May 5 through October 1, 2023
Rich Soil at the Garden, created by American artist Kristine Mays, is inspired by the movements and gestures of Alvin Ailey’s dance composition “Revelations.” The exhibition features 29 sculptures in seven groupings placed throughout the 96 acre grounds of the Garden.
About Rich Soil at the Garden
Rich Soil, created by American artist Kristine Mays, is inspired by the movements and gestures of Alvin Ailey’s dance composition “Revelations.” The exhibition features 29 sculptures in seven groupings placed throughout the 96-acre grounds of the Garden. Each sculpture consists of thousands of pieces of wire hooked and looped together to create these intriguing forms which pay honor to ancestors–those that walked, lived on, and tended to this land–to the lives that have been overlooked and “forgotten” within our history. These forms deliver a message of strength while challenging how we view ourselves and others. Within the confines of hard metal wire is a sense of resilience and perseverance–a need to push forward and thrive. The work also speaks to identity–the question of who we are, what we can do with our lives, and the impact our lives have on the world. The implied movement in the works evokes expressive gestures through the delicate balance between perceived fragility and realized strength.
About Kristine Mays
Kristine Mays currently lives and works in San Francisco, California. She has been an exhibiting artist since 1993. Mays seeks to create change with her art, creating socially conscious works of beauty that speak to social issues. She has participated in programming at the De Young Museum, the Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD), and exhibited at the California African American Museum (CAAM). Mays is represented by Modernism Inc. Gallery. Her work is a part of the permanent collection at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, CA. Collectors of her work include Star Wars creator George Lucas and collector/philanthropist Peggy Cooper Cafritz, with her work also displayed in many private collections throughout the United States.
En-RICH Your Visit
En-RICH your experience at the Garden! Delight in music & performances from local arts & cultural organizations; enjoy dog-friendly extended hours; encounter inspiration in nature.
Rich Sounds
Join us at the Garden on the last Sunday of each month from 2-5 pm to enjoy performances and demonstrations from local arts & culture organizations. We’ll also have a cash bar on-site to grab a seasonal sip or two during your visit. Free with Garden admission. No reservations are required.
May 28: Ekpe Abioto
June 25: Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group
July 30: Memphis Jazz Workshop
August 27: Stax Academy
September 24: Memphis Symphony Orchestra Ensemble
Twilight Thursdays
Join us each Thursday from May 11 through October 26 from 5-8 pm for our extended hours! We’ll be open late for you to explore the Garden after hours. Plus we’ll have a cash bar for you to grab a beer, wine, or cocktail to enjoy during your visit. Dogs are welcome! The second Thursday of each month will feature food trucks & live music. Follow our social media for details & updates. Free with Garden admission.
Reflect in Nature
As you explore the grounds, you’ll encounter some quotations selected by Kristine Mays to accompany the exhibition. We invite you to take a moment to pause in nature & reflect on these inspired words. Does it change how you view Rich Soil at the Garden? Does it change how you perceive your surroundings?
Rich Soil at the Garden Know before you go
General admission to the Garden includes Rich Soil at the Garden. Admission can be purchased at the front desk in our Visitors Center when you arrive for your visit. Reservations or advanced purchase is not required for daily admission to the Garden.
For Non-Members, admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $7 for children aged 2-12, and free for children under 2.
MBG Members enjoy free unlimited access to the exhibition by showing their membership card at the entry. Click to join!
Special events & programming may require a ticket. Please check our Things To Do Calendar for more details & upcoming events.
All of the exhibition sculptures are located off of accessible pathways in the Garden.
We have a few push-chair wheelchairs that are available to guests. They are on a first-come, first-serve and are free of charge. Simply ask admission staff if one is available for use.
MBG Members enjoy free unlimited access to the exhibition by showing their membership card at the entry. Click to join!
See below for group rates.
There are no other discounts offered at this time.
Click here to learn about the Rich Soil at the Garden Interactive School Tour. The program can be adapted for grades K-12 and is available between May 8 & September 29.
For more information or to book your field trip contact Kristen Zemaitis at 901-636-4126 or kristen.zemaitis@membg.org.
Fratelli’s Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am-2 pm. Click here to visit their website.
Join us each Thursday from May 11 through October 26 from 5-8 pm for our extended hours! We’ll be open late for you to explore the Garden after hours. Plus we’ll have a cash bar for you to grab a beer, wine, or cocktail to enjoy during your visit. The second Thursday of each month will feature food trucks. Dogs are welcome! Follow our social media for details & updates. Free with Garden admission.
Please refer to individual event listings for food and beverage offerings at special events.
Please do not touch the sculptures or step in planted beds or on any plants.
Use caution around pond edges, and please no wading in the fountains. Children must be supervised at all times. Please use courtesy when taking photos, and do not block pathways.
Groups over 20 can receive $2 off per person. Please contact William Henry, Box Office Manager, for group ticket sales at william.henry@membg.org or 901-636-4107.
During the month of July, adult groups can also book an interactive tram tour of the exhibit. Click here for more information.
Parking and entry for Rich Soil at the Garden is through our Visitors Center.
Guests are welcome to take photographs and videos of the exhibition for personal use, however personal photo shoots, including engagement photos, wedding/bridal photos, and family portraits using any professional equipment must be scheduled in advance and requires a fee.
