OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
Sounds Like Fun
The Curious Collector
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Summer 2019 Volume 10, Issue 3
SCULPTURE ESSAY
SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT
Utopia Found
A Season of Celebration
A NATIONAL TREASURE: FRED MEIJER, HIS COLLECTION AND LEGACY
FIFTH THIRD BANK SUMMER CONCERTS
A WORLD-CLASS COLLECTION October 7, 2019 will mark the 20th anniversary of the installation and dedication of the monumental sculpture inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and created by Nina Akamu, called The American Horse. The sculpture was Fred Meijer’s favorite piece of art and he loved to tell stories of its creation and how it came to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The American Horse stands prominently in the center of Meijer Gardens, calling us into its outdoor-room setting to learn and enjoy. Another edition of the horse, called Il Cavallo dello Sforza is in Milan, Italy.
TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB
The horse was very important to Fred. It was also important to Leonardo. In his exceptionally wellwritten 2017 biography titled Leonardo, noted author Walter Isaacson devotes an entire chapter to the story of the Leonardo horse. When Leonardo finally received a commission to create and build the horse, Isaacson writes, “[i]t was the situation he [Leonardo] had yearned for.” Like many projects Leonardo started, he never finished it. Larry ten Harmsel’s book about Fred Meijer and The American Horse, available in the gift shop, completes the story. The American Horse is a piece of art that is easy to understand, engage with and enjoy. It is always fun for me to witness people marveling at the sculpture and doing interesting things like laying down on the ground under the hoof and having their picture taken. Who would have known 20 years ago that it would become a prime “selfie” location! These acts of expression mean people are engaging with art, learning new things and enjoying the gifts of Fred and Lena Meijer.
The journey you make from one horse to the other is a metaphor for the art-collecting journey Fred Meijer took in his lifetime. He began collecting primarily art that he liked, understood and appreciated. Along the way he developed a desire to create a world-class collection of sculpture set among the finest horticulture. This desire led him to collecting many different types of sculpture from different periods of time and from a wide diversity of art movements. He even collected art he didn’t personally like or enjoy, but came to understand it as an important part of building a significant collection. Meijer Gardens is a physical reality representing a love story. Fred Meijer loved art in the form of sculpture. Lena Meijer loves horticulture and the way flowers can make the world beautiful. Their love for each other during their 65 years of marriage was amazing. When you visit our sculpture sites, take a moment and absorb the love Fred and Lena Meijer have shared with all people.
Gratefully, David S. Hooker President and CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park A SEASON OF CELEBRATION
ROSE SHOW
The American Horse also serves a very important role in introducing us to other styles of art. 64 healthy-size steps away is another horse sculpture, Cabin Creek, by Deborah Butterfield. Cabin Creek and The American Horse are both horses with all four legs visible. Each has a head, body and tail. There the similarities end. Pay a visit to both pieces of art and see how many similarities and differences you can find. There is a somewhat “hidden horse” inside Cabin Creek. See if you can find it.
HOURS Tuesday, 9 am–9 pm Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
HONORARY CHAIRMAN Frederik Meijer (1919–2011) HONORARY MEMBER Earl Holton
EARLY HOURS FOR MEMBERS Saturday, 8 am–9 am Sunday, 9 am–11 am
PRESIDENT AND CEO David Hooker
The first weekend of each month, Meijer Gardens members can take advantage of earlier open hours. The DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop, James & Shirley Balk Café and Wege Library open at normal hours.
EX OFFICIO MEMBER, President of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation John Baab Ryan Anderson Tasha Blackmon Linda Chamberlain Jocelyn Dettloff Scott DeVecht Suzanne Eberle Michael Gaudino Meg Goebel Charyn Hain Shane Hansen Todd Harvey Matthew Heynen Tamara Hibbitts Nancy Hickey Ronald Hofman Mike Jeppesen Yang Kim Jeff Lambert Gloria Lara Elisa Lintemuth
Jon March Janet Mason Mark Miller Laina Mills Mark Mossing Hannah Naltner Bonnie Nawara William Padnos Doriane Parker-Sims Jim Preston Bill Schoonveld Joe Taber Edward VanDam Kathleen Vogelsang Jill Walcott Maryln Walton Vicky Weller Daniel Williams Robert Wolford John Zimmerman
CONTACT Main 616-957-1580 Toll Free 888-957-1580
OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
SOUNDS LIKE FUN
SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
THE CURIOUS COLLECTOR SCULPTURE ESSAY
UTOPIA FOUND ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT
AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT
A SEASON OF CELEBRATION PHILANTHROPY / MEMBERSHIP
HONORARY MEMBER OF SCULPTURE COMMITTEE Miner S. and Mary Ann Keeler
Meijer Gardens receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS / CLASSES
FLOWER SHOWS TO CLASSES Cover: Nina Akamu. The American Horse, 2013 (detail). 1999. Bronze, 288 x 91 x 339 inches. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © Copyright Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science & Technology. Photo by William J. Herbert.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS / ATTRACTIONS
A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy JUN—SEPT, Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens JUN—AUG, Tuesday Evening Music Club FEB 1—AUG 25,
Summer 2019 Volume 10, Issue 3 June 2019—August 2019 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
CONTENT
BOARD of DIRECTORS
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS / ATTRACTIONS Chrysanthemums and More! SEPT 20—MAR 1, 2020, Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb SEPT 20—OCT 27,
© 2019 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Seasons is published four times per year for members. Please contact membership@meijergardens.org if you prefer to receive Seasons via email. If you would like to comment on our content, please call membership at 616-977-7689.
#MeijerGardens MeijerGardens.org
4–5 6–7 8–9 10 – 11 12 – 13 14 – 15 16- 23
2019 CONCERT LINEUP
Visit MeijerGardens.org to view the schedule. Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens welcomes performers like one of our returning artists, O.A.R., who will perform on Wednesday, June 26. Photo by Kevin Huver Photography. 4
SUMMER CONCERTS
SOUNDS LIKE FUN TICKETING TIPS With three ways to purchase, we make ticketing easy and convenient. For our ticketing policy and more ticketing tips, download the Insider’s Guide to Buying Tickets at MeijerGardens.org.
THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO BUY TICKETS: 1. O nline at StarTickets.com At StarTickets.com, type Meijer Gardens or the name of the band in the search box. Handling fee of $10 per order (not per ticket) and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies. Members save $2 per ticket.
2. On the phone at 1-800-585-3737 Handling fee of $10 applies per order (not per ticket) and a convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies. Members save $2 per ticket.
3. In person at the Meijer Gardens Admissions Desk No handling fees. Available during normal business hours. Members save $2 per ticket.
You may purchase up to 8 tickets per show, per transaction.
It’s the summer of our seventeenth annual Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens. Join us as we welcome an eclectic lineup of alternative, indie, blues and rock artists to our upgraded venue and best concert experience yet. As summer heats up, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens are once again the hottest tickets in town. Come out for a spectacular night under the stars with many of music’s most recognized artists, from new acts to back-by-popular-demand favorites. Now in its seventeenth year, our celebrated concert series is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors: Fifth Third Bank, who has committed to be our title sponsor through the 2022 season; Harvey Lexus of Grand Rapids; and Spectrum Health. Great music is just the beginning. This year marks the inaugural season for the new Frey Foundation Plaza and upgraded Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, too. Over the past two seasons, we have made significant enhancements, all centered around your convenience and comfort. The new plaza features an added entry gate, complete with additional restrooms outside the gate, and expanded space within to shorten lines and wait times. A new, soonto-be LEED-certified, concessions building provides upgrades like an improved point of sale system with quick chip technology to expedite your food and beverage service, along with dedicated merchandising space and larger green room areas for artists. As always, general seating will be first–come, first-served. Gates open 75 minutes before showtime (unless otherwise stated on the ticket). We recommend arriving early, as guests often line up beforehand to secure the best seats. Bring a blanket or low-back chair measuring 12 inches or less from the ground to the seat bottom front and 32 inches to the top of the chair back in its highest position. Low-back chairs purchased in our gift shop fit these parameters––all others will be measured at the main gate before entry. If you have mobility concerns, you can rent standard-height chairs for $10 each at the Box Office. We also provide barrier-free seating and complimentary wheelchairs. If you need seating assistance, visit the Box Office and we’ll do our best to make you comfortable. For ticketing tips and answers to commonly-asked concert questions, download the Insider’s Guide to Buying Tickets and Enjoying the Show at MeijerGardens.org/concerts.
Tuesday Evening Music Club Tuesday nights are tailor-made for Meijer Gardens. Bring your family for an evening of music as local and regional artists take to our amphitheater stage to headline these perennially popular concerts. Our lineup spans new acts, seasoned performers and even some openers from the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series. Bring your appetite on Tuesday June 4, and be the first to experience our new concessions facility. For one
Title Sponsor
Series Sponsors
night only, receive 50% off new food offerings and enjoy a special performance by May Erlewine and the Motivations. Tuesday Evening Music Club, sponsored in part by Meyer Music, is always free to members or included with guest admission. Gates open at 5 pm, concerts begin at 7 pm, with extended hours through 9 pm. See the lineup at MeijerGardens.org/concerts.
Media Sponsors
SUMMER CONCERTS 5
Fred Meijer with Nina Akamu's The American Horse. 6
SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
THE CURIOUS COLLECTOR What began as a boyhood fascination with art evolved into a renowned collection. Join us as we celebrate our namesake and his evolutionary journey into collecting art, including his beloved The American Horse, which marks its 20-year anniversary. To understand Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is to know Fred Meijer himself. He was a perpetual student with a childlike delight for learning—his love for it was matched only by his love for people. We celebrate both in our landmark exhibition, A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy, through August 25. Early on, Fred was drawn to sculpture that was familiar to him. Growing up on a farm, he liked representational work that spoke to his childhood memories, especially the whimsical forms created by Danish-American sculptor Marshall Fredericks. One of Fred’s earliest experiences involved visiting the artist’s studio with Meijer Gardens' Sculpture Advisory Committee to acquire the first Friendly Dragon for the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Unknowing that it was one of two casts created, Fred became concerned when the second dragon caught his eye. Ever the merchant, Fred bargained with the artist to acquire both—he couldn’t imagine separating these joyful creatures. That’s why we have not one but two—and the only two—Friendly Dragons in existence. As his collection grew, so did Fred’s understanding of sculpture and the larger art world. The challenge of broadening his perspective and expertise excited him as he pursued his dream of building a world-class collection. One of Fred’s early flashes of genius was the commission of The American Horse. He was closely involved with artist Nina Akamu and accompanied the Sculpture Advisory Committee and our Curator to the Tallix Foundry (now Polich Tallix) to see it cast. Fred adored its 24-foot stature and equally larger-than-life story, which originated with Leonardo da Vinci, whose original model was destroyed during wartime by French soldiers in 1499. It was important to Fred to share this historical significance with the world and, in his own way, finish Leonardo’s story. Fred knew The American Horse would become a beacon that would draw visitors from far and wide to Meijer Gardens. Twenty years later, his perspective remains positively on point. This monumental sculpture also marked the first exhibition in the Snell Education Center. In keeping with
Fred’s passion for learning, this interactive space took families through the sculpture process, from ideation and renderings to composition, casting, site selection and more. Fred loved watching families engage and expand their understanding of the artistic process—there’s always more than meets the eye. Deborah Butterfield’s Cabin Creek was another milestone. A more literal abstract work, yet still a great departure from The American Horse, it illustrates Fred’s growth as a collector. While visiting the Tallix Foundry, he saw another sculpture that caught his eye. It was Alexander Lieberman’s Aria. At a soaring 42 feet, in radiant red, this architectural statement stands in sharp contrast to representational art. Fred loved how it encouraged conversation as you walked under and around it. Ever-motivated to make new and exciting things happen, Fred commissioned American artist Richard Hunt to create Column of the Free Spirit to mark a pivotal chapter in our history—the new Sculpture Park and the first exhibition in the new sculpture galleries. Fred built a relationship with the artist, travelled with the sculpture team and visited with families as they toured the new space. The acquisition of Auguste Rodin’s Eve was another point of pride for Fred. Created in 1881 and cast before 1920, it is one of just 12 known full-scale casts of this celebrated figurative work. The haunting Figure on a Trunk by Magdalena Abakanowicz also inspired Fred. He first saw it on the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden in New York and admired it for its spirited message of strength in times of tragedy. Fred was known to ask a question about art collecting, “When is enough, enough?” After considerable thought and consulting with friends and advisors, he answered the question by establishing the Fred and Lena Meijer Sculpture Acquisition Fund. The creation of art never stops and, thanks to Fred’s lifelong endowment, neither will the collection he and Lena have built. With every acquisition and commission, we honor their legacy of love and their love of art and gardens.
A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy is made possible by
PROGRAMMING
Bill Padnos & Margy Kaye
Summer Sculpture Walks:
The Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation The Meijer Foundation Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts
Sculpture Park Niches, The Gallery Tuesday, July 30, 6 pm Sculpture Park Niches, The Groves Sunday, August 11, 11:30 am Fee: Included with Admission
Get off the beaten path and explore lesser known areas of the Sculpture Park. See fantastic examples of Modern and Contemporary sculpture instrumental to Fred Meijer’s collection style and legacy. Please meet just outside the Indoor Sculpture Galleries and prepare to walk and stand for at least 90 minutes rain or shine. This program is drop-in and registration is not required. SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
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UTOPIA FOUND As the Welcome Center continues to take shape, so does the monumental sculpture that will inhabit it. Fittingly titled Utopia, this commissioned work is a celebration of the world’s diversity in four female faces. “Utopia is our human landscape, a space to embrace humanity and our collective dreams.”—Jaume Plensa When guests enter the Garden Pavilion room in the Meijer Gardens Welcome Center in spring of 2021, they will be greeted by an unforgettable visual experience created by renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. Monumental in magnitude and meaning, Utopia is a series of carved marble panels depicting the faces of four women of different nationalities. This captivating commissioned work makes a celebratory statement on the beautiful diversity of humanity. White marble sections will cover all four walls and stand an impressive 19 feet tall. When installed, the sculpture will cover the perimeter of the space, floor-to-ceiling and edge-to-edge. Plensa is known for using the human figure as a universal symbol for connectedness—we’re all different yet all the same. His works unite diverging global cultures in an inclusive, shared human experience that’s accessible to all people. Even the materials are worldly. The artist chose white marble from Vietnam, to be carved in Spain and sited here in West Michigan. The spectacular 7,400 square-foot Garden Pavilion room will be an idyllic setting for Utopia. Architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien have been inspired by the 2000 year old Pantheon in Rome. Light cascades into the interior of the Pantheon through the ceiling. The Garden Pavilion room will also bring light in through the ceiling, using three portals. As guests move through the space, light will move in a continuum with the sun, dynamically flooding the room in an intriguing interplay of light and shadow.
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SCULPTURE ESSAY
Utopia is Plensa’s second major work to make its home in the permanent collection of Meijer Gardens. In 2006, his I, you, she or he… was commissioned and gifted by Fred and Lena Meijer and has become an iconic landmark in our Sculpture Park. This massive composition of three figures seated on boulders is constructed of stainless steel letters, their faces left open to evoke the oneness of humanity in a silent yet engaging conversation. For both sculptures, Plensa played a role in site selection. Chosen by the Sculpture Advisory Committee from a list of who’s who in Contemporary sculpture, Plensa was selected for his enormous talent and shared passion for diversity, inclusion and equity. He has devoted his life to exploring the beauty and mystery of the universal human experience—and, like Meijer Gardens, his work is always accessible, inspiring and thought-provoking to people of every age and from every corner of the world. Utopia is the latest masterpiece in Plensa’s celebrated 30year career. His prestigious body of work can be found in public spaces around the world, from Grand Rapids, Chicago, Miami, San Diego and Seattle to London, Montréal and Paris, to Bangkok, Dubai, Shanghai and Tokyo. The artist has also been featured in museum exhibitions across the globe and has earned a plethora of prestigious awards. These include the 2013 Velazquez Prize, awarded by the Spanish Cultural Ministry and the 1993 Medaille de Chevalier des Arts and des Lettres awarded by the French Ministry of Culture. Plensa has taught at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as given lectures at universities, museums and cultural institutions around the world. While he lives and works in Barcelona, Plensa will remain in close partnership with our sculpture team as we prepare for the exciting installation of Utopia.
Jaume Plensa. I, you, she or he…, 2006. Stainless steel and stone, 84 inches high plus stone base. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © Jaume Plensa. Photo by William J. Herbert. SCULPTURE ESSAY
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Photo by Tony Norkus. 10
ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT
AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER Sights, sounds, smells–get ready for a sensational summer as we welcome our first concert audiences into the new Frey Foundation Plaza and upgraded Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. Be among the first to take it all in. When it comes to summer concerts, there’s no place quite like the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. Our scenic stage draws some of music’s most renowned artists, across genres and geography, to spend an intimate evening with our members and guests doing what they love, in the heart of a world-class botanical garden and sculpture park. It’s truly sublime. This year, more than ever. Ushering in our seventeenth annual Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens are hospitality and horticultural wonders sure to delight audiences and artists alike. Enhancements include the new Frey Foundation Plaza, four entry gates, expanded concessions and upgraded box office, seating and sponsor space. We even thought of restrooms outside the gate for early arrivers. Architecturally, the new entry plaza physically and visually connects the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater and the Welcome Center with matching stone work and brick pavers. Horticulture unifies the landscape as well. Over the last few months, our horticulture teams have been diligently placing trees and designing diverse beds of perennials and annuals inside the plaza and around the concessions area. As these first plantings take hold and begin to grow, we get a better picture of how the amphitheater garden will look and feel over the seasons; it’s never been more beautiful or bountiful. Of special note are new yellow birch trees in front of the amphitheater. As these uncommon trees grow, they will become large, hearty hardwoods that provide coveted shade on hot summer evenings. As their name states, these stunning specimens feature dark green leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn. The main stage will be decked out in seasonal color all summer long. As you take in all our performers onstage, don’t miss the pops of royal red coleus ‘ColorBlaze Rediculous’, striking spikes of silver blue salvia ‘Samina Arctic Blue’, subtle midnight purple coleus ‘ColorBlaze DarkStar’ and cascading waves of red and yellow lantana ‘Hot Blooded’. Honeybees, bumblebees and butterflies love to feast on these blooming beauties, so be sure to stop and look closer. The second half of summer will welcome large swathes of blue and purple, as the lily turf comes into bloom, complemented by the purple foliage of the ornamental millet ‘Purple Baron’. Watch woodland birds flock to feast on the distinctive cattail-like plumes as seeds ripen and change from gold to purple. We’ve taken great care to ensure that our garden venue stays intriguing, from spring to summer to autumn. Watch with us as our historic Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign continues to unfold at MeijerGardens.org/growing.
An architectural sketch of the new Amphitheater Plaza.
ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT
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A SEASON OF CELEBRATION: SUMMER IN THE LENA MEIJER CHILDREN'S GARDEN The arrival of summer is always cause for celebration here in West Michigan, with sunny days and long, balmy evenings erasing words like “polar vortex” from our seasonal vocabulary and melting the icy chill of winter air from our collective memory. But this summer in particular is truly a season of celebration in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. The Children’s Garden was named to honor Lena Meijer, who celebrates her 100th birthday this May. Hard on the heels of that happy event, the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden is turning 15 this June! Join us to celebrate on Saturday, June 15 from 1–4 pm. We’ll mark the special occasion with activities to engage, educate, and delight the whole family. Observe a native butterfly release in the Kid-Sense Garden while learning about the critical environmental role of host plants and the power of pollinators. Get up close to birds of prey and use your eagle-eyed vision to hunt for eggs in the Treehouse Village. Sing and dance to the music with guest performers in the Storytelling Garden, and add your unique, creative flair to a community quilting project in the Log Cabin. As June warms into July, the revelry continues with an Independence Day event in honor of our nation’s birthday. On Saturday, July 6, from 1–4 pm visit for star-spangled art activities and patriotic play throughout the 10 themed areas of the Children’s Garden. There’s plenty to celebrate in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden this summer, even on days when we’re not hosting a special event. Joyfully proclaim your “unbirthday” all summer long with our whimsical and interactive topiary display, dreamed up, sculpted and nurtured by our talented lead Horticulturist, Ian Warnock, and themed this year after the Mad Hatter and March Hare’s jubilant unbirthday celebration from Alice in Wonderland:
ad Hatter: Now, statistics prove, prove that you’ve M one birthday. March Hare: Imagine, just one birthday every year.
ad Hatter: Ah, but there are three hundred and M sixty four unbirthdays! March Hare: Precisely what we’re gathered here to cheer. Quote from the 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland
Join in the action to snap your photo at the unbirthday party table with the characters from the classic book, recreated in topiary form. Visit the Children’s Garden on Thursdays at 11 am throughout the summer for birthday-themed stories and games.
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SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT
Share your photos with us on social media by using the hashtag #MeijerGardens. Summer weekends in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden mean that it’s time for Science Saturdays. Guided by a knowledgeable and passionate guest naturalist, you’ll learn all about the amphibians, reptiles, and mammals that live in Michigan, explore how to identify different species, and gain understanding of how the care and conservation of these fascinating creatures is crucial to the health of our natural environment. There’s something special to experience in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden every day of the week. Thirty rotating, handson Discovery Cart activities celebrate and elevate our mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts—to guests of all ages. Try your hand at painting with water, playing a round of Whose Nest Is It?, building a bridge, creating a tree bark rubbing, dancing like a bee, or peering through a hand lens to take a closer look at the particles that make up the earth beneath our feet. You’ll find something new to explore at our Discovery Carts, staffed by our volunteer Play Activity Leaders (PALS), each time you visit—just look for the carts with the colorful umbrellas, and the friendly volunteers wearing bright yellow. In the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, we’re exploring and discovering. We’re observing, touching and experiencing. We’re always learning and always growing. And this summer, we’re celebrating all season long. Join us to take part in the festivities! For a complete listing of daily activities and special celebratory events taking place in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden this summer, please see page 20.
Can you believe that the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden is turning 15 this summer? What’s your favorite memory of a visit to the Children’s Garden? Share your story with us on social media @meijergardens or email info@meijergardens.org.
Kids gather in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden for a fun vermiculture experience. Photo by Pete McDaniel. SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT
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“West Michigan is a special place, and Metro Health believes that being part of this community is a privilege. Therefore, we are proud to support Meijer Gardens as title sponsor of this holiday tradition, a shared experience for our neighbors to enjoy.” —Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Metro Health—University of Michigan Health
Metro Health President and CEO, Dr. Peter Hahn, with Meijer Gardens President and CEO, David Hooker. Photo by Brad Bruce. 14
PHILANTHROPY/MEMBERSHIP
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT
Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is pleased to announce a new partnership with Metro Health to name our annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions exhibition. From this point forward, the exhibition name will be Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions. “While our organizations are incredibly different in terms of services provided, we are kindred spirits in our commitment to excellence and our client and guest-centric values,” said Meijer Gardens President & CEO, David Hooker. “We look forward to building a strong relationship with Metro Health,” Hooker added. Although the name has changed, you can expect to see your favorite exhibition elements presented each year with a new twist. After all, Meijer Gardens is Always Growing, Always Beautiful, Always New.
QUARTERLY TRIBUTES The following gifts were received between January 1 and March 31, 2019. Those honored or memorialized are shown in bold type, while donors are in regular type.
IN HONOR Randy & Sarah Dustin Jennifer & Daniel Dustin Marilyn Rector Lora French
IN MEMORY Adeline Elaine Miller Ferguson Emily & Jon Carbonell-Ferguson
Florence Higley Kimberly & Michael Lucas
Gordon Scripps Ira & Sarah Woodring
Mary Kempa Darrell & Laura Bozemen
Helen Semler Todd & Susan Dickinson
MaryJo Kush Margaret Swartz Joellen Kush & Elizabeth Hall Anonymous Dorothy Ann Pullen Patrick Pullen & Linda Chamberlain
Grandpa Veenstra Peter & Lisa Hungerford
Barbara Raby Elizabeth Crosby
MEMBERS LECTURE RESCHEDULED ADDITIONAL NEW SPONSOR SUPPORT Since the beginning of Meijer Gardens’ fiscal year last October 1, we have been fortunate to welcome four new Associate Sponsors to our growing list of supporters. Constellation Brands, representing Meiomi Coastal California Wines and Ruffino (Christmas Cabaret and Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World); Howard Miller Company (Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming) and Meyer Music (Tuesday Evening Music Club). We are excited by and grateful for their support.
You may recall that the member opening and reception for our winter exhibition, A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy, was cancelled due to a winter storm. Former Meijer Gardens’ Chief Curator and Vice President of Exhibitions and Collections, Joseph Becherer, has graciously agreed to return and present the lecture originally planned for late January. We hope you will join us Sunday, August 25 at 2 pm in the Huizenga Grand Room. This lecture is free for members, and you are welcome to bring a guest if your membership level permits. Captioning will be provided. Light refreshments will be available. Please RSVP by August 16, using one of these three methods: 1. Online at bit.ly/FredMeijerLecture (This is the only method that provides confirmation); 2. Email at rsvp@meijergardens.org; 3. Contact JoAnn Wisnewski at 616-974-5222.
DEPARTMENT NAME CHANGE To better reflect its function and meaning, the Development & Membership Department name has been changed to Philanthropy & Membership. The word “development” means different things to different people. You would be surprised at the number of phone calls and email messages funneled to the Development Department that were intended for individuals in Business Development, IT Development, Land Development, Property Development, and so on. Philanthropy, on the other hand, better defines the fundraising arm of our organization. Most people understand it’s about giving of themselves—whether through time, talent, or treasure. An often-used definition of philanthropy is “voluntary action for the common good.” Meijer Gardens has been the beneficiary of your voluntary action, and for that we thank you most sincerely. PHILANTHROPY/MEMBERSHIP
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EVENTS FLOWER SHOWS
All flower shows are free to attend!
floral arrangements and chat with Dahlia Society members. Attend a free talk on Saturday at 4 pm to learn how to grow this beautiful flower and discover why the National Garden Bureau named 2019 the "Year of the Dahlia."
IRIS SHOW
September 7 and 8 Saturday 9 am –5 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pm
Enjoy a delicate fragrance as you enter the show room filled with tall bearded iris flowers. View lovely flower arrangements created by Grand Valley Iris Society members and enjoy a special section created by children. Pose your questions to the experts from the Iris Society and receive tips on how to grow these beauties.
STANDARD FLOWER SHOW
June 1 and 2 Saturday 1–5 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pm GRAND VALLEY IRIS SOCIETY
June 15 and 16 Saturday 1–5 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pm
ROSE SHOW
GRAND VALLEY ROSE SOCIETY
View beautiful roses, expertly grown by rose enthusiasts from West Michigan. See hybrid teas, miniatures, floribundas and more and vote for the most fragrant rose. View flower arrangements that feature roses and ask Rose Society members for tips on growing these lovely flowers.
July 20 Saturday 10 am–5 pm
DAYLILY SHOW
KENT GARDEN CLUB
Discover “The Magic of a Secret Garden,” the theme for this year’s flower show, presented by Kent Garden Club in partnership with the West Michigan Flower Arranger’s Guild and Michigan Garden Club’s District IV. See specimen flowers, foliage, and potted plants grown by participating members. Vote for your favorite flower arrangement and watch a demonstration on how to plant a creative patio pot on Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Children will use their imaginations to sketch their own secret gardens.
KIDS’ TRAM
June 10—August 17 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, & 2:45 pm
DISCOVER IT! A KIDS' TRAM TOUR
GRAND VALLEY DAYLILY SOCIETY
Discover the amazing range of colors, sizes, and shapes of daylily flowers. See flowers that vary in size from less than one inch across to almost 10 inches. View creative flower arrangements, vote for your favorite daylily, and receive tips from Daylily Society members. Each daylily flower lasts for just one day, and so does this show.
FEE: $4 adults, $2 kids 3–12 years old, kids 2 years and younger are free Looking for adventure this summer? Join us on the Kids’ Tram as we take a 45-minute journey of discovery all around the Sculpture Park. With dynamic discussions, imaginative activities and kid-friendly tools, discover the uniqueness of plants, sculptures, animals and more!
July 20 and 21 Saturday 10 am–5 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pm
BOOK GROUPS
WEST MICHIGAN HOSTA SOCIETY
Tuesday, July 9 1—2:30 pm
HOSTA SHOW–NEW!
Join us for the very first hosta leaf show at Meijer Gardens and be amazed by the range of shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and textures available in hosta foliage. Specimen leaves will be displayed in vases and West Michigan Hosta Society members will be on-hand all weekend to answer questions and discuss why hostas are “America’s #1 Perennial.”
August 31 and September 1 Saturday 12 –5 pm, Sunday 11 am–4 pm
NATIONAL DAHLIA SHOW
WEST MICHIGAN DAHLIA SOCIETY
Stroll through the Grand Room filled with stunning blooms, entered by dahlia aficionados from throughout the country. Be amazed by flowers the size of dinner plates and discover the huge variety of flower colors and forms available. View lovely 16
HOURS Tuesday, 9 am–9 pm Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
EVENTS
CONTACT Main 616-957-1580 Toll free 888-957-1580 MeijerGardens.org
THE MASTER LECTURE SERIES Tuesday, September 24, 7 pm The Master Lecture Series
WEGE ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE MONARCHS, MILKWEED AND MIGRATION* SPEAKER: DR. ANURAG AGRAWAL FEE: Free for members; $14.50 non-members. Space is limited. Registration required at MeijerGardens.org/ calendar. Please direct registration questions to Shelly Kilroy at skilroy@meijergardens. org or call 616-975-3144. Captioning service will be provided *1 hour Extension Master Gardener Education credit. Join scientist, author, and monarch butterfly expert Dr. Anurag Agrawal as he explores, through striking visual imagery, the fascinating natural history of monarchs and milkweed, revealing the coevolutionary battle between monarchs and milkweed’s famous toxins. Dr. Agrawal will discuss the current predicament of monarch declines and conservation efforts. The talk requires no scientific background, but will convey the latest research results, and provide a survey of current issues in monarch conservation. Dr. Agrawal’s book, Monarchs and Milkweed, was the winner of the 2017 “National Outdoor Book Awards for Nature and the Environment” and will be available for sale and signing at the lecture.
Thursday, August 15 11 am–12:30 pm or 1:30–3 pm
READ & EXPLORE: ART AND GARDENS READ & EXPLORE FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. BOOK GROUP FEE: Included with admission FRANKWEILER: ART AND GARDENS For our summer book group we will explore the BOOK DISCUSSION FOR FAMILIES little-known world of the bumblebee through David Goulson’s book A Sting in the Tale: My Adventures with Bumblebees. Goulson’s book blends the story of a child’s growing passion for nature with insights into the importance of this humble insect. Our afternoon will begin with a presentation by Sally Triant, the founder of Grow Wise Learning, on the relevance of bees and steps that homeowners can take to help protect and preserve them. Limited to 20 adults, reservations required. RSVP to 616-975-3144 or skilroy@meijergardens.org
FEE: Included with admission This summer our popular book discussion for families will explore the Newberry Medal winning book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg. Join us as we go on our own detective adventure in the Gallery area of the Sculpture Park, searching for clues and hidden secrets while we learn more about sculpture and discuss this well-loved book. Limited to 30 people, reservations required. RSVP to skilroy@meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3144
EVENTS TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB Sponsored by Meyer Music Join us in the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater this summer for the ever-popular Tuesday Evening Music Club, as we shine a spotlight on some of the most talented local and regional musicians. From touring bands to emerging singer-songwriters, our talented performers are hand-selected through a scouting process and from local artist submissions. This eclectic collection of performers spans all musical genres, from funk to jazz to R&B. There is something for everyone at the Tuesday Evening Music Club. Always free to members or included in guest admission, Tuesday Evening Music Club concerts make the perfect date night or family outing. Pack a picnic basket, or let us serve you dinner in the beautiful James & Shirley Balk Café or at the all-new amphitheater concessions building. Chairs of all heights are accepted on Tuesday nights. As a special treat this year, there will be an exclusive Tuesday Evening Music Club concert on June 4. Come see the brand-new features of the Meijer Gardens Amphitheater and enjoy 50% off food purchased in the all-new concessions building. We hope to see you for a Tuesday of music and memories under the evening summer sky!
Tuesdays in June, July & August, 7 pm
Big Sherb. Photo by Taryn Waffles
Kari Lynch Band. Photo by Eric Ellis
Tuesday Evening Music Club Sponsors
TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB FEE: Free for members, general admission for non-members
JUNE 4: May Erlewine and The Motivations–
A seven-piece retro groove band playing original and soul classics, with renowned vocalist May carrying the show, invoking a positive and intentional message.
JULY 2: Roosevelt Diggs–An energetic, acoustic blend of folk, country, bluegrass, and blues.
Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish–A raw, highoctane intensification of 50’s style rock & roll, with Elvis-esque vocals and hints of rockabilly.
JULY 9: Big Sherb–A largely instrumental mix of funk, fusion, and progressive rock.
Paddlebots–Self-described as progressive soul-pop, they’re an amalgam of soul, pop, funk, and jazz.
JULY 16: Matt Gabriel–A savvy singer-
songwriter and his band, rooted in Americana and country, but delving into a variety of great American genres.
Kari Lynch Band–A burgeoning country-pop
sensation, Michigan born, now Nashville-based, that has opened for the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, and Little Big Town.
JULY 23: Boy from School–An electronic, indie rock, pop concoction, with forays into synth.
Mannhattan–Riff-centric rock & roll, with electronic, metal, and jazz influences.
JULY 30: Franklin Park–Reunited in 2010, these former classmates from 1969 perform spot-on renditions of The Beatles, The Byrds, The Rascals, and songs of the 60’s.
Boy From School. Photo by Bree Girard
6-Pak–A legendary, all girl band, originally formed in 1967, performing the grooviest hits from that era.
AUGUST 6: The Hip Pocket–An eleven-piece, hornheavy band, specializing in funk, soul, and blues.
Soul Syndicate–Pays high-energy, pinpoint homage to R&B and soul classics from various eras.
AUGUST 13: The River Rogues Jazz Band–
With over twenty years of experience, this seven-piece ensemble specializes in traditional and Dixieland jazz.
Sam’s Swing Band–A full-size swing band, primarily
playing music of the 30’s and 40’s, including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington.
Matt Gabriel. Photo by Chase Covell
AUGUST 20: Grand Rapids Ballet–
This program will employ a full company of dancers, performing works by some of today’s most in-demand choreographers, and showcase a mix of classical and contemporary ballets, including Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, featuring the music of Queen, Lou Reed, Felix Mendelssohn, and many more.
AUGUST 27: Ralston and Friends–Local music
icon Ralston Bowles shares the stage with friends and collaborators from the community and beyond.
River Rogues Jazz Ensemble. Photo by Stacy Niedzwiecki EVENTS
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EREGISTER V E NONLINE T S AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR SUMMER BUS TRIPS
CANCELLATION POLICY
Thursday, July 11 7:30 am—11 pm
Tuesday, August 20 9 am–7 pm
CHICAGO: GREEN ROOFS AND GREAT ARCHITECTURE*
A DAY AWAY: DAHLIAS, DOW GARDENS AND A CAPTIVATING CANOPY WALK*
FEE: $165 members, $185 non-members Explore the architecture of Chicago, from rooftop views to a river cruise that features some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Begin by touring the rooftop garden and 2.5 acre farm at McCormick Place, managed by Chicago Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest Urban Agriculture Program. Then visit Millennium Park, one of the world’s largest green roofs, constructed over parking garages and a rail yard. Stroll through the park’s 24.5 acres of lovely gardens and magnificent sculptures and enjoy lunch on your own. Then tour Lurie Garden, designed by world-renowned garden designer Piet Oudolf and gain insights into the naturalistic plantings of this “meadow in the city.” Enjoy a relaxing river cruise presented by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and gain insights into the historical and architectural landmarks of the city while learning about the importance of the river itself. Conclude the day with a delicious family style dinner at the Weber Grill. The fee includes bus transportation, a snack, tours, river cruise fee, dinner and all gratuities. Expect a fair amount of walking. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147. *1.5 hours Extension Master Gardener Educational credit.
Withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance, a refund is issued minus a $5 processing fee. Withdraw 7 to 29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund. Call 616-975-3147 for class cancellations due to severe weather.
FEE: $95 members, $115 non-members Begin the day surrounded by more than 3,000 dahlias at Dahlia Hill in Midland and discover how this unique garden came to be. Learn what it takes to grow these magnificent flowers as Dr. Richard Peters, dahlia expert and author, provides insights and tips. Then enjoy a picnic lunch with barbecue sandwiches and all the fixings prepared by a local award-winning barbecue restaurant. Next, explore the canopy walk at Whiting Forest. This 1,400-foot-long boardwalk is the longest in the country and rises 40 feet above the ground. It is also ADA accessible. Afraid of heights? Enjoy the visitors center, ponds, meadows, and orchard. Then tour Dow Gardens, the private estate of Herbert Dow, founder of Dow Chemical Company. This beautiful 110-acre garden features stately trees, ponds, bridges, a rose garden and children’s garden. Conclude the day with an ice cream sundae featuring delicious locally-made ice cream and a variety of toppings. The fee includes bus transportation, lunch, snacks, admission, guided tours and all gratuities. Expect one mile of walking at Dow Gardens. A golf cart with limited seating is available. Please call to request golf cart when registering. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147. *2 hours Extension Master Gardener Educational credit.
Thursday, September 19 7 am—9:30 pm
A DAY AT THE TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART AND GLASS BLOWING DEMONSTRATION
FEE: $150 members, $170 non-members Join us for a day of discovery at the Toledo Museum of Art. Founded in 1901, the museum offers an impressive collection of works including celebrated artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt, among others, ranking it among the finest museums in the United States. Our trip starts with a docent-led highlights tour of the of the museum’s 30,000 holdings, including sculpture, paintings and works on paper. After our tour, take a break in one of the museum’s private rooms and enjoy the company of your fellow travelers and your choice of a gourmet boxed lunch. Spend some time on your own before we stroll over to the Glass Pavilion, an architectural gem with its interior and exterior curved glass walls, to view the extensive collection of glass. Be amazed by a live glass blowing demonstration in the museum’s “Hot Shop,” learn how Toledo was once a center of glass production, and discover the museum’s continued commitment to artwork in glass through education and display. The return trip takes us to the charming Kerrytown neighborhood of Ann Arbor where we will dine at the historical and five-star rated Gandy Dancer Restaurant. Known for its creative preparations of seafood and steak, this architectural landmark served as the Michigan Central Railway Depot starting in 1886. This Chuck Muer-owned restaurant was once a stopping point for presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, among others, who addressed the crowds that rallied outside this depot. The fee includes transportation, docent-led tour, boxed lunch, glass blowing demonstration, dinner and all gratuities. Expect a fair amount of walking, standing and stairs. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147. 18
EVENTS EXHIBITIONS
EREGISTER V E NONLINE T S AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR THE RICHARD & HELEN DEVOS JAPANESE GARDEN
CHILDREN’S GARDEN SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS Saturday, June 15, 1–4 pm
15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
FEE: Included with admission Join us for a special celebration—as the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden celebrates its 15th anniversary! Anniversary activities include: • L earning about native Michigan butterflies through a host/nectar plant talk and a butterfly release in the Kid-Sense Garden! • Observing a bird-of-prey demonstration, getting a closer look at these fascinating types of birds and going on a special bird egg hunt in the Treehouse Village. • C elebrating through music and movement with special musical guest performers throughout the event! • E xperimenting with water by visiting a variety of wacky water stations around the Great Lakes Garden. • A dding a piece to a Children’s Garden birthday quilt at the Log Cabin with the help of a professional fiber artist. Photo by Peter McDaniel.
Saturday, July 6, 1–4 pm
SATURDAYS: July 20, August 17, September 14, October 19 11:30 am or 2 pm
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY IN THE TEAHOUSE
SPECIAL MEMBER EVENT
FEE: $50 members, $60 non-members (Space is limited.) Registration required at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3147. Witness the Japanese art of chanoyu, or tea ceremony. Graceful Japanese tea masters, in elegant kimono, will perform the ceremonial cleansing of the utensils, thoughtful preparation and quiet presentation of a bowl of matcha (finely ground green tea), with commentary by a representative from the Japanese Consulate. After the presentation, savor a sweet treat and matcha green tea. As an integral part of this experience, all guests will utilize and enjoy original works of Shigaraki pottery from Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection. Each object is a work of art especially commissioned from many of Japan’s leading ceramic masters. This contemplative ceremony appeals to all five senses and is best observed quietly. Guests will be asked to remove their shoes before entering the teahouse.
SUNDAYS: June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, 1–4 pm
FEE: Included with admission Help us celebrate America’s birthday—the Children’s Garden way! Show your patriotic spirit by participating in a variety of engaging Independence Day activities for guests of all ages.
Monday, August 12, 6–8 pm
CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS
MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT Save the date! Please reserve Monday, August 12, for Meijer Gardens’ annual Celebrate Grandparents event. Bring your grand and great grandchildren—and their parents if you’d like—for an evening of fun, making memories along the way. Come early to enjoy dinner in the James & Shirley Balk Café and wander through the DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop. Beginning at 6:00 pm, the galleries, conservatories, and sculpture park open. As always, guests will be able to create art in a special activity and enjoy a complimentary snack. We look forward to seeing and celebrating grandparents, so check your mailbox for your invitation. Please join us! Event is made possible by Vista Springs Senior Living Making Lives Healthier and Happier
INSIDE THE JAPANESE TEAHOUSE
FEE: Included with admission Experience the tranquil ambience and exquisite architecture of our authentic Japanese Teahouse. Take special note of the master carpentry, contrasting woods, patterns and textures and numerous distinctive details. This opportunity is included with admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will be asked to remove their shoes before entering the teahouse.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance, a refund is issued minus a $5 processing fee. Withdraw 7 to 29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund. Call 616-975-3147 for class cancellations due to severe weather. CLASSES EVENTS 19
F A M I LY E V E N T S MICHIGAN’S FARM GARDEN Fridays, June 14—August 16 1–4 pm
FRIDAYS AT THE FARM
Have bushels of family fun this summer! Children of all ages will have farm-time fun by working together on a cooperative quilting project and completing “chore-challenges” like gathering eggs, hanging laundry and “painting” the barn. Join us for special farminspired stories, games, music and more.
SPECIAL FAMILY WEEKENDS Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, 1–4 pm
AMAZING HONEY BEES
“Bee” amazed this weekend as you take a closer look at the fascinating world of honeybees. Discover different aspects of bees and beekeeping by viewing an observation hive and making a beeswax candle. Find out how to communicate like a bee by participating in a “bee dance.” Learn some amazing facts about honey while you sample several different types.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE LENA MEIJER CHILDREN’S GARDEN, JUNE 10–AUG 17 The Lena Meier Children’s Garden turns 15 this year! Help us celebrate by participating in birthday-themed activities all summer long. Whether it’s engaging with story times, investigating Discovery Cart materials, exploring self-guided activities, or joining in with a guest performer, the Children’s Garden is the place to be! Check at the Information Center for what’s happening daily.
WEEKLY PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Mondays, 11 am
MOVING TO THE MUSIC Come be a part of our musical jam! Whether by playing an instrument, clapping your hands, tapping your toes, or lending a voice, follow along with local musicians as we make music every Monday.
Tuesdays, 11 am
SUMMER STORYTIME Imaginations are welcome at Summer Storytime! Navigate puppets through imaginary landscapes, jump like frogs onto pretend lily pads, or chant and cheer for your favorite story characters. Join us for a variety of sensational stories all summer long.
Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14, 1–4 pm
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm
There is something for everyone at the fair. Learn about farm animals and vote for your favorite. Join in traditional fair games, participate in a variety of “home arts” including spool knitting and sewing card quilting. Learn how to grow “blue ribbon” vegetables by attending a mini-lecture.
Explore the out-of-doors with an artist’s eye! Join local artists in the vibrant atmosphere of the Children’s Garden for engaging, informal art experiences. Get creative with everyday materials such as paper, crayons, and clay.
MEET ME AT THE FAIR
Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18, 1–4 pm
HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
Join us for a flavorful weekend focused on heirloom tomatoes. Participate in family activities such as a family tomato relay or terrific tomato toss. Learn about, then sample, many different varieties and vote for your top tomato!
Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, 1–4 pm
HARVEST TIME
Gather up your family and friends and join us for Harvest Time at the Farm Garden. Participate in harvest games such as “Where on the Farm”, or “Which Vine is Mine?” or use your imaginations at the Produce Stand, buying and selling realistic looking produce. Listen to kid-friendly harvest stories, music and more. Harvest time is fun time at the Farm Garden!
OUTDOOR ARTIST STUDIO
Wednesdays, 11 am
WEAVING PATTERNS IN NATURE Take a closer look at the spectacular variety of colors and patterns found in nature. Then enjoy an interactive storytime and “fingers-on” weaving activity with a professional fiber artist.
Thursdays, 11 am
TIME FOR TOPIARIES! Explore the Children’s Garden’s whimsical birthday-themed topiaries through interactive stories, games and activities. Whether it’s your birthday or your “unbirthday,” come play along with us!
Fridays, 11 am
GARDEN HELPERS What do butterflies, bats, worms and ladybugs have in common? They are all important garden helpers! Learn how these tiny creatures help in big ways through activities such as up-close observations, interactive stories, and clever hunts.
Saturdays, 11 am
SCIENCE SATURDAY Investigate Michigan animals as you explore fascinating facts about reptiles, amphibians, mammals and more. Learn from Children’s Garden is sponsored by a guest naturalist what makes each animal unique, ways of simple identification and the importance of their conservation by participating in family-friendly activities. 20 CLASSES FAMILY EVENTS
2019 SUMMER CAMPS ONE-DAY CAMPS
TWO-DAY CAMPS
Monday, August 5 (Ages 8–9) 9 am–2 pm
Monday and Tuesday, August 12 AND 13 (Ages 6–8) 9 am–2 pm
PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS
FEE: $55 members, $65 non-members Have fun exploring Meijer Gardens and searching for animals to photograph, both real and sculptural. Then use your own photographs to explore color, pattern, and texture through various apps, filters and techniques on an iPad, which will be provided for use in the camp. Bring lunch and a water bottle.
Monday, August 12 (Ages 6–9) 9 am–2 pm
PLENTY OF ART
FEE: $55 members, $65 non-members Tap into your creative energy! Work on engrossing projects using a variety of art materials. Walk to the Japanese Garden to try oil pastels and create an animal with colored clay. Use recyclables and patterned duct tape to create a sculpture all your own! Bring lunch and a water bottle.
TWO-DAY CAMPS Monday and Tuesday, June 17 AND 18 (Ages 6–7) 9 am–2 pm
CURIOUS AND CREATIVE KIDS
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Solve a “Critter Clues” mystery, build a waterwheel and experiment with the energy of falling water. Then, think like an artist and scientist while observing intriguing sculptures and create a unique piece of art using a variety of media such as foil, string, clay, paint and wire. Bring lunch and a water bottle.
Monday and Tuesday, August 12 AND 13 (Ages 8–9) 9 am–2 pm
THE GREAT LAKES ADVENTURE
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Make a small birch-bark canoe and bring your imagination as you “travel” to each Great Lake learning fun facts that are unique to each lake, the people and animals. Make a second boat from lightweight wood and recycled products and a minilighthouse to guide your vessel. Test your boat’s sea worthiness in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden Great Lakes. Bring lunch and a water bottle.
EVERYDAY EXPLORERS
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Spend two days investigating the woods, wetlands and meadows at Meijer Gardens with your own explorer bag. Learn to identify birds, bugs and cool plants then record your findings in a journal. Create nature-inspired artwork each day! Bring lunch and a water bottle.
FOUR-DAY CAMPS June 17–20 (Ages 8–9) 9:30 am–12 pm
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Use your imagination and a variety of materials such as wood, clay, cardboard, stones and wire to create a house, bridge, sculpture and public building. Discuss landscape design and work together to create a mini-city, complete with green space and roads and a river.
July 8–11 (Ages 4–5) 9:30 am–12 pm
CREATURE FEATURE
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Get to know the animals and sculptures at Meijer Gardens—turtles, frogs, birds and horses and learn the characteristics of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Take mini-walks, listen to stories, play animal games and create unique art projects using colored clay, yarn and paint.
July 15–18 (Ages 8–9) 9:30 am–12 pm
ADVENTURES IN DRAWING
Monday and Tuesday, July 22 AND 23 (Ages 10–12) 9 am–2 pm
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Sharpen your drawing skills as you sketch still lifes, landscapes and a live dog. Work with pencil, charcoal and colored pencil to learn about value, shape, line and form and create amazing works of art each day.
BUILD A MODEL TREE HOUSE
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Explore Meijer Gardens to gather ideas from animal habitats, sculpture environments, the sculptures themselves and our own Treehouse Village. Make sketches, discuss ideas and problem-solve together. What will your treehouse be made of, how will it be attached to a tree, how will it be balanced? And if you were two inches tall and lived in it, where would you eat, sleep and play? Experiment with a variety of materials such as wood, metal and vinyl to come up with the most creative solution. Campers will create an 18-inch model to take home. Bring lunch and a water bottle.
Your child must fit in the listed age range by the first day of camp.
July 15–18 (Ages 6–7) 9:30 am–12 pm
AMAZING ANIMALS
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Explore animal habitats to look for turtles, wood chucks, birds and more. Compare animal features and create a dazzling work of art each day from a colorful fish windsock to painted and bejeweled stick mammals. Model tree house example.
Additional four-day camps on the next page.
Space is limited! Register at MeijerGardens.org. Questions? Call 616-975-3147 or 616-975-3184. CLASSES
21
2019 SUMMER CAMPS
Your child must fit in the listed age range by the first day of camp.
FOUR-DAY CAMPS July 15–18 (Ages 10–14) 9:30 am–12 pm
July 29–August 1 (Ages 4–5) 9:30 am–12 pm
July 29–August 1 (Ages 10–14) 9:30 am–12 pm
PHOTO OPS
MOVIN’ AROUND THE GARDENS
OUTDOOR WATERCOLOR
July 22–25 (Ages 8–9) 9:30 am–12 pm
August 5–8 (Ages 4–5) 9:30 am–12 pm
SUPER SUMMER SCULPTURE
LITTLE DIGGERS
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Combine learning about photography with fun art projects in this engaging camp! Explore how to photograph landscapes, close-ups, portraits, and trick shots. Then use your own photos to create pieces of artwork by combining photos in interesting ways, hand-coloring black and white photos for special effects, working on creative collage activities, and exploring the use of apps and filters. iPads will be provided to use for the camp.
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Let your imagination guide you as you create a new sculpture each day! Listen to a short lesson and explore the many possibilities of different mediums including plaster, wire, clay and recycled objects. Take sculpture walks and play games.
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Join us for a fun, active camp experience marching, jumping, dancing and “flying” your way around Meijer Gardens. Explore sculpture with music and art and have fun with obstacle courses and parachute games. Then use your imagination to join a marching band, take frog-sized leaps, learn a pollination bee dance and take center stage as a dancer.
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Pick a vegetable, start a seed, create an “underground” picture and look at soil with a magnifying glass. Participate in games, listen to stories about the environment and make a nature-inspired work of art each day!
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Enjoy the colorful gardens, waterfalls and shady paths as perfect spots for painting. Learn about brushwork, layering colors and creating the illusion of depth to paint what you see. A kid-friendly camp for young artists wanting to learn more about watercolors.
August 5–8 (Ages 10–14) 9:30 am–12 pm
ANIMATED CLAY SCULPTURES
FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Design a backdrop and use props and tools to create tiny clay sculptures. Work in groups to share ideas, write a storyline, and produce short animated clips. iPads will be provided for use in the camp.
FIVE-DAY CAMPS June 24–28 OR July 8–12 (Ages 6–8) 8:30 am–4:30 pm
CAMP KALEIDOSCOPE: A WACKY WEEK OF FUN
FEE: $225 members, $250 non-members Explore the Japanese Garden, Children’s Garden, Farm Garden and Sculpture Park with a kaleidoscope of kid-friendly activities. Make butter, design boats, play a survival game, take a wetlands walk, build a 6-foot arch, and create a collection of unique works of art. Get to know Meijer Gardens in a whole new way with new skills, new experiences and endless fun. Bring lunch and a water bottle. A nut-free snack is provided each day.
Space is limited! Register at MeijerGardens.org. Questions? Call 616-975-3147 or 616-975-3184.
SUMMER CLASSES
Master Gardener education credit.
Tuesdays: June 18, July 16, August 13 or September 17 (Adults) 6–7 pm
Monday, June 24 (Adults) 4–6 pm
OUTDOOR YOGA
PRUNING JAPANESE MAPLES*
FEE PER CLASS: $7 members, $17 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Dean Jeffery Join us for a refreshing and meditative session of yoga with wellknown instructor, Dean Jeffery. Each class will feature a different outdoor location at Meijer Gardens, including Michigan’s Farm Garden, The Sculpture Park, and the The American Horse plaza. Join us for one, two, three, or all four! Open to all levels, bring a yoga mat and dress for the weather. Pre-registration only. 22
*
( ) Applies toward MSU Extension
CLASSES
FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members INSTRUCTOR: David Rettig Learn how to bring out the natural beauty of Japanese maples through proper pruning. Join David Rettig, Lead Horticulturist for The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, as he demonstrates how to prune a lace-leaf Japanese maple. Then take a stroll through the garden and learn about when and how to prune other forms. Along the way, gain insight into some of the difficulties we’ve experienced in our garden and learn which varieties grow best in our region.
CL ASSES
Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.
REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR E-mail classes@meijergardens.org to ask questions. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Non-member class fees include admission to Meijer Gardens for class participants on the day of the class.
*
( ) Applies toward MSU Extension
Master Gardener education credit.
UPCOMING FALL CLASSES Saturday, September 7 (Adults) 9—11:30 am
Saturday, September 14 (Ages 6-10 with Adult) 10–11:30 am
Saturday, September 21 (Ages 4-5 with Adult) 10–11:30 am
OUTDOOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
GRANDPARENT AND ME: MAKE A MINI-JAPANESE GARDEN
GRANDPARENT AND ME: CONSTRUCTION FUN
FEE: $35 members, $45 non-members INSTRUCTORS: Dusty Brown Learn how to adapt your photography knowledge for creating stunning portraits using natural light and strobe light in the Michigan elements; grey skies, bright sun, and even wind and snow. Listen as Dusty covers the importance of location, lighting and poses. Lightroom and Photoshop will be explained using sample images taken in class. This class is for intermediate photographers or those that have substantial knowledge of photography.
Wednesdays: September 11, 18, 25 and October 2 and 9 (Adults) 6–8 pm
LANDSCAPE FOR LIFE*
FEE: $125 members, $135 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Marquardt Discover ways to make your yard more sustainable and attractive to wildlife while embracing the “ecosystem services” that nature provides—controlling erosion, cleaning air and water, promoting wildlife habitat, and improving human health and wellbeing. Each week you will be asked to complete tasks related to building a site plan for your property. Through careful observation and analysis this class provides the tools you need to enhance the ways you can bring the landscape to life while solving any "problems" that are uncovered. We will use your actual projects as case studies to explore creative design solutions while drawing upon examples of professionally designed spaces to explore a variety of garden styles. You will also see the sustainable practices and landscapes at Meijer Gardens during a special tram tour. This class is based on a program developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, US Botanic Garden, and the American Society for Landscape Architects and tailored for West Michigan by landscape architect and native plant enthusiast, Rebecca Marquardt. This class includes ten hours of instruction, a tour, and a portfolio with handouts, drawing paper, and assignments. Class is limited to 20 students.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance, a refund is issued minus a $5 processing fee. Withdraw 7 to 29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund. Call 616-975-3147 for class cancellations due to severe weather.
FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Take a short walk out to the Japanese Garden and follow the winding paths to look for rocks, waterfalls, bridges, trees and poetry. Learn what makes a Japanese Garden unique. Then work in pairs to create your own mini-Japanese garden, complete with a plant, tiny stones, sand and a sculpture you create from white modeling clay.
Saturday, September 14 (Adults) 10 am–12 pm
FALL MANDALA ZENTANGLE
FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Marjorie Goosen Learn simple techniques to create beautiful images from structured patterns, taught by a certified Zentangle instructor. Then, weather permitting, visit the Japanese Garden for inspiration to create a unique and lovely mandala—a symbolic geometric design. All levels welcome.
FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Dig in for a fun time working together to measure, “paint,” hammer, and build! Have fun at our sand table “construction site,” play construction games and listen to construction stories.
Tuesday, September 24 AND Thursday, September 26 (Adults) 5:30–8 pm
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
FEE: $65 members, $75 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Hart Develop your skills and further your understanding of watercolor in this two-part class. Color theory, layering of paint to achieve depth, and detail work will be discussed, including the use of a micron pen. This class is for practicing artists who have a basic understanding of watercolor. Micron pen included with class price.
Saturday, September 28 (Adults) 9:30 am–1 pm
WET FELTING
Gel plate printing example.
Saturday, September 14 (Adults) 10 am–1 pm
FEE: $65 members, $75 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Forzley Using merino wool as a base, learn the process of wet felting to create a medium-sized vessel. Embellish your piece with silk fiber or cotton gauze while wet. After drying two to three days at home, add other trimmings such as beads or natural objects to personalize your hand-made piece of art. A considerable amount of hand and arm strength is needed to manipulate the wool for 1 hour. Limited to 12 students.
GEL PLATE PRINTING
FEE: $75 members, $85 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Katie Reitemeier If you enjoy playing with color and pattern, you’ll love exploring the endless designs you can create using gel plate printing. Gel printing is a form of monoprinting that uses layering of paint, stencil and texture tools on a silicone plate to create printed papers that can be used for card making, collage and art journal pages. Students will learn the basics of gel printing and take home their own gel plate and brayer ($25 value) along with their printed pages. Leaves will be used as the foundation for creating beautiful botanical prints.
Wet felting example. CLASSES
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Still Life, 2016. Mixed Media. Photo courtesy of Broadway Gallery, Letchworth.
British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law uses dried and fresh plant material to create site-specific installations that dazzle the senses. In this impactful gallery exhibition, Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb, new work by the artist will be presented in an immersive installation in the Balk Gallery. Law’s use of natural materials, mainly floral, encourage the viewer to experience the relationship between humanity and nature. The natural decay of the plant material makes this exhibit time-based and encourages frequent visits to observe the process of drying. A big believer in sustainability, Law also reuses dried plant material that has been displayed in her previous installations. Law has exhibited at Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Nivaagaards Collection, Chandran Gallery, NOW Gallery, bo-lee gallery and Toledo Museum of Art.
The Meijer Foundation Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts
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HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION
SUMMER 2019 Volume 10, Issue 3
Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb is made possible by
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Friday, September 20—Sunday, March 1, 2020 vvv
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Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb
1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
SEPT 20–MAR 1
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts.
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