March 08, 2024

Ribbit Exhibit at the Sonoma Botanical Garden

March 08, 2024/ Ronnie Sharpe

A Fantastical, Frog-Filled Adventure for the Whole Family

**April 5 to August 31, 2024**

Sonoma Botanical Garden leaps into spring with *Ribbit Exhibit*, a whimsical, family-friendly presentation of more than 20 larger-than-life frog characters placed in vignettes throughout the Garden. Each with their own name and story, the enchanting human-sized sculptures by artist Andy Cobb include Zenny meditating on a leaf on the Garden’s Pond, Bentley and his tortoise friend Tortuga ambling along the California Oaks Trail, dapper Floyd and his elegant partner Grace cutting the rug amongst the flowers, and many others.

22 Eye-catching Sculptures

Each 4 to 6 feet tall, are thoughtfully handcrafted by the North Carolina-based Cobb from copper, colored with natural patina. Visitors will find them sitting in trees, playing jazz, enjoying a cup of coffee on a garden bench, and more.

**Public Programs**

A robust roster of public programs such as guided tours, live music, family scavenger hunts, and family fun days are planned while the exhibit is on view.

**Sunday Fundays**

**June 9, July 14 & August 11, 2024; 1-4pm**
**Free for members and included with admission.**
Hop on over for an afternoon of family fun in the beauty of the Garden with face painting, arts and crafts with Art Escape’s Art Van Gogh, family yoga with Sonoma Yoga, Music Time with Megan, and lawn games. Families can win prizes for completing a froggy-themed scavenger hunt, enjoy frog-tastic story time, and more.

**Acoustic Sunsets**

**Wednesdays, May 1-October 30, 2024; 5-8pm**
**Free for members and included with admission.**
The Garden extends its hours every Wednesday this summer with special activities for all ages including live music in the amphitheater, lawn games, and other family friendly activities. Bring a picnic and Fido too as the Garden is welcoming well behaved, leashed dogs during these special evening hours.

**About Andy Cobb**

What started as a hobby now keeps metal sculptor Andy Cobb hopping six days a week in his studio where frogs in tutus and tuxedos are the norm. He began by making realistic game fish out of copper sheet and learned to coax iridescent colors from the metal using heat. What started as a small show in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina exploded into *Ribbit the Exhibit*, which has been shown in more than two dozen public gardens across the country.

**About Sonoma Botanical Garden**

Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.

General Information Starting April 5, 2024, the Garden will be open daily 10am – 5pm, with extended evening hours from 5-8pm on Wednesdays, May 1-October 30, 2024, Admission prices starting April 5, 2024 are as follows: $15 adults; $12 seniors 65+; $8 youth 5-17 years old, teachers and active military; FREE for children 4 and under. The Garden is a proud participant in the Museums for All program enabling $3 admissions. Groups of 8 or more are asked to make a reservation in advance. Visit at 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA. Call 707-996-3166 or email info@sonomabg.org for questions.