Mission Statement

The New England Society of Botanical Artists works to promote public appreciation of the art and science of botanical art and illustration in New England. The Society educates individuals and organizations about botanical art and illustration through exhibits, lectures, workshops, and blog articles.

NESBA emphasizes New England plant diversity and its preservation, and provides a community for artists and illustrators engaged in this challenging discipline.

The Botanical Art program at MassHort was featured in on Chronicle, a news magazine show on WCVB-TV (an ABC-affiliate broadcasting from Boston).  It features an interview with Lauren Meier in her home studio, and Alice Rosa teaching her “Botanical Art with Color Pencils” class with many NESBA members in attendance. Click here to view the episode.

Join our Community!

At 246 members, NESBA is the ASBA’s largest chapter.  Our robust programming relies on a team of people and offers countless ways to participate.  Volunteering is a great way to make a deeper connection with fellow botanical artists and make a real contribution to our organization. Click here to join ASBA/NESBA or here to learn how to get involved.

Many Thanks to:

Board of Directors

Sarah Roche - Founding Director

Jackie Rockel - Membership, Newsletter, Zoom support

Lynn Shepherd - Treasurer, Annual Retreat

Carole Magner - Secretary

Gail Pearlstein - Member at Large, Exhibits, Workshops

Elizabeth Rush - Member at Large, Beyond the Brush, Blogs

Catherine Bryant - Member at Large

Media Team

Jackie Rockel - Newsletter (Zoom)

Elizabeth Rush - Editorial

Mary Shapiro - Zoom

Lesley Farrell - Website

Mari Ryan - Website

Donna Pesce - Website

Joan Strauss - Website (Zoom)

2025 Retreat Volunteers

Jan Boyd created beautiful calligraphy place cards and name tags.

Ellen Duarte stepped right up to teach when Kathie was unable to come.

Lianne Gillespie took care of the technology.

Marie Brezinski helped with getting food.

Catherine Bryant, Janice McGonagle, and Carole Magner helped with cleanup.

‘Spring Awakenings’ Exhibit Transporters

Ellen Duarte, Nancy Horrall, Gail Pearlstein, Sarah Roche, Joyce Westner

World of Flowers Exhibit Volunteers

Hanging / Take down:

Demonstrators / Greeters: Catherine Bryant, Judy Cabot, Maureen Harrington, Cheryl McCaffrey, Janice McGonagle, Lauren Meier, Joan Pierce, Sarah Roche, Carol Schwartz