Always an urban oasis, Denver Botanic Gardens is embracing the city in new ways this year.

The Gardens' 2008 signature exhibition, "Urban Nature," explores the intersection of the urban environment and the natural world through art and horticultural practices, outlining strategies that all city dwellers can employ to evoke the natural world as green space diminishes amid concrete and steel. The exhibit opens April 19 and runs through Nov. 30.

A sense of contrast, yet balance, with the natural gardens will be realized through paintings by more than 10 local, national and internationally-known street-style painters and mural artists.

Among these prominent international personalities are artists Lady Pink, Mac, and Siloette - all of whom have contributed to the ever-evolving history of street-style art. New York City-area community activist, Lady Pink, has transitioned from painting subway trains in the '70s and '80s to creating grand-scale murals throughout New York City. Phoenix-based Mac draws inspiration from the surrounding Mexican and Chicano culture of the American Southwest, and cites artists Caravaggio, Mucha, and Vermeer as influential. Siloette, who currently resides in Los Angeles, is recognized mainly for her feminine subject matter, unique flowing style and organic ingredients; which can easily be compared to a modern interpretation of art nouveau. Frequently, dominant black outlines reference her previous work in stained glass.

Other local and regional talent includes artists Amanda Marie, Elisabeth Bunker, Delton Demarest, Dread, Sophie Fernandez, Javier Flores, Jolt,Mission, Adam Moorhead, Todd Robinson, Ian Rumley, and Wiser.

These street murals will be created on temporary panels situated within the natural beauty of the Gardens' York Street site, forging visual relationships that both surprise and resonate. The panels, produced by James Hardie Building Products are made of environmentally friendly materials including wood pulp, cement, sand and water. These materials, which are low in toxicity and have been recycled up to four times, reflect the importance of sustainability to the Gardens' core values.

Balcony displays, container gardening, and the concept of the urban homestead and other unique horticultural practices for city dwellers will be highlighted, as well. These educational programs include discussions with author Rick Darke, who will give a talk titled "In Your Face: Ethics and Urban Ecology" on Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. Darke will articulate his belief that all people should see and celebrate the dynamics of cultural and biological diversity, and find beauty in unlikely things and utility in common ground.

"'Urban Nature' seeks to demonstrate how, in a contemporary world that embraces industrialization and technology, the human connection with the earth requires more nurturing than ever," said Lisa Eldred, Director of Exhibitions and Programs. "Not only will the city be brought into the Gardens, the Gardens will venture out into the urban environment with programs and stimulating installations."

"Urban Nature" will include a Community Gardens feature that demonstrates the concepts of community gardening. This component will be complemented by original sculptures from Bill, Judy and Robert Schempp of "Mind to Metal." These metalworks will contain weather-resistant photographs by the Gardens' official photographer, Scott Dressel-Martin.

Pertinent issues facing city life will be addressed through a comprehensive program schedule, including a discussion on the healing power and deliciousness of wild plants, classes on raising chickens in the city, and hands-on instruction in creating gardens for balconies or terraces. Also, spoken word presentations will be delivered at a Poetry Slam! and Open Mic Night at Denver Botanic Gardens on Monday, May 12, from 7 - 9 p.m., co-presented by the University of Denver's Writing Program.

Guided tours of the "Urban Nature" exhibit will be offered every Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Other exhibits at the Gardens that complement "Urban Nature" include:

" City Rhythms"- Denver Botanic Gardens

This exhibition of new paintings by Denver artist Darrell Anderson captures the unstoppable, inventive spirit of music and the arts when complemented by the pulse of the city. Colorful references to sound, the natural world and movement abound in these vibrant original works. Opening reception: Thursday, May 1, 5 - 8 p.m. See Darrell Anderson painting on-site at the Gardens on Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. - noon.

"The Art of Nature" - Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield will host "The Art of Nature" exhibit. This presentation of art embraces natural materials. Panoramic vistas of the foothills serve as the backdrop for site-specific installations by Durango-based environmental artist Mary Ellen Long. These works illustrate how people can express themselves by harnessing nature's own tools from the earth. "The Art of Nature" will take place from May 3 through Nov. 30.

Visit www.botanicgardens.org for more information.

The presenting sponsor of "Urban Nature" is Wells Fargo.