughout the event unless otherwise noted.

  • Art Exhibitors & Competitors
    Browse a variety of artwork from local artists displayed throughout the arboretum.
  • Live Music
    Enjoy live entertainment as you explore the gardens.
  • Tree Tours with Botanical Center Docents (10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm)
    Join our knowledgeable docents to learn about tree selection, history, and the benefits trees bring to our landscapes.
  • Hands-On Activities
    Get creative with chalk art, kids' crafts, and a collaborative community art project.
  • Story Time with the Davis County Library
    A fun and engaging experience for younger visitors.
  • Gardening & Landscaping Lectures (times TBA)
    Learn practical tips and ideas from experts to take home to your own landscape.
  • Plant Diagnostic Pop-Up Clinic
    Get your garden questions answered! Bring photos of any garden-related issues you may be experiencing and talk with a USU Extension Master Gardener. 
  • Utah Iris Society - Late Blooms Iris Show (1–5 PM)
    Extend your visit and enjoy a beautiful display of iris blooms presented by a partnering organization at the Wetland Discovery Point building (676 S. 50 W. Kaysville, UT 84037)

Venue Information

Art in the Arboretum takes place outdoors at the USU Botanical Center, a public garden with plant collections designed to inspire, educate, and connect people with the natural world.

An arboretum is a curated 'living museum' where mature trees, shrubs, and woody plants are cared for with the purpose of research, enjoyment, and education—making it the perfect setting for a day of art and community.

Admission and parking are free. Comfortable walking shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended as you explore the grounds.

The Iris Show will be held from 1–5 PM at the Wetland Discovery Point building, located just across the street. This space serves as our hub for nature-based field trips and water-quality education and offers an indoor space to view the displays.

Visitors can easily walk between the two locations, or choose to drive—parking is available at both sites.

Donate

We love hosting fun community events and want to keep them FREE when possible. Please DONATE if you can. All contributions will help us expand this event in the future. 

Exhibitor and Contestant Entry (2026)

Presented by Utah State University (USU) Botanical Center, the Art in the Arboretum exhibition has space for quilts, sculptures, canvases, pottery, and more! This show is open to all current and previous Utah residents. Exhibitors may enter art in different media. Deadline for submission is April 16, 2026. 

2026 Art Exhibitor Entry Form

FAQ

Can I sell my artwork at this event?

Yes. Artists are welcome to offer their artwork for sale during the event if they select it on their entry form.

How do sales work?

Artists are responsible for managing their own sales, including pricing, payment processing, and sales tax compliance. Please plan to bring your own payment system (cash, card reader, etc.).

When do buyers receive their artwork?

All sold artwork must remain on display until the event concludes at 2:00 PM. Buyers may return at that time to pick up their purchased pieces.

Do I need to stay with my artwork?

Yes. Artists are required to remain with their display space and artwork for the duration of the event (10:00 AM–2:00 PM).

Entry is deadline for submissions is April 16, 2026.  
Send an email to alex.zesiger@usu.edu if you have any questions!

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2026 Art in the Arboretum

Date: May 16, 2026

Where: 875 S. 50 W. Kaysville, UT 84037

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM

Other: Food trucks will be onsite. Picnic dinners allowed. Parking is free.

Exhibitor Entry Form

Donate





Artist talks with attendee

Art class taking place outdoors in the Arboretum

Dancers perform on outdoor stage at Art in the Arboretum

Artist explaining their process to clients

Community members with dog stroll art walk

Kids drawing with sidewalk chalk outdoors

Live musicians perform on stage during Art in the Arboretum

All photos by Vanessa Adams Photography
Vanessa Adams Photography Logo

Art display of nature themed framed paintings


Artist contributes to sidewalk chalk art display




Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.