February 2018 Events for the Design Minded

Winter at the Arnold Arboretum, photo courtesy Arnold Arboretum

Beat the winter blues and get inspired for spring home renovation projects at these February events for the design minded.

Garden Design Workshop for Home Gardeners
Beginning February 7
Wondering how to begin to design your home’s garden? Award-winning designer Christie Dustman will take you through the process of organizing a coherent garden in this five-session class. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $150 members, $190 non-members. Arnold Arboretum, Boston, (617) 524-1718, arboretum.harvard.edu

Images from the Past: History of Photography in New England
February 10
Join curators for an introduction into the photographic collections in Historic New England’s library and archives. You will learn about nineteenth- and twentieth-century photographic processes and explore the work of outstanding New England photographers. Otis House, Cambridge, Mass., 1 p.m.–5 p.m. $30 Historic New England members and students, $45 non-members. Pre-registration is required. Call
(617) 994-6678 or register at historicnewengland.org

The Maine Home & Remodeling Show
February 10 – 11
Get ready for upcoming remodeling projects at The Maine Home & Remodeling Show. Industry experts in a wide variety of building fields will be on hand to answer your questions and share the latest products, technology, and building techniques. Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, Maine,
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Adults: $8 Seniors 65+ $6, Youth 6-16 $5, free under 6. maine.newenglandexpos.com

Connecticut Flower and Garden Show
February 22–25
The Connecticut Convention Center will be transformed into a gardener’s paradise, with landscape exhibits spread out over more than an acre within the center’s Exhibit Hall. A program of more than 20 speakers ensures there will be plenty for gardening lovers to learn while they enjoy the scenery. Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $18, $16 for seniors, $5 for children. Hartford, CT, (860) 844-8461, ctflowershow.com

68th Annual New England Home Show
February 23–25
More than 50 experts will be on hand to answer your building and remodeling questions and share the latest in building products and technology. After you pick the brains of all the industry pros, you can enjoy cooking demonstrations, a furniture-building zone, craft zone, and food specialty area. Friday noon–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $9. Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, (508) 823-0389, newenglandhomeshows.com 

Japan’s Global Baroque, 1550–1650
February 23–May 21
This exhibit explores the critical role that imported goods played in Japanese culture during 16th and 17th centuries. Items in the exhibition include decorative screens, Japanese lacquers, Chinese ceramics, and Persian and Indian trade textiles. Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, CT, (203) 432-0600, artgallery.yale.edu