If anyone is having a good year in 2020, it's got to be plants. We're buying all the plants. We're praising them. We're wishing them well. We're finding the most beautiful pots and vessels to place them in and worship them.

So in a perfect act of flattery, Fort Makers, the New York–based design studio and artist collective, is pleased to present The Planter Show, a group exhibition of sculptural planters, flower pots, and abstract containers created by 40 contemporary artists and designers.

“The exhibition is grounded in the personification of the vessel and the life form it houses as a single entity," says Fort Makers cofounder and creative director Nana Spears. "Each planter is an idolized expression of our love for nature, and becomes a unique face with a tidy haircut or a wild beast with an unruly mane.

Earlier this year, as we retreated into the privacy of our homes, many found themselves alienated from nature and newly tethered to domestic space. In our moment of seclusion, our plant collections become landscapes—each fern, palm, and succulent a sacred intermediary to the outside world.”

Each sculpture will hold plants sourced in partnership with the design studio's neighboring nursery and gardening store, Dahing Plants. The plants will be cared for by friend of Clever and local plant doctor Maryah Greene, who will additionally host a virtual “Planting 101” workshop at Fort Makers.

If you're in New York City, Fort Makers and The Planter Show will be open to the public by appointment only, plus the design studio will capitalize on its storefront windows in the exhibition’s design, and further augment The Planter Show with an online viewing room and web shop. The opening is Friday, September 25, and the show will be on view through November 19. Check out a few of the beauties here.

L to R: Terracotta Cylinder by Paula Grief and Hairy Bowl Tripod Planter by Keith Simpson


Swan Pond by Janie Korn

Conch Shell Planter by Scott Reeder


Vayu by Farrah Sit & Joel Seigle


Thumbs-Up Planter by Jessi Li


Coptic Planter with Clover Diamonds by Elisabeth Kley

The Singing Rose 2 & 1 by Lauren Elder

Had to do it to them by Didi Rojas

Center Right: CAT by Shino Taked. Remaining Works (L to R): Tulip Pot, Double Line Pot, and Leg Up by Naomi Clark.