Each piece in the juried exhibition, called Wild Art, displays the artist’s reflections on the natural world and wildlife and offers gateways into the surrounding landscape. 

“In some ways, these sculptures just feel like they interweave with the gardens here and invite people to explore,” said Exhibits Curator Ashlee Lanier. 

Some sculptures, such as Grace Cathey’s “Big Al,” portray animals in implied motion, while others, like John W. Parker’s “Raptor,” explore free-form expressions and still others, like David Boyajian’s “Carp and the Acorn,” display the inherent elegance of nature. 

The arboretum is also showing the photography exhibition The Enveloping Landscape: A Contemplative Photographic Journey in the Baker Exhibit Center through May 2 and will open an exhibit of photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen titled A Life in the Wild later that month.

There is no admission fee for the arboretum, but a $16 parking fee is required for nonmembers. 828.665.2492 or www.ncarboretum.org.