Special to The Leader

ORANGE — Paralysis, strangulation, derangement – these are just a few of the misdeeds of the plant kingdom you’ll explore when you attend the grand opening of the newest exhibition at the Stark Museum of Art, Wicked Plants: The Exhibit, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, October 3.

When you enter the Stark Museum of Art lobby you may see the evil plants that are lurking in your own backyard. The exhibition setting is a rundown house where you move through each room to figure out the plants’ secrets and solve their mysteries. There are opportunities to play mad scientist or become a sleuth to deduce how plants have left their mark on history and claimed many an unfortunate victim. Each room features different plants, along with their signature wicked characteristics, mysteries and other engaging activities – all coming together in one of the most creative traveling exhibits to arrive at the Stark Museum of Art.

Wicked Plants: The Exhibit is designed to educate visitors of all ages about plants that are harmful to the human body and to increase knowledge regarding the use of harmful plants and plant derivatives in the scientific and health fields. Visitors will discover plants that are poisonous, carnivorous, or just plain nasty, and shown in their full fearful and entertaining glory. An introduction to infamous plants will be unfurled and include species that have left their mark on history.

Created by the North Carolina Arboretum, this national traveling exhibit was inspired by author Amy Stewart’s best-selling book, Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities and is funded by the North Carolina Arboretum Society and the Creel-Harison Foundation. Stewart will be in Orange at the Stark Museum of Art for a lecture and book-signing on Thursday, October 8. Tickets may be purchased online by going to the Museum’s website at starkmuseum.org.

The Stark Museum of Art is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, a private operating foundation that aims to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas. Hours are: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit starkmuseum.org for more information.