Gardens

No charge ■ Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting No reservations needed ■ For more information, go to www.fourarts.org

Spring is the perfect season to visit The Four Arts gardens

The Society of the Four Arts has an ideal option for anyone looking to get fresh air and exercise while staying socially distanced this spring: The Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden and Four Arts Botanical Gardens. An oasis in the middle of the Four Arts campus, the gardens have provided an arcadian experience to visitors of the Palm Beaches since 1938. Explore the floral paths, ponds, and fountains in a flowing green space of two distinct and unique gardens.

The Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden has evolved over time to become an urban oasis with numerous park-like elements, including areas of seating, an elegant plaza, a classical garden pavilion, water fountains, and a grand lawn. Other features include a palm grove and four pergolas, all of which enhance the presentation of the garden’s modern and contemporary sculptures.

The Four Arts Botanical Gardens, managed and maintained by The Garden Club of Palm Beach, offer a respite of quiet repose from the busy activities of daily life. Originally designed in 1938, the Botanical Gardens are demonstration gardens that educate residents and visitors about the diversity of plants that thrive in South Florida’s climate.

Dale Chihuly, Fiori

ON DISPLAY

Now through Sunday, May 2, 2021 Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden Generously supported by Mr. and Mrs. Hank Siegel / Hamilton Jewelers

Garden In Bloom Flower Show

ON DISPLAY

Saturday, April 10 and Sunday. April 11, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden and Four Arts Botanical Gardens Created by The Garden Club of Palm Beach

Philip Haas, The Four Seasons

ON DISPLAY

Now through Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Pannill Pavilion inside the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden Generously supported by Mrs. Alice (Kit) Pannill

Philip Haas, Spring, 2010, painted fiberglass, on loan from the artist. ELVIO SALAZAR

In addition to the general splendor of the gardens, they also are the host for three exhibitions this spring.

Dale Chihuly’s Fiori features two installations on display through Sunday, May 2. Chihuly, an American artist noted for revolutionizing the studio glass movement and elevating perceptions of the glass medium, has placed Black and Yellow Herons and Red Bulbous Reeds in the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden, each demonstrating the artist’s penchant for organic, free flowing forms that evoke the natural world.

Also on display in the Pannill Pavilion is contemporary American artist Philip Haas’ The Four Seasons. These four painted fiberglass sculptures depicting Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter complete their run at The Four Arts on Wednesday, March 31. The sculptures are inspired by the paintings of Italian Mannerist Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526/1527–1593), in which the physical features of the four figures are rendered in floral, fruit and vegetables appropriate to each season.

Mark your calendars for The Garden Club of Palm Beach’s Garden in Bloom Flower Show, April 10 and April 11. While previous shows have been

Dale Chihuly, Red Bulbous Reeds. Artwork © Chihuly Studio. All Rights Reserved

displayed in the Gubelmann Auditorium, due to COVID-19 this year’s presentation will be an “In Bloom” show in the gardens.

Marvel at the floral arrangements that replicate the items with which they will be displayed, including the Diana, King Parrot, and Neptune sculptures and the Moonlight, Chinese, and Madonna Gardens in the demonstration gardens.

So whether you are out to enjoy the weather, get some exercise, make a day trip to The Four Arts, or enjoy these exhibitions, we hope you will come visit the gardens this spring!

FLOWER SHOW RELATED LECTURE

Bryan Rafanelli

A Great Party

Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 2 p.m. No charge • Reservations required, call (561) 655-7226 or visit the Box Office Book signing to follow Gubelmann Auditorium Creator, convenor, and storyteller Bryan Rafanelli will discuss his book, A Great Party: Designing the Perfect Celebration. Rafanelli will share experiences from around the world and articulate how weaving story with design, and intention with strategy, can inspire, give back to the world, and produce memories that last a lifetime.

The Four Arts welcomes new Director of Finance and Administration

Gloria Ortega Rex CPA brings a wealth of experience to the organization

The Society of the Four Arts is pleased to announce Gloria Ortega Rex CPA, MBA as our new Director of Finance and Administration. Ortega Rex is originally from Cuba, settling in West Palm Beach in the 1960s with her parents and one sister. She has lived in the Palm Beach area all her life, leaving only to attend University of Florida where she earned her undergraduate degree in Accounting. She also attended Florida Atlantic University where she earned her MBA with a concentration in Finance and most recently completed a two years Certified Financial Planner Program. Ortega Rex has worked in the Palm Beach area for most of her professional career working in public accounting, banking, and for the last 16 years working with foundations and endowments.

“I have a passion for philanthropy and working with organizations that make a difference in the community”, Ortega Rex said. “I appreciate the uniqueness of the Four Arts as a member organization but also with the fiduciary responsibility of managing an endowment.”

Ortega Rex was most recently the Vice President for Finance & CFO for The Miami Foundation, and previously was the Executive Vice President & CFO for The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties for 14 years. She also worked for The National Golf Foundation, First Federal Savings & Loans, and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

“Every organization I have worked with has allowed me the opportunity to make a difference and add value to the organization while enriching my professional and personal growth,” Ortega Rex said. “I consider it a privilege to have worked for each organization and to now be a part of The Society for the Four Arts.”

She started at The Four Arts in December, replacing Kathy Mardambek, who retired recently after 27 years of service here. for one month when I joined the Four Arts,” Ortega Rex said, “and I have great respect for her … she was invested in her work and the organization. To me, it is very important to be part of an organization where the staff is invested.”

Ortega Rex’s initial goals at The Four Arts include leading the Finance department, working with the Finance, Audit, Investments and Compensation committees, and working with the various operational areas to integrate The Four Arts’ software platform.

“I am looking forward to immersing myself in all aspects of accounting and operations at The Four Arts,” Ortega Rex said, “and I am honored to work with such a great group of people and such a unique organization.”