seasons Summer ‘22 (June–August) Volume 13, Issue 3 FREDERIK MEIJER Gardens & Sculpture Park 01 Letter from the President 02 Positively Perennial: The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden 08 Events 10 Summer Concert Series 12 Adult & Teen Classes 14 Child & Family Events 16 Summer Camps 17 Culinary Arts 18 Membership & Philanthropy 20 Organizational Highlights Joel Shapiro. Untitled, 1985. Kevin Huver Bronze.
Brian Kelly
Utopia (detail), 2020. © 2020 Jaume Plensa, courtesy of Richard Gray Gallery.
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n November 2021, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Welcome Center and Jaume Plensa’s masterpiece sculpture Utopia were dedicated. The dedication was in the form of a toast to all people—celebrating the idea that beauty is part of the answer to our cares and honoring the love we share for all of humanity to live in peace. Utopia celebrates all people. It is made of one material: white Vietnamese marble. As we are all one people, the material of Utopia is all one. At the same time, we are all unique and different, as is each face of Utopia. This is truly something we can celebrate together. When you visit, take time to notice how the beauty of Utopia celebrates the diversity of all people. Meijer Gardens is fortunate to have some of the finest objects humanity has ever produced. Worldclass art, highly curated gardens and amazing facilities define our physical layout. The objects stimulate the senses and inspire your mind. Yet their finest purpose is to connect people, promote high ideals and enrich lives by bringing people joy. Fred Meijer defined this goal when ground was broken in 1993 for our first building. He stated his hope that Meijer Gardens would make the world “more whole.” Our mission is to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. The action in that statement is promoting enjoyment through art, gardens, and a love of the natural environment. It is why Fred and Lena Meijer and the Meijer family made this amazing place possible. It is why thousands of you have come forward to support our mission. It is why hundreds of dedicated people work and volunteer here each day to bring joy to people, using all the resources entrusted to us to advance our mission. The title of our campaign to build these new facilities contained the words “Welcoming the World.” It is our desire to welcome all people to Meijer Gardens. To help ensure all people can experience our mission and be inspired, we established the Amway-Meijer, Inc. Fund for Education. Through the generosity of leads gifts from Amway and Meijer, Inc., a significant challenge grant from Candace and Bruce Matthews, and many individual gifts, we have already secured $325,000 in funding. One hundred percent of the gifts will go directly to underserved children to fund their transportation, programming and admission costs. This effort joins other programs we participate
Letter from the President
in, such as Museums for All, Grand Rapids Public Library’s Check It Out, and Kent District Library’s Perk Pass, to improve access to Meijer Gardens. In 2006, we first dedicated the Volunteer Tribute Garden, which honors the enormous contributions made by our volunteers to bring joy to others. The garden was a collective effort of many people. Edith (Edie) Fleming was a leader in making the garden possible. She gave generously of her time and talent in the Horticulture department. When the idea of a Volunteer Tribute Garden was proposed, she stepped forward with a significant contribution. Edie’s efforts and gifts are why you see a boulder with her name on it at the garden entrance. Due to our growth, we completely rebuilt the Volunteer Tribute Garden and updated the important sculpture The Tribute, by Oliviero Rainaldi. The Tribute honors all our volunteers, including Fred and Lena Meijer. We rededicated the garden on April 20, 2022—also the 27th anniversary of the opening of Meijer Gardens. In 2008, Michele Oka Doner created and installed Beneath the Leafy Crown, helping define the Meijer Gardens art and garden experience. This monumental sculpture allows you to be part of an art experience throughout the BISSELL Corridor. Beneath the Leafy Crown represents objects you might find on the floor of a Michigan forest. Over the years, millions of people have had this magnificent work of art beneath their feet and been captivated by its beauty. With the BISSELL Corridor and Sculpture Galleries expansions, Beneath the Leafy Crown was completely refurbished and restored. Take a moment to imagine how the bronze elements are inspired by nature. As members, you help make Meijer Gardens possible. Your membership is critical in sustaining Meijer Gardens and is sincerely appreciated. We hope you will visit often.
Gratefully,
David S. Hooker President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Edith (Edie) Fleming
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Honorary Chairman Frederik Meijer (1919–2011) Honorary Member Earl Holton President & CEO David Hooker Ex Officio Member President of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Michael Julien Rhae-Ann Booker Chuck Christmas Duane Shields Davis Jocelyn Dettloff Scott DeVecht Suzanne Eberle Joy Fossel Meg Goebel Charyn Hain Shane Hansen Todd Harvey Ronald Hofman Mike Jeppesen Jeff Lambert Gloria Lara Tim Liang Elisa Lintemuth Jon March Kristina Martinez-Precious Janet Mason Candace Matthews Mary McLoughlin Laina Mills Mark Mossing Hannah Naltner Doriane Parker-Sims JoAnne Perkins Jim Preston Carlos Sanchez Joe Taber Michael Toth Susan Vogel-Vanderson Jill Walcott Maryln Walton Robert Wolford 1
Positively Perennial: The TassellWisnerBottrall English Perennial Garden Three years in the making, it has become the most horticulturally diverse area within our 158 acres. The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden reopens July 1, with a modern twist on the classic design. Discover it this summer! 2
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It’s a love letter to English gardeners everywhere—the product of a plum partnership with internationally renowned landscape architects and horticulturalists, and our own Horticulture and Sculpture teams. Together, we reimagined our beloved Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden into a fresh space, honoring the cherished original while inspiring a modern experience that’s distinctively Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. A study in planned chaos, the sprawling Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden has an abounding energy. Like none other, it embodies our brand promise to be Always Growing. Always Beautiful. Always New. Impressive inside and out, the space is a four-season showstopper. Upon approaching the Welcome Center, lowprofile walls offer a first glimpse of the garden that’s carried through in the Garden Pavilion corner windows and the BISSELL Corridor wall of windows.
Even the views from the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater are spectacular. Like rooms within rooms, each area within the accessible landscape begs discovery. The horticultural diversity is unrivaled at Meijer Gardens, with an incredible 519 different plant types—388 perennials, 114 shrubs, 17 trees—and 6,000 individual plantings, not counting the abundance of plugs and bulbs. The Conversation Garden offers a peaceful entrance into the perennial playground. In a nod to traditional English design, a curving yew hedge flanks the winding path leading to the refreshed Leaping Gazelle fountain, by Marshall Fredericks ← FIG. 1. This lively sculpture anchors the intimate space and has been refined with a granite seat wall and black concrete base, reflecting the modern architecture of the Welcome Center while responding to the surrounding solstice walls. Like a warm embrace, a semicircular exedra bench curves around the fountain
Positively Perennial: The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden
to beckon both conversation and quiet contemplation. This one-of-a-kind seat, commissioned for Meijer Gardens, was handmade from reclaimed ash that has been thermally treated to resist rot and insects. Installed last winter, the bench will continue to gray as it weathers. Take a seat and take in the subtly sweet aromas of fringe trees in summer bloom. Meander the circular walkway to encounter Balustrade, by Monika Sosnowska ← FIG. 2. Known for her curious interpretations of common architectural elements like fire escapes and railings, this up-and-coming artist imagines a banister twisted into an energetic form. It is nestled between two special trees, both saved from previous construction sites, and carefully transplanted in place with a truck-mounted, 90-inch spade. Like its sculptural counterpart, these trees make a stunning statement, punctuating the perennial beds and echoing back to other like-trees layered throughout our greater grounds. 3
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Kenneth Snelson. Holding Pattern, 2008. Stone.
Ross Berens
Mchael Moran
Continue on the pathway to the elevated granite terrace, overlooking the entire English Perennial Garden. Stop to admire Mimi’s Garden (above), a two-story sunken space that floods the Courtyard Level with natural light and views of azaleas and native Michigan pawpaws and redbuds. The expansive covered porch is accented by rooftop cutouts, a distinctive stone pattern on the primary wall and Holding Pattern, by Kenneth Snelson ← FIG. 3. This granite form is a gift from the artist and a diversion from his B-Tree II, which graces our main entrance. Intrigued by science, math and engineering, Snelson explores the power of tension in his work. Drawing inspiration from an atom, Holding Pattern celebrates the interplay of layered forms and shapes.
Special Lecture Event: Celebrating the Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden Tuesday, September 13, 7 pm Julie Moir Messervy Join us for this special lecture event with Julie Moir Messervy. Julie is the founder and principle designer of Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio, who partnered with Meijer Gardens to reimagine the English Perennial Garden design. Learn first hand how Julie's vision for composing landscapes of beauty and meaning was artfully realized in her collaboration with Meijer Gardens.
Water is the lifeblood of any garden, and the stone rill in the Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden is another Meijer Gardens first. Though many rills are sunken, this raised granite water table features a narrow pool that continuously spills over the edge, adding a layer of vibrancy, movement and sound while aesthetically separating the Stone Court from the Balk Square—the lush central lawn. This grassy area is surrounded by plantings that speak to the rill, among them showy perennials like iris, liatris, primrose and sanguisorba. Content
Positively Perennial: The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden
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Beyond the Balk Square lies the quintessentially Tudor-style Knot Garden, with winding boxwood path, captivating topiaries, and vivid red, orange, and lavender perennials—a modern take on the traditional English design. The adjacent Cherry Tree Allée is a billowy canopy reminiscent of the Cherry Tree Promenade in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. These early spring stunners are even illuminated for nighttime strolling. Beneath them, a secret shade garden comes alive with popular perennials such as astilbe (top right), meadow rue, Solomon’s seal (bottom right) and ferns. In sharp contrast to the tidy Knot Garden is the Wild Meadow. This artful curation of plants rises to greet you—its 300 varieties of perennials boasting three seasons of blooming, punctuated by junipers that stand tall all year long. Sweeps of plentiful prairie-style plantings move in waves and layers, forming an untamed tapestry of color and texture. As you wander, rediscover two sculptures newly sited in this space. Warts and All, by Peter Randall-Page ← FIG. 4 (middle left), is a bumpy boulder sitting atop two equally massive carved timbers. Our Sculpture team partnered with the artist to replace the aging timbers to preserve the work’s integrity in the harsh West Michigan climate—the timbers even spent last winter outside, to take on a weathered patina. A work that’s been part of our collection, Model for a Big Sculpture II, by Dietrich Klinge ← FIG. 5 (bottom left), finds its permanent site here too.
Top: Monika Sosnowska. Balustrade, 2015. Steel, paint, PVC. Monika Sosnowska Middle: Peter Randall-Page. Warts and All, 2006. Stone and wood timbers. William Hebert Bottom: Dietrich Klinge. Model for a Big Sculpture II (detail), 2006. Bronze. William Hebert
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At the far end of the English Perennial Garden is the Green Cube, a towering woven hedge of pleached hornbeams. This artful pruning involves shearing statuesque trees on two sides to create a flat plane, reflecting the squareness of the Welcome Center and drawing the eye to the sky. Inside this secret space is Pozo XI (in and around the walls) (Version 2), by Cristina Iglesias ← FIG. 6. Acquired for the TassellWisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden, this organic work incorporates an interpretive carved rock well that’s partly above ground, partly beneath. Sculpted in aluminum and powered by veiled pumps and filters that create flowing water patterns, this wondrous well, like the garden itself, is a cacophony of the senses not to be missed. We can’t wait to welcome you this summer!
Positively Perennial: The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden
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Events Events are included with the cost of admission and registration is not required unless otherwise noted.
Yinka Shonibare CBE: Planets in My Head Lecture Series
Flower Shows Iris Show Saturday, June 4, 1–5 pm Sunday, June 5, 11 am–5 pm Presented by the Grand Valley Iris Society Enjoy a variety of tall bearded and Siberian iris blossoms on display, all locally grown for this judged show. View floral designs featuring iris flowers. Grand Valley Iris Society members will be on hand all weekend to discuss and answer your questions about these beloved flowers.
Daylily Show Saturday, July 23, 10 am–5 pm Presented by the Grand Valley Daylily Society Daylily flowers last for just one day—and so does this show. See an amazing variety of daylily flowers that vary in size from less than 1 inch across to almost 10 inches. Learn more about this favorite perennial from local experts at the Grand Valley Daylily Society.
Hosta Show Saturday, July 23, 10 am–5 pm Sunday, July 24, 11 am–5 pm Presented by the West Michigan Hosta Society
Fashion in Contemporary Art Saturday, June 18, 11 am–12 pm Suzanne Eberle, PhD, Professor Emerita, Kendall College of Art and Design Like Yinka Shonibare, many contemporary artists use clothing as a part of their aesthetic practice. Join us as we explore how and why textiles and fashion, particularly 18th- and 19th-century garments, play an influential and often metaphorical role in contemporary art.
Abundance and Scarcity: Yinka Shonibare and Food Justice Saturday, July 16, 11 am–12 pm Jochen Wierich, PhD, Associate Professor of Art History at Aquinas College Inspired by the history of agriculture in West Michigan, especially fruit growing, Yinka Shonibare created a new sculpture for his exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. In this talk, we will explore his and other contemporary artists’ work that engages with food distribution and justice.
Complex Embodiment: Yinka Shonibare and Disability Saturday, September 3, 11 am–12 pm Jessica Cooley, PhD, Guest Curator, Ford Foundation Gallery Hibiscus and the Rose, 2020. © Yinka Shonibare CBE RA. Woodcut print. Courtesy of the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Mark Blower. 8
Yinka Shonibare and the Pan-African Imagination Saturday, October 1, 11 am–12 pm Antawan Byrd, PhD candidate in the art history department at Northwestern University, Weinberg Fellow, Associate Curator of Photography and Media at the Art Institute of Chicago
Join us for a hosta leaf show 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 question and discuss why hostas are “America’s #1 Perennial.”
Dahlia Show Saturday, August 27, 12–5 pm Sunday, August 28, 11 am–4:30 pm Presented by the West Michigan Dahlia Society Become inspired as you stroll through a room filled with stunning blooms and a rainbow of color. Be amazed by flowers the size of dinner plates and discover the huge variety of flower forms available. View lovely floral arrangements and chat with Dahlia Society members to learn more about growing this beautiful flower.
Summer Bus Trips Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184. Dress for the weather. Expect a fair amount of walking/standing.
Historic, Beautiful Detroit* (Adults) Tuesday, June 21, 8 am–9 pm $180 members | $200 nonmembers Explore Detroit’s rich history by visiting the beautiful and unique Ford House and Belle Isle, featuring impressive architecture, natural landscapes, fine art, and stunning horticulture. Start your day at the Ford House, enjoying self-guided tours of the house and extensive grounds. The Ford House, whose architectural inspiration is drawn from the Cotswold-style cottages in England, was built in 1927 by art lovers Edsel and Eleanor Ford. Appreciate world-class art—including a 2,000-year-old vase from the Han Dynasty—and pristine vintage furniture, lavish decoration, and exquisite architecture. Find quiet moments amidst the grounds along Lake St. Clair, taking in the beauty of the formal rose garden, lagoon and a child-size playhouse, built for granddaughter Josephine on her seventh birthday. Enjoy a boxed lunch during a scenic ride along the St. Clair lakeshore before arriving on Belle Isle, Detroit’s gem. The third largest island in the Detroit River, located between the United States and Canada, Belle Isle is a singular location rich in history. Visit the Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the country, and the Oudolf Garden Detroit, created by renowned Dutch garden and landscape designer Piet Oudolf. This unique garden comprises 3 acres showcasing the beauty of artistic and ecological design. Take time, weather permitting, to visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the oldest continually operating conservatory in the United States. End the day enjoying a meal together at the Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, a made-from-scratch Italian restaurant, before returning to Meijer Gardens. Fee includes bus transportation, admission, snack, tours, boxed lunch, dinner and all gratuities.
An Artful Day in Saugatuck (Adults) Thursday, July 14, 8:30 am–6 pm $145 members | $165 nonmembers Join us as we discover all the creativity Saugatuck has to offer! We’ll begin by stopping at Express Yourself Art Barn, a historic barn from 1880 transformed into a community art studio that offers mosaicking, ceramics, painting and more. Choose from a variety of fun projects to work on. Then we’ll head to Ox-Bow School of Art and Artist Residencies for lunch on their beautiful 115-acre campus, surrounded by pristine forest and dunes. After lunch, we’ll take a guided tour with the campus director to learn more about Ox-Bow’s history, offerings and surrounding environment. We’ll finish the trip by heading to downtown
Saugatuck to enjoy a variety of small galleries, public art, shopping and dinner on your own. Meijer Gardens staff will offer an optional guided walking tour of outdoor works of art in the downtown area—or feel free to use this time to shop and explore at your leisure. Fee includes bus transportation, snack, lunch, guided tours and art activity, and all gratuities.
History of Sleeping Bear Dunes (Adults) Thursday, August 18, 7 am–9 pm $155 members | $175 nonmembers The beauty of Michigan is abundant with rolling sand dunes, waving beach grass and wide-open fresh water. This bus trip will bring you to a truly unique place—Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—to discover the area’s natural and human history. Begin with an enlightening stop at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center followed by a ride down the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, making stops along the way for sightseeing. Learn about the fascinating history of the area from step-on guide Eric Hemenway, Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, while enjoying a picnic lunch. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the views! Explore more rich history during a visit to Glen Haven Historic Village, a lumbering village restored to the way it was around 1900. See a blacksmith at work, view a variety of boats used on the Great Lakes, and more. After exploring the village, stroll along the beach or visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum. Conclude the day with dinner in Cadillac at Lakeside Charlies. Come discover why Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America. Fee includes bus transportation, admission, snack, tours, boxed lunch, dinner and all gratuities.
The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden Japanese Tea Ceremony in the Teahouse Saturdays: June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, 11:30 am or 2 pm $70 members | $80 nonmembers 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 sweets and matcha green tea. As an integral part of this program, all guests will utilize and enjoy original works of Shigaraki pottery from Meijer Gardens’ personal collection. Each object is a work of art specially
*Applies toward Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener education credit.
commissioned from some of Japan’s leading ceramics 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. Registration required at MeijerGardens.org/calendar.
Inside the Japanese Teahouse Sundays: May 22, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, 1–4 pm Experience the tranquil ambience and exquisite architecture of our authentic Japanese Teahouse on the third Sunday of the month, May to October. Take special note of the master carpentry, contrasting woods, patterns, 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.
The Peter M. Wege Library Books in Bloom! Friday, June 17 We hope you had a chance to enjoy our first quarterly Books in Bloom display this spring! The series continues as our talented Horticulture team dreams up another beautiful floral arrangement inspired by a book in the Peter M. Wege Library. Be sure to stop by to gain some inspiration! The arrangement will be on display in the Wege Library for approximately one week.
Read & Explore: Art and Gardens Book Group Tuesday, July 12, 1–2:30 pm For our summer quarterly book group we’ll discuss Pulitzer Prizewinning author Sebastian Smee’s The Art of Rivalry: Four Friendships, Betrayals, and Breakthroughs in Modern Art. This unique approach to art history explores the story of four pairs of artists: Manet and Degas, Picasso and Matisse, Pollock and de Kooning, and Freud and Bacon. Amber Oudsema, Curator of Arts Education, will join us to discuss the influences of historical events on Modernist art as well as the particular styles of these artists. We hope you’ll join us for what should be a fun and enlightening afternoon of conversation. Reservations required. Limited to 20 guests. RSVP to skilroy@meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3144. Cancellation Policy: Full refunds for cancellations are given if we are notified by phone or email 30 days in advance of the class. A 50% refund is given if we are notified 7–29 days in advance of the class. No refunds will be given for notice less than 7 days before the class. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-9753147, or email classes@meijergardens.org for cancellations. 9
Sunday, July 3
Sheryl Crow with Allison Russell Mem $97 | Pub $99 Wednesday, July 6 Sunday, June 12
Blind Boys of Alabama + Marc Cohn
Corinne Bailey Rae with War & Treaty Mem $53 | Pub $55
Mem $50 | Pub $52 Thursday, July 7
2022 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens MeijerGardens.org/Concerts Mem: Member Price Pub: Public Price
Friday, June 17
Amos Lee
ZZ Top
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Mem $98 | Pub $100
with Nicole Atkins Mem $102 | Pub $104
with Neal Francis Mem $58 | Pub $60
Friday, July 8
Sunday, June 19
Mem $80 | Pub $82
Andrew Bird + Iron & Wine with Meshell Ndegeocello Mem $71 | Pub $73
Thursday, September 1
Wednesday, July 13
Fitz & The Tantrums + St. Paul & The Broken Bones
O.A.R.
Friday, August 5
Emmylou Harris + Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mem $73 | Pub $75
Five for Fighting with the Grand Rapids Symphony
Wednesday, August 10
Mem $61 | Pub $63
The Dead South
Mem $93 | Pub $95
Monday, June 20
Thursday, July 14
with Tejon Street Corner Thieves Mem $51 | Pub $53
Monday, September 12
Mem $73 | Pub $75 Thursday, June 23
with Tropidelic Mem $57 | Pub $59
Trey Anastasio
Old Crow Medicine Show
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Mem $55 | Pub $57 Friday, June 24
Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band Mem $68 | Pub $70
Mem $61 | Pub $63
Lake Street Dive
Goo Goo Dolls
Monday, August 15
with Blue October Mem $100 | Pub $102
Mem $73 | Pub $75
Friday, September 16
Wednesday, August 17
Mem $75 | Pub $77
Mem $59 | Pub $61
Sunday, September 18 Mem $93 | Pub $95
The Beach Boys
Sunday, July 17
Rick Springfield with the Grand Rapids Symphony
Monday, August 22
Sunday, June 26
Mem $75 | Pub $77
with The Robert Cray Band Mem $72 | Pub $74
with Kimmie Horne Mem $58 | Pub $60
Thursday, July 21
The Temptations
Bluegrass Happening featuring Béla Fleck & My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush & The Jerry Douglas Band Mem $65 | Pub $67
Mem $98 | Pub $100
The Decemberists
Wednesday, July 20
Buddy Guy + John Hiatt & the Goners featuring Sonny Landreth Mem $80 | Pub $82 Wednesday, July 27
America
Mem $65 | Pub $67 Thursday, July 28
Arturo Sandoval with the Grand Rapids Symphony Mem $53 | Pub $55
Thursday, September 15
Mem $62 | Pub $64
with Tank and The Bangas, Big Freedia, Cyril Neville: The Uptown Ruler, George Porter Jr. and Dumpstaphunk performing the music of The Meters and The Soul Rebels Mem $93 | Pub $95
Norah Jones
Australian Pink Floyd
Friday, August 12
Friday, July 15
Monday, June 27
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Thursday, August 4
Boz Scaggs
Wednesday, August 24
Umphrey’s McGee Mem $51 | Pub $53
She & Him
Foreigner
Tuesday Evening Music Club TEMC brings talented local and regional musicians to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage— free to Meijer Gardens members and included with admission for others— throughout June, July and August.
June 7 Jordan Hamilton This cellist and poetic lyricist overlays his live instrumentals with samples and loops to formulate a distinct spin on hip-hop. The Elijah Russ Collective Primarily a fusion of soul and rock ‘n’ roll, with forays into blues, classical, funk, modern rock, country, and world music. June 14 Kaitlin Rose & The Band of Thorns A singer-songwriter-storyteller, fronting a refined and versatile band and offering Americana with a fresh sensibility. Seth Bernard A legend of the Great Lakes music scene, this pop-folk artist and producer continues to win over audiences with his contagious spirit and master musicianship. June 21 MOLLY A singer songwriter with a smooth, emotive style, playing originals and covers that span rock, R&B, and soul. June 28 Melophobix Horn-infused harmonic funk, with roots in reggae, ska, rock ‘n’ roll and soul. Soul Syndicate Pays high-energy, pinpoint homage to R&B and soul classics from various eras.
Summer Concert Series
July 5 The Last Gasp Collective Reminiscent of The Roots and Hiates Kaiyote, thought-provoking rap and warm R&B vocals intertwine with jazzy melodies. Myron Elkins and the Dying Breed A mixture of hillbilly, bluegrass, rock, country-western and even metal, led by fiercely commanding vocals. July 12 Whorled A contemporary twist on Celtic, jazz, Brazilian, and American folk, featuring violin, accordion, guitar, banjo, whistles, and didgeridoo. CrossBow A favorite of Celtic festivals throughout the Midwest, they interweave the traditional sound with a highly infectious modern flourish you have to move to. July 19 The 6 Pak A legendary all-girl band, originally formed in 1967, performing the grooviest hits from that era. July 26 The Samuel Nalangira Trio featuring Sharon Katz A native of Uganda, Samuel is a folk/ world master of multiple traditional instruments, accompanied by percussionist Carolyn Koebel, bassist Nathan Durham, and special guest guitarist Sharon Katz, a former cultural ambassador for Nelson Mandela who uses her music to promote peace and social justice throughout the world.
August 2 Lana Chalfoun An award-winning, 17-year-old singer-songwriter often compared to Adele and Taylor Swift, performing pop ballads and breakup anthems as well as songs that explore relevant modern topics. King Possum Led by Michigan musical fixture and multi-instrumentalist Mark Lavengood, this band serves up a stew of rock and soul evocative of old-time jukebox music. August 9 The Accidentals with Kaboom Collective Studio Orchestra The nationally renowned, Michigan roots, multi-instrumental songwriting power trio teams up with Kaboom Orchestra, a one-of-a kind orchestra comprising some of the most talented young people in the country, for a tour to promote their collaborative album REIMAGINE. August 16 Franklin Park Classmates from 1969 perform spot-on renditions of The Beatles, The Byrds, The Rascals, and many more ‘60s hits. If you’re a fan of The 6 Pak’s Tuesday evening performances, you’ll love this throwback band! August 23 Ralston & Friends Local music icon Ralston Bowles shares the stage with friends and collaborators, from the community and beyond. August 30 Grand Rapids Ballet Michigan’s only professional ballet company presents an evening of classical and contemporary ballet, designed to be enjoyed by all ages. The program will feature the full company of 26 dancers in George Balanchine’s ethereal classic work Serenade, with music by Tchaikovsky; Off the Canvas, a contemporary ballet from choreographer Katarzyna Skarpetowska; an excerpt of Artistic Director James Sofranko’s Romeo and Juliet; and more.
Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings June 5 Celebrating Women Composers A string quartet concert with music by Amy Beach, Caroline Shaw, Jess Montgomery and Fanny Mendelssohn, honoring the new Utopia installation. June 12 Irish Music by Selkie West Michigan’s Selkie has a repertoire running from poignant airs and songs to high-intensity jigs and reels. July 17 Brian Oberlin Is Back Brian Oberlin returns, with many music genres and his warm humor. July 31 The World of Guitar Music Presenting guitar music featuring Grand Valley State University faculty Kyle Thompson. Music by Paganini and more. August 7 Floating Souls A piano and violin concert with pianist Emily Grabinski from Grand Rapids Community College. Hauntingly beautiful music by Prokofiev, Bolcom and Still. August 28 Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Clarinet Quintet British composer Samuel ColeridgeTaylor’s brilliant Clarinet Quintet, paired with Haydn String Quartet.
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Adult & Teen Classes Registration required at MeijerGardens.org/calendar. Adult classes are open to all learners ages 16 and up. Teen classes are marked with the age range. All materials provided and no experience necessary unless otherwise noted. Nonmember class fee includes admission for the class participant on the day of the class. Scholarship assistance is available. Please email questions to: classes@meijergardens.org *Applies toward Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener education credit.
Landscape Photography (Adults) Thursday, June 9, 6–8 pm $35 members | $45 nonmembers Cory Olson Learn how to take advantage of the time of day to capture stunning landscapes. Composition, lighting, camera functions and different approaches will be covered to help you shoot beautiful scenery with confidence. Bring a camera and dress for the weather.
NEW Junior Naturalist: Wetland Water Quality (14–18) Monday, July 11, 9 am–12 pm $45 members | $55 nonmembers Dr. Robert Keys, Professor of Environmental Biology and Science Education at Cornerstone University Aspiring and curious teens are invited to test the waters—quite literally—and see what it’s like to be an ecologist. Learn about wetlands through place-based, hands-on learning while sampling and studying the water and soil in our wetlands and conducting plant and wildlife surveys. Students will become Meijer Gardens scientists as they work alongside Dr. Rob Keys to explore the makeup of a wetland, the importance of wetlands and what makes a wetland healthy. Upon completion of the class, students will receive a Meijer Gardens Junior Naturalist certificate.
Introduce yourself to the art of plant illustration in a relaxed atmosphere. Learn how to observe plants and flowers, then use watercolors and micro pens to transfer what you see to paper. This class provides a foundation for future exploration of botanical illustration techniques. Some painting and drawing skills recommended, but not required.
Join Amber Oudsema and Eve Choi, Curators of Education, to learn about the art and science of pinning butterflies. Take time to design a composition for your shadow box, then carefully mount your specimen so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
Edible Container Garden* (Adults) Thursday, June 23, 10–11:30 am $45 members | $55 nonmembers Tony England, Meijer Gardens Horticulture Lead
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Try your hand at several fabric-dyeing techniques using flowers—including the Japanese printmaking method hapa zome, which involves pounding flowers into fabric. Discover which fabrics hold color best. Leave with all sample materials created and a custom-dyed pillowcase.
Botanical Illustration (Adults) Saturday, July 23, 1–5 pm $65 members | $75 nonmembers Nancy Hart
Butterfly Specimen Mounting (Adults) Thursday, June 16, 10 am–12 pm $60 members | $70 nonmembers Amber Oudsema and Eve Choi
Limited on space, but still want access to fresh, edible plants? Join us to create a striking patio container designed with tasty plantings! Learn what herbs and other edible plants grow great in containers; how to arrange your plants to create a beautiful composition based on the principles of “thriller, spiller, and filler”; and care tips to keep your container producing all summer. Then get your hands dirty to make your own small-scale container garden. End the class with a look at some of the unique container gardens Tony England has created here at Meijer Gardens.
Botanical Dyeing for Teens (14–18) Saturday, July 23, 1–4 pm $40 members | $50 nonmembers Jenna Simmons
The Amazing Honeybee (Adults) Wednesday, July 27, 10:30 am–12 pm $30 members | $40 nonmembers Don Snoeyink, Thornapple Woodlands LLC Victorian Figure Drawing (Adults) Saturday, July 16, 10 am–1 pm $45 members | $55 nonmembers Megan Kellner Practice drawing the human form from life in this unique figure drawing class. Participants will see and learn about authentic Victorian clothing pieces. The class will start with warmup exercises in gesture drawing and proportions, then move into capturing the full figure in detail.
There is much to learn and explore in the complex world of a honeybee. This class will provide a fascinating overview of the honeybee, from its lifecycle to its strict social order and so much more. Learn creative uses for honey and taste the sweetness of nature by sampling some. Don’t be surprised if you look at honeybees and other pollinators differently after this class. Attend Don’s second class, Basics of Beekeeping, on August 3 for more in-depth details on how to get started with beekeeping.
Top left: Marco Piunti. Bottom left: Maddie Ek.
Beginning Monotype Printmaking (Adults) Monday, July 25, 5–8 pm $65 members | $75 nonmembers Taylor Bultema
Dahlia Floral Bouquet (Adults) Saturday, August 27, 10–11:30 am $55 members | $65 nonmembers Kara Wilkinson, Fosters’ Floral
Explore the endless designs you can create with monotype printing—a form of printmaking in which a unique image is created from applying ink directly to a plate and then transferring it to paper. Learn a variety of techniques, including additive and subtractive processes, stenciling, and utilizing found objects.
Make a stunning floral bouquet featuring dahlias and gain ideas and inspiration to help you create stunning bouquets and arrangements for years to come. First, watch a demonstration on how to use the elements of design to create a simple but lovely bouquet. Learn the mechanics of arranging a variety of materials and find out the tools and tricks of the trade. Then make your own bouquet using dahlias, unique foliage and more. Bring your bouquet home to display in a vase of your own, offering it a new life. Includes admission to the Dahlia Show on Saturday, August 27.
Creatures of the Mappa Mundi - Bonnacon (detail), 2018. © Yinka Shonibare CBE RA. Patchwork, appliqué, embroidery and Dutch wax printed cotton textile. Commissioned by Meadow Arts, 2018. Courtesy of the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Mark Blower.
Beginning Batik (Adults) Wednesday, August 10, 10:30 am–12 pm $45 members | $55 nonmembers Vickie Wilkinson
Basics of Beekeeping (Adults) Wednesday, August 3, 10:30 am–12 pm $30 members | $40 nonmembers Don Snoeyink, Thornapple Woodlands LLC In this introductory class, learn the basics of what it takes to be a beekeeper. Whether you’re curious about getting started or you’re one to two years into the journey, discover more about how to care for your bees. During this lecture, participants will learn how to set up a beehive, where to source materials and what to buy, mistakes and lessons learned along the way, and much more. This is a great opportunity to see if beekeeping is right for you or learn more to become a better beekeeper. Attend Don’s first class, The Amazing Honeybee, on July 27 for more in-depth details on the honeybee’s life.
Creative Hand Lettering (Adults) Friday, August 5, 10 am–1 pm $55 members | $65 nonmembers Katie Reitemeier This class will build upon your own handwriting to create artfully drawn letters using markers and watercolor. Apply your newfound skill to creating a framed quote and one or two personalized cards to share. Take home a framed chalkboard, chalk marker and practice notebook. Adult & Teen Classes
Become inspired by the sculptures of Yinka Shonibare and his use of colorful Dutch wax-printed fabrics. Learn about the unique process of batik and experiment with the tools, techniques, and processes of resist dyeing. Create a colorful fabric sampler to take home.
Camera Basics (Adults) Saturday, August 20, 9 am–1 pm $50 members | $60 nonmembers Dianne Carroll-Burdick Get an in-depth knowledge about camera functions including ISO, file size, shutter, aperture, exposure modes. Learn with lecture, demo and activity. In the second half of the class, test your new knowledge by taking photographs around the grounds of Meijer Gardens. This class will allow you to take control of your camera and move to the next level of digital photography. For photographers using digital SLR cameras.
Natural Dyes (Adults) Wednesday, August 24, 5:30 pm–8:30 pm $55 members | $65 nonmembers Megan Williams, Adventure Textiles Discover the art and science behind achieving natural colors from onion skins, avocado pits, turmeric, and more. Learn how to set up natural dye pots and dye with four kitchen materials. Then shift some of the colors with an iron modifier. Leave with 21 samples in a small dye recipe book and a set of napkins dyed in class. Left: LuPa Creative. Right: Erika Townsley.
Heartside Mural Walk (Adults and Teens 14+) Friday, September 9, 10 am–12 pm $25 members | $35 nonmembers Jasmine Bruce Join muralist Jasmine Bruce on a walking tour of the Heartside neighborhood murals. Discuss your interpretations as a group while exploring visual elements and principals of design. Stop at Jasmine’s mural (above) and hear firsthand about her artistic choices and technique. Explore color, scale and movement on this inspiring tour. Expect a significant amount of standing and walking. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. We will meet at a central Heartside location.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds for cancellations are given if we are notified by phone or email 30 days in advance of the class. A 50% refund is given if we are notified 7–29 days in advance of the class. No refunds will be given for notice less than 7 days before the class. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-9753147, or email classes@meijergardens.org for cancellations. 13
Visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar to register. Bring your lawn chair and head out to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater after these classes to enjoy Tuesday Evening Music Club performances, included with admission or your class fee.
Sustainability Series $5 members | $20 nonmembers per session (Adults) Instructed by Eve Choi and Maddie Ek, Meijer Gardens Education Department staff
In this new class offering, enjoy mini-lectures with Meijer Gardens educators. Sessions will include lessons for bringing sustainability home and help you feel empowered to incorporate Earth-friendly practices into your everyday life. Classes will break topics down into easy-to-understand information and simple how-tos.
Child & Family Events Events are included with the cost of admission and registration is not required unless otherwise noted.
Calculating Your Ecological Footprint June 14, 5:30–6:30 pm
Learn how to calculate your ecological footprint and how to apply this practice to your everyday life.
Sustainable Landscape Practices* July 12, 5:30–6:30 pm
Enjoy a unique look at Meijer Gardens’ sustainable practices and the use of fire for landscape management.
Pursuing a Sustainable Lifestyle August 9, 5:30–6:30 pm
With so many gimmicks out there, how do you know which sustainability hacks are worthy of pursuing? Join us to find out!
Open Studio Series
$5 members | $20 nonmembers per session (Adults) Facilitated by Taylor Bultema, Meijer Gardens Education Department staff In this new class offering, enjoy the opportunity to explore your artistic practice in our scenic classroom spaces. Open studio hours are ideal for creatives who thrive in a relaxed atmosphere of community art making. A Meijer Gardens educator will offer a short demo of the projects listed below and be available for questions and guidance throughout. Materials for the monthly project will be provided as well as some other basic drawing materials, easels and sketch boards. Participants should bring any additional materials they are interested in working with. Each Open Studio session is limited to 20 participants.
Still Life Drawing June 21, 5:30–7:30 pm
Draw inspiration from a preset still life to expand on your drawing skills. A variety of drawing materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring painting materials as an alternative.
Kids’ Tram Let’s Move! A Kid’s Tram Tour June 6–August 20 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm and 2:45 pm $3 for children 3–13 years | Free for children 2 years and younger | $5 for adults Enjoy an interactive family experience on the Kids’ Tram as you learn about sculpture through movement! Practice balancing like Plantoir, pretending to swim like mink and koi at the waterfall, and learning the best ways to get your heart pumping a la Scarlatti. Strengthen your muscles, your heart and your brain! All activities can also be done seated.
Collage July 19, 5:30–7:30 pm
Explore choosing, arranging, and affixing paper and fabric materials to create compelling compositions.
Hand-Printing with Natural Objects August 16, 5:30–7:30 pm
*Applies toward Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener education credit.
Learn how to transfer botanicals and other found objects onto paper with nonprinting techniques.
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Adult & Teen Classes
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds for cancellations are given if we are notified by phone or email 30 days in advance of the class. A 50% refund is given if we are notified 7–29 days in advance of the class. No refunds will be given for notice less than 7 days before the class. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-9753147, or email classes@meijergardens.org for cancellations.
CHILDREN’S GARDEN SUMMER ACTIVITIES June 12–August 20, 2022
Michigan’s Farm Garden Fridays at the Farm Fridays, June 17–August 19, 11 am–2 pm
Whether it’s engaging with pop-up 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—all summer long! Check at the Children’s Garden Information Center for what’s happening daily. Special weekly programs and activities include:
Have bushels of family fun this summer! Children of all ages will enjoy farm-time fun working together on a cooperative quilting project and completing farm “chore challenges.” Join us for special farm-inspired stories, games, music and more!
Moving to the Music Mondays, 10:30 am
SPECIAL FAMILY WEEKENDS
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.
Focus on Flowers Saturday June 11, 11 am–2 pm Sunday June 12, 1–4 pm
Outdoor Artist Studio Tuesdays, 10:30 am
Come smell the flowers at Michigan’s Farm Garden! This weekend will have you exploring the uses of flowers, investigating their functions and learning all about their purposes. Participate in a variety of family-friendly activities, such as creating your own flower crown and going on a fun flower hunt.
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.
Summer Story Time Tuesday Evenings, 6:30 pm
Experience stories by using your imagination to travel through imaginary landscapes, jumping like frogs onto pretend lily pads, or chanting and cheering for your favorite story characters. Join us for a variety of sensational stories, all summer long.
Meet Me at the Fair Saturday July 23, 11 am–2 pm Sunday July 24, 1–4 pm There’s something for everyone at the fair! View live farm animals and vote for your favorite. Join in classic fair games and enjoy a traditional fair “treat.” Listen to toe-tapping tunes, participate in fun farm animal challenges and play a rousing game of “Old MacDonald Says!”
Heirloom Tomatoes Saturday August 20, 11 am–2 pm Sunday August 21, 1–4 pm Join us for a flavorful weekend focused on heirloom tomatoes. Join in family activities such as creating colorful and unique tomato designs and participate in a trivia challenge highlighting tomatoes. Ask a horticulturist about the tomatoes growing at Michigan’s Farm Garden and learn about different varieties through informal talks, lectures, and sampling—then vote for your top tomato!
Amazing Honeybees Saturday September 3, 11 am–2 pm Sunday September 4, 1–4 pm “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 listening to local beekeepers. Learn amazing facts while you sample several different types of honey. Become a bee as you create your own unique set of antennae, then find out how to communicate like a bee by participating in a “bee dance.” Child & Family Events
Weaving and Spinning Flora Wednesdays, 10:30 am
Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Take a closer look at the spectacular variety of colors and patterns found in flowers. Listen to stories about flowers, examine their colors and designs with hand lenses, or go on a floral color hunt—then observe a professional fiber artist as she transforms fibers into flower forms!
SPECIAL CHILDREN’S GARDEN SUMMER EVENTS
Topiary Tales Thursdays, 10:30 am
Fathers, Everywhere! Saturday, June 18, 10 am–12 pm Treat your grownup to unique Father’s Day activities in the Children’s Garden. Play special fishing games, create a “Catch of the Day” fish print, or join a naturalist talk all about animal fathers everywhere. Learn baby animal names while participating in a story time that celebrates fathers.
Red, White, Blue & You: A Salute to Independence Day! Saturday, July 2, 10 am–12 pm Help us celebrate America’s birthday—the Children’s Garden way! Create your own ecofriendly, patriotic-themed noisemaker and listen to classic Fourth of July storybooks such as How to Bake an American Pie, Fourth of July Mice, and Red, White and Boom! From an AllAmerican Flag Hunt to a Hula Hoop Hoopla on the lawn, birthday fun will be had by everyone!
Discover the Children’s Garden through whimsical topiaries! Everyday animals are the focus of this year’s topiary display theme: “Who’s Living in My Backyard?” Join us each Thursday for a fun family-friendly walk, story time and awesome animal activities!
Garden Helpers: Insects and Bugs! Fridays, 10:30 am
Beetles, grasshoppers, butterflies, ants and more! Join a "bugologist" and discover unique facts about insect and bug behaviors. Investigate how these tiny animals help in big ways through up-close observations, interactive stories and more!
Science Saturday Saturdays, 10:30 am
Investigate the natural world of Michigan every Saturday as you explore fascinating facts about insects, fossils, mammals and more. Learn from a guest naturalist what makes Michigan’s natural elements so unique with simple identification methods, and discover the importance of conservation by participating in family-friendly activities.
Top: Peter McDaniel. Middle: William Hebert. Bottom: Dean VanDis.
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Summer Camps Registration required at MeijerGardens.org/calendar. Register early. Space is limited. Remember: Bring a snack and water bottle with you each day, unless noted in camp description. Campers must be in the age range listed for their camp at the start of that camp. Scholarship assistance is available. Please email questions regarding summer camps to jbarber@meijergardens.org.
NEW Let’s Get Crafty (Ages 9–11) June 14 and 15 OR July 19 and 20 9:30 am–2:30 pm | Tuesday & Wednesday $80 member | $90 nonmember Explore textiles, fibers, beads and paper—along with many other materials—as we create multiple fun and functional products over the course of this camp. We will learn all about crafting and how it is a serious art form! Participants in this camp will gain knowledge of the various techniques used to work with many different types of media. Please bring a snack, lunch and water bottle each day
Sculpture All Around (Ages 4–5) June 20–23 9 am–12 pm | Monday–Thursday $90 member | $100 nonmember Come explore the sculptures all around Meijer Gardens— inside and out! Visit the Sculpture Park and discover the difference between realistic and abstract sculptures. Create your own mini sculpture park with pathways, trees, water and works of art. Explore the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and the Earl & Donnalee Holton Arid Garden with an artist’s eye and create unique sculptures inspired by these biomes. Have fun playing silly sculpture games and listening to sensational sculpture stories.
NEW Citizen Science (Ages 9–11) June 21 and 22 OR July 26 and 27 9:30 am–2:30 pm | Tuesday & Wednesday $80 member | $90 nonmember Observe like a scientist as you join us in the ongoing environmental monitoring of Meijer Gardens. Explore the flora and fauna of our grounds. Get hands-on experience using scientific tools and technology while participating in field work. Learn how to record and share your findings and see how we can use this information to track changes over time. Become a part of Meijer Gardens’ commitment to environmental stewardship and to inspiring the next generation of conservationists!
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park follows all current COVID guidelines as defined by the CDC. Please refer to our website for more information. Camp Cancellation Policy: Full refunds for cancellations are given if we are notified by phone or email 30 days in advance of the camp. A 50% refund is given if we are notified 7–29 days in advance of the camp. No refunds will be given for notice less than 7 days before the camp. Call 616-808-3619, or email classes@meijergardens.org for camp cancellations. 16
Art Journaling (Ages 11–14) July 5–8 OR August 8–11 1–4 pm | Tuesday–Friday OR Monday–Thursday $90 member | $100 nonmember Express yourself through writing, drawing and creating! Capture the mood of the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden in watercolor. Explore the poetry made artful by Jenny Holzer in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. Learn techniques such as sponging and transferring, and choose from an array of supplies to embellish and personalize your writing pages. Then experience the art of journal-making using a mix of recycled materials and specialty papers. Your pages will be put together to create a personalized one-of-a-kind journal.
Amazing Architecture (Ages 9–11) July 11–14 OR August 15–18 9 am–12 pm | Monday–Thursday $90 member | $100 nonmember Explore what it means to be an architect as you learn the vocabulary, experiment with the tools, take a behind-the-scenes tour and use your imagination. Create a variety of structures using materials such as wood, clay, cardboard, stones and wire. Discuss landscape design and sustainability while you work together as a class to create and name a miniature city—complete with green space, roads and a river!
Dabbling in Drawing (Ages 9–11) July 11–14 OR August 15–18 1–4 pm | Monday–Thursday $90 member | $100 nonmember Come along on a drawing adventure! Sharpen your drawing skills as you sketch still life arrangements, landscapes, portraits and more. Explore how lines and shapes combine to create a composition. Shading and other details will help complete your drawing of various objects and places. Different types of media, including graphite, charcoal, markers and colored pencils, will be used to create new works of art each day.
NEW Green Screen Fun (Ages 9-11) August 9-11 9:30 am-12:30 pm | Tuesday–Thursday $85 member | $95 nonmember Make a story come alive through fun camera tricks! Create your own mini green screen and learn about stop motion, forced perspective, and the importance of costuming. Using iPads, campers will create a script, develop characters, create sets, and complete voice-overs to bring the story to life!
Summer Recipes
Best in the Business
Watermelon Panzanella Serves two to four
Ingredients 3 cups one-inch watermelon chunks 4 cups halved grape tomatoes 1 cup thinly slide shallots 8–10 torn basil leaves 2 cups croutons, preferably homemade 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 1–1½ cups dijon chive vinaigrette Directions 1. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Gently toss with a spoon to coat everything with the vinaigrette. 2. Mix 30 minutes before serving, allowing the croutons to soften a bit. 3. Add more vinaigrette if you like.
Dijon Chive Vinaigrette
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon chopped garlic ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup white wine vinegar ¾ teaspoon dried chives 1 tablespoon raw honey 1 tablespoon sugar Salt and pepper, to taste Directions Combine all ingredients in blender. Mix until smooth and emulsified.
Watermelon Smash Serves four
Ingredients ½ cup hot water ½ cup sugar 8 cups diced seedless watermelon (1 pound) 2 limes, juiced 1¾ cup blueberries 1 bunch fresh mint, with 4 sprigs reserved for garnish 1½ cups tequila Directions 1. Sugar syrup: Dissolve sugar in the hot water. Set aside to cool. 2. Watermelon juice: In a blender, puree watermelon until smooth. Strain puree and discard the pulp. 3. In a large pitcher, combine lime juice, blueberries and mint leaves. Lightly muddle using a wooden spoon. 4. Add sugar syrup, watermelon juice and tequila to the pitcher. Refrigerate until chilled. 5. Pour the Watermelon Smash into your favorite ice-filled glass. Garnish with mint sprigs and sip!
Summer is set for corporate events. Trust our award-winning team to make your business our business: Book your event June through August and you’ll enjoy 10% off your room rental when you use Meijer Gardens Culinary Arts & Events for your food and beverage services. Summer is a great season to host a corporate event—and there’s no better backdrop than Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. From the indoors out, we offer unique spaces sure to energize and delight your teams and guests alike. Escape the office and enjoy the comfort of our fully equipped Hauenstein and Pfeiffer Rooms, which include outdoor patios overlooking breathtaking gardens, wetlands, and nature trails. We meet your corporate needs with creative catering options, certified technical specialists and professional event coordinators to pull it all together. No matter the size of your outing or event, we will develop a custom, carefree experience that includes convenient, complementary parking and admission to open gardens and exhibitions during your rental time. Our winding paths are the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the fresh air during teambuilding or mid-day breaks. Better yet, book a Tuesday meeting and stay after to catch a live performance from local artists in our outdoor Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. For personalized attention, for a private tour or to check availability, call 616-975-3146. Top: William Hebert. Right: Russ Climie. Culinary Arts & Events
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Enjoy Your Membership Across North America As you prepare to travel, be sure to pack your Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park membership card! If you would prefer to leave the physical card at home, download the digital version to your Apple or Android phone. Meijer Gardens is part of the American Horticulture Society, which includes the Reciprocal Admissions Program. Through RAP, your membership card provides reciprocal admission benefits for named cardholders to 345 gardens, arboreta and conservatories throughout North America. This includes 14 locations in Michigan! Visit ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap for a complete list of participating organizations. Teri Zinn, a Meijer Gardens member since 1995, has used the reciprocal benefit all over the country. She notes: “When I am preparing for trips, I always look at the reciprocal list ahead of time to plan out daily activities.” George Segal. Circus Acrobats, 1988. Bronze. © The George and Helen Segal Foundation/ Artist Rights Society (ARS).
To receive reciprocal benefits, present your current membership card showing expiration date, along with photo identification, at a participating location.
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Content Membership
Each garden has its own unique admissions policy, RAP benefits and hours of operations. Calling ahead ensures you have the most up-to-date information.
Online Ticketing Visiting Meijer Gardens has never been easier! Reserve your ticket at MeijerGardens.org/tickets prior to your arrival and have it sent to your email. This paperless option allows you to go straight from your car to entry—and then to the places you enjoy most at Meijer Gardens. Your member benefits are important to you and to Meijer Gardens. To preserve those benefits, we always need to ensure the tickets belong to those who purchased the membership. Therefore, a ticket, membership card and photo ID must be presented at the entry upon arrival. While we hope you will try using this seamless enhancement to your membership, we understand digital tickets are not for everyone. The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Ticket Center ticketing desk is also available to assist you in purchasing tickets on-site. Should you have questions or need assistance in securing your tickets online, please contact the Membership department at 616-977-7689. Credit Hebert William
Quarterly Tributes In Honor Vivian Alexander Patricia Hawthorne Taylor Cooley Stephen & Susan Bishop Debjani Dutta Suvro & Eryn Dutta Jenni Hoonhorst Margo MacVicar Whelan Ryan McGinnis John McGinnis Richard Neil Sarah Shier & Mark Droste Susie Page Jessica Page Judy Smith Stephen & Allen Phelps
In Memory Judy Apol Susan & Kenneth Hasseler Jim Batchelor Theresa Batchelor Gwen Bolt Jackie DelRaso & Dennis Wooldridge Glenn Borre Andrew & Janet Atwood Joseph & Lisa Becherer John & Janet Boyles John & Sheila Buchanan Ann Chapman Debes Robert & Lois Deboer Twink Frey Grand Rapids Community Foundation David & Leslie Hooker Marguerite Jones Donald Kelley & Ann Avery Kelley Michael & Janet Kelley Barbara Mayo-Johnson Meijer, Inc. Aaron & Cheryl Molhoek Margaret Potter Fred Sauer E. Raymond & Ann Stanhope Peter & Joan Steketee Annalda Worsfold Susan Bugher The Bugher Family Carol Bush Paul Asselin & Jack Sytsma Ann Cameron Mary S. MacDonald Penny Sidor Laurie Dahlstrom Jon Dahlstrom Charles Ulrich Patricia Ann Damman E. Jill Pollock Betty Driscoll Nicole & Nicholas Thompson Robert Goddard Carol & Mike Goddard Janet Hall Joseph Havlik & Angela Havlik Boyd Harless Linda Blodgett Irmgard Hieber Andrew Deveau Mary Kay Jefchak Virginia Wanty Philanthropy
Thomas A Lenartz Susan Lenartz Lena Meijer Alan & Debbie Abraham Achievers Terry Albin Dean & Susann Alger Mark & Ann Allen Marty & Susan Allen Anonymous Aquinas College Aunt Millie's Bakeries Rita D. Balczak Alison Barberi Jeffrey Barnes Pamela Batema Joseph & Lisa Becherer Barbara Beineman Stacie Behler & Tony Baker Mark & Cathy Bissell Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Fred Bogaert Steve & Cheryl Boshoven Sharon Bouma John & Marian Bouwer Craig Brass The Brooks Family Robert & Katherine Brower Melissa Bush & Scott Dittenber Business Leaders for Michigan Timothy & Cynthia Byrket Calvin University Donald & Kathy Carpenter Certified Angus Beef Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design Alan Collard Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation Roger & Jean Danielski Andrew & Pam Daugavietis Karen DeBlase Jon & Judy Kay DeJong Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation Paul Dimond East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation Ritch Eich & Joan Cummings Eich Emergent Health Partners Feeding America West Michigan Michael Flickinger Rebekah Force Mary Forslund Henry A. Fox David & Judy Frey Twink Frey Lisa Garvey Dan & Lou Ann Gaydou Grand Rapids Children's Museum Grand Rapids Community Foundation Greenville Area Community Foundation Robert & Sharon Grooters Foundation Lori & Michael Hankinson Rose Hensch & Gabrielle Hensch Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, Inc. Historical Society of Michigan Earl & Donnalee Holton Phil & Martha Hones David & Leslie Hooker Ilitch Holdings, Inc. John & Sarah Jackoboice Michael & Sarah Julien Jeanne Kapenga Jim & Amy Keane Donald Kelley & Ann Avery Kelley Michael & Janet Kelley Pamella & Gene Kleibusch Kitchen West Design Studio Ron & Maureen Korte James & Jeanne Kretzmann
James & Diana Lawson W.A. Lettinga Investment Valerie Lincoln Elisa & David Lintemuth Richard Livingston Ray Loeschner MLive Media Group Louise Magoon Florine Mark Michael McKelvey Jack & Marcia Medendorp Michigan State University Miller Johnson Attorneys Patricia Missad NEPC, LLC National Christian Foundation West Michigan National Constitution Center Northwest Kent Mechanical Co Martin & Enid Packard PADNOS Chris & Joan Panopoulos Barbara & Craig Paull Barbara Pfeiffer James & Jan Postma George & Glenda Rader Kenneth & Vicki Rader David & Sherrie Rader John Reed Judy Robinson-Mitchell Milton & Barbara Rohwer Cathy Roloff Alwyn & Christine Rougier-Chapman Drew & Eileen Saur Suzanne Shelton Spartan Nash Dan & Andrea Stephens Jack & Arlene Stevens Jesse & Rebecca Stewart Larry & Cindy Streekstra Charles & Anne Sweeris Betsey Tinkham Eric Treur Lou VanderHave Lynn & John Vinkemulder J Visser Design Rachele Wahlfield & Sarah Anderson James & Kathy Walsh S. Evan & Gwen Weiner Jeffery White Aleicia Woodrick Richard & Barbara Young Zahn Builders, Inc. M. George & Lorriane Zain Kimberly Zeitter Kevin Milligan Anonymous Bob & Maureen Bazzett Dom Bazzett Rob Bazzett James & Nancy Beaver Mimi Burpee Carson Buskard Will & Sue Ellen Childs Mrs. Mary Dixon Linda Dodge Carol Greenburg Brad & Melanie Hertzberg Julie Oglesby Hoelscher, JoEllyn Oglesby Holt, Jill Oglesby Dehlin, Mary Oglesby Fenske David & Linda Kaczor Esther Karelse Amy Kilgallin Brendan Kleiboer Laura Klooster Bryan Link Jean Magolan & Donald Malcolm Brogan Milligan Brigitte Newberg
Meribeth Nudelman & Geoff Fields Deborah Rost Barbara Rylko-Bauer & Daniel Bauer Marc & Linda Stolk Michael & Denise Stolk Julia & Timothy Stratton Stephanie Swaney Lyn & Rodger Talbert Michael & Sherry Van Rooy Dan Voorhees & Jean Silbar Jon & Kimberly Waalkes Joel Zimmerman Richard Neil Bob & Jean Blossfeld Sally Coburn & Heather Ringelman Jim DeWeerd Anne Mulder Ann Pongrace & David Male Ann & Gerald Skinner Anne Sullivan Todd & Melissa Wittlinger Martin Packard Joseph & Lisa Becherer Donald Kelley & Ann Avery Kelley James & Marie Preston Esther Padnos Joseph & Lisa Becherer Philip Berger Lynn & John Vinkemulder Gail Paulus Darla Christensen Arlene and Kevin Crute Malcolm Wills Robin Thurber Joy Ruby Edward J. Pfeiffer Barbara Pfeiffer Howard Postma Lori Postma & Ted Hoeksema Elisa & Richard Rasmussen John & Martha Roy Abraham Rossi Jackie DelRaso & Dennis Wooldridge Yvonne Rothwell Kym & Tom Mulhern Amy Beth Ryberg Leo & Jacqueline Niffeler Maryan Sowa Mike & JoAnne Holton Rita Traynor Joseph & Lisa Becherer F. Phillip Van Eyl Lyn Newton Sonia Taylor Christina VanEyl Arthur H. Vandenberg Barbara Pfeiffer Elizabeth Vandenberg Sands Barbara Pfeiffer Doug Winans Diane Davis Winans Nicholas & Lucas Zahrt Lori Tubbergen-Clark
These gifts were received between January 1 and March 31, 2022. Those honored or memorialized are shown in bold type, while donors appear in regular type.
Frederick L. Fichter: Friend and Benefactor
Inspired by a desire to remember and honor his late wife, Dorothy, Fred Fichter gave a generous gift to forever name our annual Butterflies exhibition Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming. Dorothy and Fred loved visiting the show with their children and grandchildren and seeing the joy people experienced interacting with the butterflies and the plants. Fred was also generous with his time and helping other family members visit Meijer Gardens and participate in our programming. For those who got to know him, he was a great conversationalist, kind and inquisitive. He always wanted to know how others were doing and if they were doing all right. Fred served in the Army’s 70th Infantry Division and fought in World War II, notably in the Battle of the Bulge. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in engineering, and started and ran several successful companies before becoming a philanthropist.
Wishing Anne Benson a Well-Deserved Retirement! Through a career spanning 30 years as a fundraising professional with nonprofit organizations, Anne M. Benson made her mark on the Greater Grand Rapids community. Anne joined Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in August 2014 and led the Philanthropy team through concert seasons, multimillion-dollar capital campaigns, and successful fundraising events. She also led the Membership team through the growth of 3,500 members during her nearly eight years at Meijer Gardens. Anne has a talent for building lasting, effective relationships and making wonderful holiday treats! We are grateful for her dedication and diligent work affecting Meijer Gardens’ past, present, and future. The best is yet to come, Anne. We hope your retirement days are filled with creating wonderful memories! 19
New Spaces. New Faces. The past several months have been a whirlwind of new: the dedication of the Welcome Center, the Garden Pavilion and Jaume Plensa’s Utopia; a broadened BISSELL Corridor for smoother passage; the opening of the revamped Sculpture Galleries and our first sculpture exhibition since early 2021; and rededicating the Volunteer Tribute Garden and its updated The Tribute, by Oliviero Rainaldi. Soon enough, we’ll also enjoy the reimagined TassellWisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden. Please see the article beginning on page 2 for more insight on our garden updates. As we grow into our new spaces, we welcome new faces. After eight years as Director of Philanthropy and Membership, Anne Benson has retired from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. While she was studiously wrapping up events and winding down her schedule, we welcomed Julia Van Fleet as Director of Philanthropy. Julia, born and raised in West Michigan, arrives with an extensive development background and a passion for botanical gardens. After completing her degree in political science she spent a decade in Texas, most of it at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden as a volunteer and eventually Director of Public Events. When she came home to West Michigan, she served as Event Coordinator and later Event Development Manager for the renowned Tulip Time Festival. There she managed the organization’s budget and fundraising income programs, and had responsibilities for grant-funding opportunities, soliciting sponsorships for exhibitions, and supervision of seasonal and full-time event staff. Being involved with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and its mission-focused approach has long been Julia’s dream. “I’m excited to contribute to such a culturally important institution. Michigan doesn’t want for natural beauty, yet Meijer Gardens is a unique jewel,” Julia said. “The dedicated volunteer base and talented staff are a testament to all the good work that’s been happening for nearly three decades—and I look forward to being a part of it!” Utopia (detail), 2020. © 2020 Jaume Plensa, courtesy of Richard Gray Gallery. Brian Kelly
Julia is enthusiastic about the changes yet to come, particularly Michigan’s Farm Garden expanding how
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Organizational Highlights
it honors Fred and Lena Meijer and showcases the couple’s wish for people to understand where their food comes from. She looks forward to imagining new things with our dedicated donors, welcoming the next generations of people passionate about supporting Meijer Gardens, and fostering our many giving programs and events. Suzanne Ramljak, a timely appointment to our officer team, launched her role as Chief Curator mere days before we opened the renovated Sculpture Galleries and Yinka Shonibare CBE: Planets in My Head. A seasoned curator and art historian, she will oversee our expanding exhibition program and acquisitions for the permanent collection. Suzanne comes to us from the American Federation of Arts in New York City, where as curator for 10 years she organized numerous traveling museum exhibitions. Her own exhibition projects have centered on modern and contemporary sculpture. Suzanne also worked in the curatorial departments of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts and University of Michigan Museum of Art. Along with her broad curatorial background, Suzanne has extensive publishing and writing experience. She was editor of Sculpture magazine for five years and held the editorship of Glass Quarterly and Metalsmith magazines. She has published widely on contemporary art. Her writings on sculpture include essays on artists Louise Bourgeois, Michele Oka Doner, John Grade and Beverly Penn. Among several books she’s authored are On Body and Soul: Contemporary Armor to Amulets and, most recently, Loaded: Guns in Contemporary Art. A Michigan native, Suzanne earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in art history from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she also served as arts writer for the Ann Arbor News. She pursued doctoral work and earned a Master of Philosophy in art history from the Graduate School, City University of New York, with dissertation research on the Venus de Milo in 20th-century art. “I am delighted to join the outstanding team at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to advance the mission of inspiring appreciation of sculpture and the natural environment,” Suzanne said. “It is my fortune to be arriving during a time of impressive growth at Meijer Gardens and at a moment in our culture when the bracing forces of art and nature are more essential than ever.”
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HOURS Tuesday Monday–Saturday Sunday
9 am–9 pm 9 am–5 pm 11 am–5 pm
The first full weekend of each month, Meijer Gardens is open early to members. The DeVosKeeler Gift Shop, James & Shirley Balk Café and Peter M. Wege Library open at regular hours.
CONTACT
@MeijerGardens #MeijerGardens
MeijerGardens.org hello@meijergardens.org P 616-957-1580 TF 888-957-1580
We value your input! Respond to our content or submit your own via hello@meijergardens.org. Seasons is produced quarterly and mailed to Meijer Garden’s members. If you prefer to receive your copy digitally, contact 616-977-7689 or membership@meijergardens.org. 8 am–9 am 9 am–11 am
Saturday Sunday
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Meijer Gardens is a proud member of Museums for All. Show your EBT/WIC card for a reduced admission of $2 per person for up to four people.
Unintended Sculpture, (Donatello’s Habakkuk and Ife Head), 2021. © Yinka Shonibare CBE RA. Fiberglass sculpture, hand painted with Dutch wax pattern, patinated bronze, gold leaf. Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan Gallery, New York. Stephen White & Co.
Meijer Gardens receives funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Yinka Shonibare CBE: Planets in My Head April 1–October 23, 2022
1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
FREDERIK MEIJER Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.
