Working Together

WORKING TOGETHER

As we journey together through the COVID-19 crisis, it is helpful to have uplifting moments that inspire us and give us confidence that better days are ahead. Most months, I have the privilege of meeting with our Volunteer Services Committee. During our closure, we pressed pause on our meetings. When the committee reconvened, we met virtually to discuss safety protocols for reopening. I asked if our volunteers would be willing to return to help us serve our members and guests when we reopened. There was an overwhelmingly positive response, which warmed my heart. Seeing and talking with our volunteers has always been a joy, but it takes on a new meaning since our reopening.

Along with our beautiful outdoor areas, the George Segal: Body Language exhibition is now open in our sculpture galleries. It is true that art and gardens have healing powers. Immersing yourself in Segal’s work provides welcome moments that take your mind on a journey. It is, of course, a personal journey fueled by looking through the various windows that Segal creates to observe the human condition. After visiting the exhibition, head out to the Sculpture Park to compare and contrast Segal’s work with other figurative works by artists such as Jim Dine, Kiki Smith, Antony Gormley, and Jaume Plensa.

Construction on our new 69,000 square-foot Welcome Center continues after a 35 day, COVID-19 imposed shut down. The Welcome Center is the focal point of our Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign and we plan to start using the new facility in January, 2021. Coat rooms, restrooms, the Daniel & Pamella DeVos Ticketing Center, Owen-Ames-Kimball Orientation Theater, Wege Library and volunteer center will be ready at this time. Later in 2021, the large Garden Pavilion room containing Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s magnificent new sculpture, Utopia, will be ready.

The Welcome Center’s opening will continue our long tradition of featuring and celebrating artists from all walks of life. Utopia shows the faces of four women, representing individuals from around the world. New to our collection are two sculptures by celebrated artist, Yinka Shonibare CBE. CBE stands for Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. It is awarded to those making distinguished contributions to the arts and sciences. Born in London and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Shonibare’s work explores issues of race and class. Another major piece of artwork by El Anatsui, a Ghanain sculptor, will be prominently featured as you move from the new Welcome Center into the existing building.

Soon we will open the annual Chrysanthemums & More! exhibition. Both inside and out, the show will explore the naturally untamed side of the season. Our plant displays will be open and airy with movement to draw your eye towards a new interpretation of beauty. The exhibition will also contain traditional favorites such as ornamental pumpkins, giant pumpkins, heirloom vegetables, herbs and gourds at Michigan's Farm Garden.

Many of you have contributed to our annual fund and the virtual Great Gardens Party. You have also continued to support us with your membership. You have helped sustain us with letters, emails and calls of encouragement. It is important, and I am encouraged by your support. I am also deeply appreciative of our dedicated and loyal staff. In these unprecedented times, they, like so many others, have had to endure hardships and uncertainty. Please help us celebrate the fact that they have dedicated their careers to Meijer Gardens and the advancement of our mission.

Gratefully,

David S. Hooker

President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park