A Brush With Destiny: Paintings By Manabu Saito

REDDING — A solo exhibit of botanical art by the internationally-known artist Manabu Saito are on display at Highstead Arboretum through October 31.

Mr Saito’s work has drawn great acclaim and admiration even prior to his first solo exhibit in 1978. His paintings and drawings have appeared as United States postage stamps, graced the pages of field guides to North American wildflowers and cacti, and have appeared in Audubon, Horticulture and National Geographic magazines. Beyond private collections he is represented in the Shirley Sherwood collection of contemporary botanic art and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Florilegium.

Born in Tokyo, Mr Saito came to the United States where he graduated from Pratt Institute with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design. Fortuitously, a paint set left in a summer rental cottage caught his eye, leading him to begin rendering nature’s bounty.

He continued his artistic endeavors recording the garden of an Arizona cactus collector. This work caught the eye of famed bird illustrator Don R. Eckelberry, who urged Mr Manabu to commit himself to painting full time. By 1972 Mr Saito made this commitment.

His work spans the globe, depicting flora of South Africa and Costa Rica, as well as the southwestern and northeastern United States. Pieces, which at a distance appear bold and graphic, at close range show every nuance and plant part, just shy of cell structure. Many of the pieces in this show are for sale, which includes a contribution from the artist to support the work of Highstead Arboretum.

Viewing is by appointment only. Arrangements may be made by calling the Arboretum, 203-938-8809. Highstead Arboretum is at 127 Lonetown Road.