There’s more to the forest than meets the eye. Welcome to the land of butterflies, moths, beetles, and other multi-legged creatures that crawl, fly, march, and munch their way through the world’s ecosystems. Each year we feature a holiday exhibit with a different theme in the conservatory at Matthaei  Botanical Gardens. This annual winter/holiday event also features seasonal flowers, decorated trees, kids activities, holiday items, discounts in the Garden Store for Matthaei-Nichols members, and more. Free. Note: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Open New Year’s Day. (Below, left to right: Alexa Karabin, Mantis, handmade inks, glass, and gold leaf on paper; Mark Swarthout, Bamboo and Dragonfly, sumi-e ink and rice paper; Sue Holdaway Heys, art quilt.)

Don’t miss our Winter Artist Market December 2. Dozens of local artists are selling their handmade, nature-inspired artwork. Everything from jewelry to ceramics, to original drawings.

Alongside Beautiful Bugs, we’re featuring a community art exhibit of the same name in the gallery spaces and hallways at Matthaei. Artists from the local and University of Michigan communities submitted art in a variety of media, including textile, photography, ceramic, paintings on canvas, prints, and sculpture. Take a look at a selection of these works below.