East Coast-exclusive alebrijes arrive at Lewis Ginter

East Coast-exclusive alebrijes arrive at Lewis Ginter

An exhibition of colorful and larger-than-life creature sculptures is at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden through September.

Why it matters: It's the first time the works have been available to view anywhere on the East Coast, per the garden.

State of play: "ALEBRIJES: Creatures of a Dreamworld" are Mexican folk art-inspired sculptures made of metal and papier-mâché.

  • They're brought to life by artists using acrylic paint and cartonería, a traditional Mexican art form, to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
  • In Richmond, the works displayed are from prominent alebrije artists, including Edgar Camargo Reyes and Perla Miriam Salgado Zamorano, whose designs were inspired the natural landscape.
  • Fun fact: Alebrijes originated in the 1930s and have become "celebrated symbols of Mexican art and cultural expression," per Lewis Ginter.

    If you go: "Creatures of a Dreamworld" is at Lewis Ginter through Sept. 27.

  • Admission is $24 for adults, $14 for kids 4-17.
  • The garden is open daily, 9am-5pm.