Memphis Botanic Garden Blossoms Under New Leadership

News Summary

The Memphis Botanic Garden is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of MaryLynn Mack, who focuses on creativity and community engagement. With the launch of the TROLLS: Save the Humans exhibit, she aims to promote environmental conservation through art and educational programming. MaryLynn’s vision is to make the garden a hub of creativity and stewardship, encouraging residents to connect with nature and participate actively in community activities.

Welcome to Memphis: A New Era of Creativity and Conservation

In the heart of Memphis, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and history, a fresh breeze of creativity and conservation is blowing through the Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG). The driving force behind this transformation is none other than MaryLynn Mack, the new Executive Director who brings an inspiring passion for nature and community engagement.

A Life Rooted in Nature

MaryLynn’s love for nature runs deep, rooted in her upbringing in Cincinnati, Ohio. Raised by her grandparents, she learned early on the joys of gardening—her grandfather being famous for his juicy beefsteak tomatoes, while her grandmother had a green thumb for nurturing beautiful African violets. With such a rich heritage, it’s no wonder that MaryLynn is now dedicating her career to enhancing the natural beauty of Memphis.

A Journey to MBG

Before taking the reins at MBG, MaryLynn gathered an impressive resume, working in various roles from Cox Communications to health and human services, and eventually transitioning into the museum and garden field. Her stints included serving as the director of the San Diego Natural History Museum and spending 16 years as deputy director at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. More recently, she was the chief operating officer at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, California. This wealth of experience equips her perfectly to lead MBG into a new era.

Transformational Leadership

MaryLynn champions a leadership style that prioritizes vulnerability, openness, and continuous learning. She believes in transformational leadership rather than a transactional approach, encouraging leaders to listen and engage with their communities. This philosophy reflects her vision for the Memphis Botanic Garden: to be not just a garden, but a community hub for learning, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

The Exciting TROLLS Exhibit

Spearheading this vibrant initiative is the TROLLS: Save the Humans exhibit, which launched on February 1, 2025, and is set to run until May 21. This captivating exhibition features giant troll sculptures crafted from recycled materials, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. MaryLynn hopes that these colorful additions will raise awareness about environmental conservation and encourage visitors to connect deeply with nature.

Connection Through Art

Each of the six troll sculptures tells a unique story, with missions that promote positive messages about our natural world. Previous artistic events at the garden, like the enchanting Alice in Wonderland figures in 2022, drew in crowds and helped strengthen community bonds. The goal is clear: to create a sense of wonder and engagement through these large, imaginative installations.

More Than Just an Exhibit

The TROLLS exhibition comes packed with exciting educational opportunities! Visitors can look forward to tram tours, hands-on workshops, storytelling events, and community crafting sessions. Admission is easy on the wallet—free for MBG members, with general tickets priced at $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children aged 2-12.

The Community Spirit

What makes Memphis truly special, according to MaryLynn, is its small-town feel combined with a thriving arts scene filled with fantastic music and food. As she encourages the community to make the most of this transformation, MaryLynn hopes residents will embrace outdoor activities, discover the beauty of their surroundings, and get involved with the garden’s enriching programming.

A Love for Learning

Beyond her leadership role, MaryLynn is an avid reader, with an impressive collection of books—25 boxes worth! It’s no surprise that she embodies a spirit of lifelong learning, an ethos she hopes to spread throughout MBG and the broader Memphis community.

Conclusion

Under MaryLynn Mack’s direction, the Memphis Botanic Garden is blossoming into a beacon of creativity and environmental awareness. So, gather your friends and family, and make a plan to visit MBG. Experience the magic of the TROLLS exhibit and get involved, because together, we can make a difference for our planet and our community!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Weekend Events in Memphis: Enjoy Music, Food, and Fun!
March Events Showcase Memphis Arts and Culture
Memphis Hosts Women and Business Seminar Amid Local News
Spring Gardening Gets Underway in Memphis
Weekend Activities in Memphis for Everyone
Weekend Activities Await in Memphis
Memphis Offers Art Classes for All Ages
Memphis Welcomes 2025 with January Events
Memphis Welcomes 2025 with Festive Celebrations and Events
Memphis Weekend: Art Exhibitions and Holiday Festivities

Additional Resources

• Style Blueprint: MaryLynn Mack at Memphis Botanic Garden
• Commercial Appeal: Thomas Dambo Trolls at Memphis Botanic Garden
• Choose901: TROLLS Exhibit at Memphis Botanic Garden
• Fox13 Memphis: Get in Touch with Your Wild Side TROLLS Exhibit
• Local Memphis: MaryLynn Mack New Executive Director
• Wikipedia: Memphis Botanic Garden