Open Studio Session #5: Mertensia Virginica, Virginia Bluebells

Common Press and Kaskey Memorial Park are collaborating to highlight the Park’s flora and fauna through a printmaking series of six open studio sessions, during which anyone can print a commemorative broadside using letterpress techniques. Each open studio session highlights a different unique species in the Park’s collection. The list of topics is curated by head gardener, Claire Thurston-Emmert and greenhouse and garden manager, Kathryn Butler. The broadsides are designed by staff from Common Press. Participants are encouraged to come to all 6 events and build a print portfolio about Kaskey Park.

The printing activity takes less than 10 minutes, so feel free to drop by anytime—stay for a few minutes or as long as you like! This event is free and open to the public. If you don't have a PennCard, you will need to bring a photo ID and sign in at the security desk for access. See access guidelines here.

Plants/Dates:

• Ulmus americana, American elm: Wednesday 8/26/26, 12 to 2 p.m. at Kaskey Memorial Park South Lawn Picnic Area (rain date 9/2). This date includes a 30-minute walking tour of the Park starting at 1 p.m.
• Asimina triloba, pawpaw: Wednesday, 10/14/26, 12 to 2 p.m. at Common Press  
• Lindera benzoin, spicebush: Wednesday, 11/18/26, 12 to 2 p.m. at Common Press 
• Catalpa speciosa, northern catalpa: Wednesday, 1/27/27, 12 to 2 p.m. at Common Press 
• Mertensia virginica, Virginia bluebells: Wednesday, 3/17/27, 12 to 2 p.m. at Common Press 
• Neviusia alabamensis, Alabama snow wreath: Wednesday, 4/21/27, 12 to 2 p.m. at Kaskey Memorial Park South Lawn Picnic Area  (rain date 4/2). This date includes a 30-minute walking tour of the Park starting at 1 p.m.