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 gardeningโher 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, itโs 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 walletโfree 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 booksโ25 boxes worth! Itโs 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 Mackโs 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!
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
