Seasons - Summer 2018 {Vol. 9 Issue 3}

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OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

Music to Your Ears

Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Summer 2018 Volume 9, Issue 3

SCULPTURE ESSAY

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT

Existence—An Icon of Nature and Design

Summertime Means Family Time


MASAYUKI KOORIDA: BEYOND EXISTENCE

OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

EXPERIENCING JOY

Art Newspaper recently ranked Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as one of the 30 most visited museums in the United States. Charity Navigator lists Meijer Gardens as the best charity for garden lovers. The on-line magazine Artsy declared Meijer Gardens one of the top 11 sculpture parks in the world. All these accolades are thanks to the significant financial resources and human energy that have gone into acquiring all the land, buildings, art collection, gardens, and equipment of Meijer Gardens. We have done our best to acquire the finest the world has to offer, while at the same time remaining true to our commitment to be good stewards of the resources we have been given. It is essential we use these gifts to enrich the lives of everyone who visits us.

TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB

Meijer Gardens is important because it allows people to experience joy. Joy is experienced by our members and guests by looking, learning, and engaging with our exhibitions, permanent art and horticulture collections and activities in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and Michigan’s Farm Garden. These experiences are greatly enhanced when learning is aided by reading the didactics in the galleries; by attending one of our many lectures; or by visiting the Wege Library and reading about the art and horticulture that make up our collections. Maybe the most important part of Meijer Gardens is the interpersonal relationships that are built and strengthened by using our resources to stimulate memories that last a lifetime. Example: The annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition is very popular. Our guest’s focus is on seeing the butterflies feed, interact with the plants and, every once in a while, land on somebody's head, to the great delight of everyone watching. The experience of family and friends being together and taking it all in is the fulfillment of our mission statement to promote the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of sculpture, horticulture, the natural environment and the arts. Observing these moments, one can actually see, hear and feel joy being experienced.

DAHLIA SHOW

April 15–21 was National Volunteer Week. Everyday our volunteers are here doing something special for someone else out of the goodness of their hearts. This may be expressed by helping someone with their transactions at the admission desk or gift shop, by taking time to help someone plan their visit, by one of our Play Activity Leaders (PALS) in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden connecting children to the many fun learning activities available or by one of our knowledgeable docents helping a guest understand a piece of art. Here is an interesting statistic. We are open every day of the year, but three. Every hour that we are open, an average of 27 volunteers are here doing something kind for someone else. It is a truly extraordinary gift for which we are sincerely grateful. You know it is summer in West Michigan when the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens and the Tuesday Evening Music Club again fill the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater with beautiful music. The amphitheater is also filled with many diverse guests, many of whom are experiencing their first visit to Meijer Gardens. The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater provides an excellent first impression and the quality and caliber of our performers keeps people coming back year after year. Enjoy a concert this summer. Gratefully, David S. Hooker President and CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park SUMMERTIME MEANS FAMILY TIME


HONORARY CHAIRMAN Frederik Meijer (1919–2011) HONORARY MEMBER Earl Holton

PRESIDENT AND CEO David Hooker

EX OFFICIO MEMBER, President of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation John Baab Ryan Anderson Kim Bruyn Joan Budden Linda Chamberlain Jeff Dean Jocelyn Dettloff Scott DeVecht Suzanne Eberle Joy Fossel Michael Gaudino Meg Goebel Shane Hansen Matthew Heynen Nancy Hickey Ronald Hofman Mike Jeppesen Yang Kim Jeff Lambert

Gloria Lara Elisa Lintemuth Jon March Janet Mason Mary McLoughlin Mark Miller William Padnos Doriane Parker-Sims Jim Preston Bill Schoonveld Joe Taber Edward VanDam Kathleen Vogelsang Jill Walcott Vicky Weller Daniel Williams John Zimmerman

Board Member, Advocate and Friend We are deeply saddened by the passing of Richard Morton, who was a tireless advocate for Meijer Gardens for more than 20 years. Dick served on the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Board for 13 years, including a stint as Board Chair. He was the interim Executive Director from January to April of 1997 and served on many committees including the 10-year anniversary committee, Building and Accessibility Committee, and the Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love Campaign Cabinet. He served the Frederik Meijer Gardens Foundation as Director and Treasurer and served on the investment committee for 11 years. Dick was a presence at Meijer Gardens from the very beginning and his guidance and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.

Dick Morton (Sept 1935—Jan 2018).

OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

MASAYUKI KOORIDA: BEYOND EXISTENCE SCULPTURE ESSAY

EXISTENCE—AN ICON OF NATURE AND DESIGN ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

A NEW TICKET TO RIDE SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT

SUMMERTIME MEANS FAMILY TIME DEVELOPMENT / 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.

ENJOY YOUR MEMBERSHIP AWAY FROM HOME EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS / CLASSES

FLOWER SHOWS TO FALL CLASSES Cover: Masayuki Koorida. Existence, 2013 (detail). Granite. 5 elements—dimensions variable. The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Acquisition © Masayuki Koorida. Photo by Peter McDaniel.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS / ATTRACTIONS

Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence MAY—SEPT, Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens JUL—AUG, Tuesday Evening Music Club MAY 25—AUG 19,

Summer 2018 Volume 9, Issue 3 June 2018—August 2018 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 © 2018 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.

CONTENT

BOARD of DIRECTORS

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS / ATTRACTIONS

Chrysanthemums and More! SEPT 14—JAN 6, 2019, Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture SEPT 19—OCT 7, ArtPrize

SEPT 21—OCT 28,

#MeijerGardens MeijerGardens.org

4–5 6–7 8–9 10 – 11 12 – 13 14 – 15 16- 23


2018 CONCERT LINEUP

Visit MeijerGardens.org to view the schedule. Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens welcomes performers like Alison Krauss, who will perform on Sunday, June 17.

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SUMMER CONCERTS


MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

We’re celebrating a milestone 16 years of summer concerts in the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater with exciting new upgrades designed to make your music experience even more exceptional.

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 $3.50 per order (not per ticket) and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies. Members save $2 per ticket.

2. O n the phone at 1-800-585-3737 Handling fee of $3.50 applies per order (not per ticket) and a convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies. Members save $2 per ticket.

3. I n 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.

Media Sponsors

Since its inception, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens has been a must-see summer event in West Michigan. Annual attendance grows each season, matched only by the increasing magnitude of influential artists across genres and geography that come to grace our beautiful outdoor stage. Through all this growth, we remain focused on creating an unparalleled concert experience for every guest, musician, technician and volunteer. Doing so exemplifies how we continually further our mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts. That’s why we made the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater a pivotal point in our historic Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign. Over the next year, this venue will be upgraded and expanded, with phase one completed for this summer. From the main gate to the main stage, guest seating to guest services, expect to see several enhancements to our acclaimed amphitheater. We have worked closely with our architectural partners to ensure that the new expansion maintains the intimacy that guests and musicians adore about our garden venue. Of the many upgrades, most noteworthy is seating. General admission seating has been enhanced thanks to a meticulous new grading of the amphitheater’s grassy hill. Custom contouring now makes for more comfortable seating and much better views of the amphitheater stage—there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. The general seating lawn area has also been extended to the east. The sponsor seating in the rear is in the same location as before but rises higher to accommodate more seating. As always, general lawn seating will be available on a first come, first-served basis. Gate opening times are listed on your ticket, with guests often lining up beforehand to secure the best seats. Lawn seating rules remain unchanged. If you prefer a chair to blanket seating, we allow you a low-back chair measuring 12" or less from the ground to the seat bottom front and 32" to the top of the chair back in its highest position. Low-back chairs purchased in the Meijer Gardens Gift Shop fit these parameters—all others will be measured at the main gate before entry. Guests with mobility concerns can rent standard-height white plastic chairs for $10 each, which can be used in a designated seating area, and we provide complimentary wheelchairs. For special seating assistance, visit the Box Office and we’ll do our best to meet your needs. Behind-the-scenes upgrades have been made to our garden amphitheater as well, to improve both show flow and artist accommodations. We make every effort to give our artists and their support crews a positive and hassle-free experience. We have added a loading dock, behind-the-stage access, improved stage equipment and state of the art sound and lighting areas. Future upgrades to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater will be unveiled before the 2019 concert season and include the transformation of the existing concessions building into a LEED-certified complex that spans a new box office, concessions facility and green room. Stay tuned, you’ll hear it first. Title Sponsor

Series Sponsors

For information about Tuesday Evening Music Club, please see page 17. SUMMER CONCERTS 5


Masayuki Koorida. Alteration, 2017. Stainless steel. 22 x 15 x 15 inches. Photo courtesy of the artist. 6

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION


MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: Society Preview Wednesday, May 23, 6–8:30 pm By invitation only.

Member Opening Thursday, May 24, 6–8 pm

Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence Join Vice President and Chief Curator Joseph Becherer for a conversation with Masayuki Koorida. Galleries will open following the conversation.

PROGRAMMING Between a Rock and a Hard Place: When is a Stone Just a Stone and When is it Art? Sunday, June 3, 2–3 pm Fee: Included with Admission Dr. Craig Hanson, Professor of Art History, Calvin College

Sculpture or structure? Artform or accident? Decorative art or garden decor? For millennia, stone has been used for decidedly unartistic purposes as well as the material of choice for many sculptors. This lecture explores how stone takes on new meaning as an artform while highlighting Existence by Masayuki Koorida, located in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden.

Japanese Garden Sculpture Walk Sunday, July 15, 2 pm, OR Tuesday, August 7 at 6 pm Fee: Included with Admission Anna Wolff, Curator of Arts Education, Meijer Gardens

Join us on a walking tour of the sculpture in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. See what makes this garden one of the most unique in the nation as we explore themes of tranquility, permanence and the relationship of humanity and the natural environment. Meet at the Main Gate of the Japanese Garden. Limited to 25 guests. Expect to stand and walk for 90 minutes. We recommend you see the exhibition Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence prior to taking the walking tour. Exhibition programs are drop-in style and registration is not required. If you have questions, please direct them to Anna Wolff at 616-974-5225 Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence is made possible by 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

MASAYUKI KOORIDA: BEYOND EXISTENCE Friday, May 25—Sunday, August 19, 2018 Masayuki Koorida is well known for his landmark work Existence in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. For all its quiet majesty and widespread admiration, Existence represents but one aspect of Koorida’s repertoire. In the last decade, Koorida has emerged as among the most elegant voices in Contemporary sculpture. Although he has exhibited in China, Japan and across Europe, the Meijer Gardens exhibition is among his very first in the United States. Sculpture at a variety of scales and in a variety of media will be featured. Born and trained in Kyoto, Japan, Koorida lives and works primarily from a studio in Shanghai, China. As a sculptor who works frequently with large stones, the studio in China places him in close contact with abundant stone quarries, but also allows him an opportunity to have the large industrial space needed for carving and polishing. From here, Koorida operates a very hands-on studio with very few assistants. He is deeply, physically engaged with his work. Audiences will undoubtedly be surprised to encounter both grand and intimate scale sculptures in which the rigors of geometry and geometrically-based imagery play a significant role. Patterned forms involving the circle and sphere abound. Each is rendered with careful attention to the form and a meticulous treatment of the surface. The latter is made even more astonishing when recognizing these affects are the results of human hands. Although Koorida often uses titles like “seed” or “flower” for such sculptures, the works themselves are more scientific and mathematical, than natural and organic in form or as seen with the naked eye. Granite, in a completely carved and highly polished form, plays a prominent role, but so too does black and white marble. In its precise state, with completely and carefully articulated surfaces, such work may feel in opposition to the rugged and only partially carved properties of Existence. Hand polished to a mirror finish, his sculptures are deceiving because they appear machined. But more than stone, gleaming works in stainless steel and acrylic will also be featured. Using industrial materials, Koorida challenges us to think beyond Existence. One final element to note is an extraordinary group of drawings that Koorida has created specifically for Meijer Gardens. These are not small sketches or preparatory renderings, but monumental presentations that can evoke the same sense of awe as the sculptures themselves. Second, although the decided use of geometry may seem familiar, close inspection reveals the cohesion of thousands of individual pencil strokes that combine to create singular forms. By any measure, these never before seen works will leave a lasting impression. Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence is a significant endeavor devoted to a deeper understanding of the sculptor and his sculpture. Considered with the granite ensemble in the Japanese Garden, it provides a meaningful opportunity to come to know a master beyond one masterpiece. This exhibition has been organized exclusively with the artist and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

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Masayuki Koorida. Existence, 2013. Granite, 5 elements—dimensions variable. The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Acquisition © Masayuki Koorida. Photo by Dean Van Dis.

EXISTENCE—AN ICON OF NATURE AND DESIGN In his magnificent new book, Visionary Landscapes: Japanese Garden Design in North America, acclaimed author and historian Kendall H. Brown, calls out the “revolutionary nature” of The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. From his vast expertise, Brown celebrates the notable, yet thoughtful, inclusion of Contemporary sculpture in Hoichi Kurisu’s masterful design. Among the most memorable works of sculpture is Masayuki Koorida’s five-part stone ensemble, Existence—a site specific work commissioned especially for our Japanese garden. Works of sculpture play an important role in the very being of the space. Although sculptural elements like lanterns and Buddhist statuary are commonly encountered in a traditional Japanese garden, the inclusion of Contemporary sculpture is highly unique. However, considering Meijer Gardens’ dual mission of horticulture

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SCULPTURE ESSAY

and sculpture, the premise of Contemporary sculpture in our Japanese garden is authentic, maybe even anticipated. Japanese by birth, but now living and working in Shanghai, China, Koorida offers a thoughtful and elegant voice through his three-dimensional masterworks. He is most well known for his sculpture in stone that ranges in scale from table top to monumental. He is deeply engaged with the process of stone sculpture, beginning with the actual selection of the stone. Koorida travels widely in search of the right stones for the right projects. Granite is preferred, but he also works in black and white marble. Existence represents one of two important aspects of the sculptor’s repertoire. Here, Koorida works in careful consideration with the massive granite boulders he has selected. However, he only carves and polishes the upper portion of each boulder;


the rest remains in the roughened, natural state in which it was first encountered. In partially carving the stone, Koorida is working in harmony with nature, not completely transforming it. Philosophically, he feels he is enabling an inner strength or spirit of the stone to emerge. As a contemporary sculptor, works like Existence show that Koorida is merging both Eastern and Western art traditions. The notion of working in harmony with nature is a point of view that pervades many chapters of Chinese, Korean and Japanese art. In the Western traditions of European and American art, acknowledging the power of the stone is also popular. Michelangelo believed that he could see the form in a carefully selected block of marble and it was his task to release that form. More recently, sculptors like Constantine Brancusi and Henry

Moore believed in a truth to their materials—they carved as they explored the natural properties of the given piece of stone or wood, working in partnership with nature. The decision to commission a work of sculpture from Masayuki Koorida was made early on by the Sculpture Advisory Committee and staff. It seemed an important step in this new direction for the collection at large and, specifically, for the Japanese garden. Key to the latter was bringing our designer Hoichi Kurisu into the discussion. More than just surveying Koorida’s repertoire, Kurisu and the sculptor had the chance to meet on several occasions and even plan the siting of the works together. In visual terms, they spoke a similar, harmonious language. In the end it greatly contributed to what respective Male flowers of Nepenthes—Tropical Pitcher plant. Photo by Steve LaWarre. voices and critics herald as “revolutionary.” Essay by Joseph Antenucci Becherer, Chief Curator and Vice President SCULPTURE ESSAY

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Hop aboard the tram this summer for a narrated journey through the Sculpture Park. Photo by William J. Hebert 10

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT


An architectural sketch of the new tram station.

A NEW TICKET TO RIDE

Comfort and convenience are built into everything we do for guests of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The new Peter C. and Emajean Cook Transportation Center is enhancing your experience, now more than ever. Since welcoming our first guest in 1995, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park main campus has more than doubled in acreage—from 70 to 158, to be precise. Starting this summer, seeing each and every one of them has never been easier. Centrally located near The American Horse in the DeVos Van Andel Piazza and Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, the new center will be a convenient stop for a restroom or hydration break. Guests will enjoy two family restrooms, drinking fountains and a water bottle filling station. The new facility will also provide much-needed expanded office space for our tram staff and volunteers. Mobility is paramount to our guest experience, and the new Peter C. and Emajean Cook Transportation Center delivers that by honoring our commitment to convenience. A cornerstone of our Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign, this LEED-designed hub will house our ever-popular tram tour and include a ticket sales counter and covered loading area that accommodates two trams. So, no matter the forecast, you and your guests will be safely protected from the sun, rain and whatever else the various Michigan seasons serve up. With our growth comes an equally growing demand for tram

tours. More than 38,000 guests hopped aboard last year alone, many of them first time members and guests of Meijer Gardens. What makes these tram tours so popular? In a word, convenience. Our trams travel to the far corners of our Sculpture Park. While they ride, guests enjoy a narrated tour with a trained volunteer who shares insights into our gardens, sculpture collection, artists and more. All in all, a tram ride is an interesting, inexpensive way for guests to experience our growing gardens. Events are another focus. Our trams provide transportation for weddings and other private social and corporate events. The new Cook Transportation Center offers more covered space and accessibility for guests as they await and board trams. Event vendors and staff will appreciate these extra conveniences as they set up and tear down as well. As you plan your next visit, be sure to stop in and experience the Cook Transportation Center for yourself. Better yet, catch a tram and see what’s new across our always growing, always beautiful, always new campus. Everything we do is designed around you, our members. We can’t wait to see—and share—with you this summer. ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

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SUMMERTIME MEANS FAMILY TIME

Fun is always in season at Meijer Gardens—never more so than in the summer. From toddlers to teens, parents to grands, our families love to get some sun and get away to our garden escapes. Every summer, thousands of families flock to find the adventure that awaits outside our soaring Tropical Conservatory. Kids of all ages love to spend the day exploring our many engaging outdoor garden displays. As you plan your summer of fun, make time for more family time here with us. There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book. This summer, we invite families to do just that, as they enter the whimsical world of fictional favorites with Summer Stories, a garden display celebrating the art of storytelling in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. With topiary, annuals, bulbs, perennials, trees and shrubs, we will create living horticultural scenes from beloved children’s classics. These botanical vignettes are sure to bring out the kid in all of us—and make for magical photo opportunities. Every Thursday, during Topiary Tales, classic storybook characters will come to life as you examine living sculptures called topiaries. Discover ladybugs, bunnies, frogs, turtles, and more in the stunning horticultural displays. That’s just one of the many activities going on this summer in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Summer is the season of exploration in the Kid Sense Garden in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. See diverse landscapes of color and touch unusual textures in our botanicals, baskets and vines. This engaging garden also showcases flowers, herbs and vegetables; the smells of fragrant flowers, foliage; and the sounds of musically named plants. It’s a sensory experience for the whole family. Join us Tuesday, August 14th for a family book discussion of the classic tale Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder in the log cabin. No drop-ins, registration required (see page 16). Or join us on the Kids’ Tram for a Garden Detective journey through the Sculpture Park. With tools in hand, For a complete calendar of family explore both sculptures and gardens fun, see Family Events on page 20. to discover who, what, where, when and why. Tickets can be purchased at the new Cook Transportation Center. Venture out to the Michigan’s Farm Garden to visit an 1880s-era farmhouse, a three-quarters scale replica of Lena (Rader) Meijer’s childhood home. Pull up a rocking chair on the wraparound porch and take in the surrounding 100-year-old barn, flower gardens, heirloom vegetable patches, fruit orchard and windmill restored from the Rader family farm. This historic garden instills the value of growing food alongside changing displays of beautiful and vibrant flowers typical to a 1930s Michigan family farm. All season, our horticulture staff tends to a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits, berries and nuts, many of which are harvested for dishes in the Balk Café. Sculpture at the Michigan’s Farm Garden tells the story of a working farm, too. As you meander, see how many different bronze sculptures of farm animals you can find. Join us on Fridays throughout the summer for Fridays at the Farm or on special family weekends (see page 20 for details). Take a break from the sun and wander into the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden. Home to wildlife and birds of summer, this serene spot boasts a canopy of tall trees, natural wetlands and shadeloving wildflowers, hydrangeas, hostas and bleeding hearts. The perfect mix of a cultivated garden and Michigan forest, it’s a great place to relax and relish your precious family time. Ah, summer.

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SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT


A PAL volunteer reads aloud to a group of young guests. Photo by Peter McDaniel.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT

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Blue Morphos fly as a family discovers butterflies in the lush Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Ai Weiwei. Colored Cup, 2007. Porcelain, 61 x 32 x 32 inches. Photo by Andy Terzes.

ENJOY YOUR MEMBERSHIP AWAY FROM HOME

When you are traveling, remember to pack your Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park membership card! Meijer Gardens participates in the Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP) of the American Horticulture Society which means your membership card provides reciprocal admission benefits for named card holders to more than 300 gardens, arboreta, and conservatories throughout North America. This includes 14 locations in Michigan! For a complete list of participating organizations visit the American Horticulture Society website at http://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/find. Catherine Glennon, member for thirteen years, has used the reciprocal benefit in Illinois, Florida and Nebraska. She added 14

DEVELOPMENT/MEMBERSHIP

“I always check ahead of time to see which gardens will take my card.” Nine-year members Tom and Jane Warriner stated “It’s wonderful. We had our card along with us and there was no problem at all. We visited gardens in Florida and in Ohio.” To use this benefit, present your current membership card showing expiration date with photo identification at a participating location. 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.


QUARTERLY TRIBUTES The following gifts were received between January 1 and March 31, 2018. Those honored or memorialized are shown in bold type, while donors are in regular type.

IN HONOR Eleanor H. Pinkham Paul Smithson

Richard A. Morton John & Marian Bouwer Dale & Sherri Remmelts George & Linda Sharpe

Margaret L. Rockwell Paul Smithson

Roger Oetting Margaret & William Gale

IN MEMORY

Edwin Roth Nathan Moore

Michael D. Bellah J.B. & Jacqueline Bellah William & Lana Bellah Jonay Casares Kathleen Greiner Anonymous Margaret & Bruce Chadwick Hillcrest Community Garden John & Mary Lange John Matthews Elisabeth Moore & Brendan Patterson Diane Putney Terry & Mary Schoen Nancy Vincent-Schroder Jean Kruger Gloria Yff Rosemary Lang Kathleen Hart

Helen Semler Philip & Lynn Baker Evelyn Bowers Greer Candler Kathy Coder Thom Coder Suzanne & Jim Dahl Paul Kacanek Brian & Valerie McKeighen Barbara Niemi Dustin & Kim Ordway Patricia Tuma Sue Spence Anonymous David & Lily Carrier Sue Cline Janice Rosenbohm William Spence Linda Westbrook

MEMBER SERVICES ENHANCEMENTS

We are excited to announce a new and improved database system to better serve our valued members and guests. Benefits include: • Easy sign-in to your membership account using your ID number with either your name or email address. • Verification of your membership information including email and postal addresses, and your membership expiration date. • Membership renewals and/or upgrades. • Online gift membership purchases. We are particularly excited about this feature because many of you have been asking for this convenient method of gift-giving. • Tracking of online transactions with an email receipt and order number. • E-tickets for Member events and educational classes and workshops. Just bring your photo ID for efficient registration. We appreciate your patience during this time of transition. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the membership office at 616.977.7689 or membership@meijergardens.org.

Meet the membership team. From left to right: Joanne Wisnewski, Barbara Paull, Tama Miller, and Melissa Bush.

WHO AM I? A BUTTERFLY BALLET

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Ballet offer a “tip of the wings” to our special sponsors. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of returning sponsors Karl & Patti Betz, and new sponsors Jesse & Gia Budrick, kids and kids-at-heart were enchanted by a wonderful story brought to life through dance, music and beautiful costumes. Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet is an annual tradition that takes flight during our Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM SPONSOR THANK YOU “I HAD A GREAT TIME, IT WAS DELIGHTFUL. EVEN THOUGH I DIDN’T GET TO SEE ALL OF IT, WHAT I SAW WAS WONDERFUL AND I HOPE TO COME SOMETIME ELSE TO SEE THE REST OF ITS BEAUTY!” —6TH GRADE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Ballet.

Each year, thousands of schoolchildren visit Meijer Gardens for an educational program free of charge thanks to the generosity of corporate and foundation sponsors like Amway and the CDV5 Foundation. Programs like the Art and Science of Observation give students an adventure during which they experience a variety of biomes, observe unique plants, and study intriguing sculptures. Thank you for allowing us to offer creative, age-appropriate, relevant, interactive, and fun educational programs to all children. DEVELOPMENT/MEMBERSHIP

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EVENTS FLOWER SHOWS June 16 and 17 Saturday 1–5 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pm

ROSE SHOW

GRAND VALLEY ROSE SOCIETY

FEE: Included with admission 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 pose questions to Rose Society members.

HOURS Tuesday, 9 am–9 pm Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

CONTACT Main 616-957-1580 Toll free 888-957-1580 MeijerGardens.org

KIDS’ TRAM

June 10—August 25 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, and 2:45 pm; Sundays, 1:45 pm and 2:45 pm

GARDEN DETECTIVE: A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

FEE: $4 adults, $2 kids 3–12 years old, kids 2 years and younger are free Looking for adventure this summer? Become a Meijer Gardens detective! Join us on the Kids’ Tram as we search for the who, what, when, where and why of the Sculpture Park. Explore both sculptures and gardens, with detective tools in hand.

Saturday, July 14 10 am—5 pm

DAYLILY SHOW

GRAND VALLEY DAYLILY SOCIETY

FEE: Included with admission Discover the amazing range of colors, sizes, and shapes of daylily flowers at this show. See flowers that vary in size from less than one inch across to almost 10 inches and discover spider, ruffled, and “eyed” forms. 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.

BOOK GROUPS Tuesday, July 10 10—11:30 am

READ & EXPLORE: ART AND GARDENS BOOK GROUP

FEE: Included with admission Are you curious about the plants in our wildflower meadow? Do you enjoy classic books on the environment? If you answered yes to either one of these questions then you will want to join us as we discuss John Madson’s classic Where the Sky Began: Land of the Tallgrass Prairie and enjoy exploring the wildflower meadow surrounding artist Mark di Suvero’s Scarlatti with horticulturist Gabe Vlasma. Limited to 20 adults; reservations required. RSVP to skilroy@meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3144.

August 25 and 26 Saturday 12—5 pm, Sunday 11 am—5 pm

DAHLIA SHOW

WEST MICHIGAN DAHLIA SOCIETY

FEE: Included with admission Enjoy a stunning assortment of dahlia flowers, with some so bright they seem to glow. Find a flower the size of a dinner plate and a pompon dahlia that forms a perfect sphere. View creative floral arrangements as well. Dahlia Society members will be on hand to answer questions and provide tips on how to grow these beautiful flowers. 16

EVENTS

Tuesday, August 14 11 am—12:30 pm OR 1:30 pm—3 pm

READ & EXPLORE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: ART AND GARDENS BOOK DISCUSSION FOR FAMILIES

(For children ages 8-12 with parents)

FEE: Included with admission Join us as we explore the perennial classic Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder in the log cabin in our Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Learn what it was like to live on the prairie in the late 1800s while discussing questions such as “what do you think it would be like to travel in a wagon” and “what kind of new things did the Ingalls family see and do when they moved?” Then create your own quilt square and enjoy other activities inspired by the book. Limited to 30 people; reservations required. RSVP to skilroy@ meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3144.


EVENTS TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB Every summer, we proudly shine the spotlight on a select group of local and regional musicians as they take to Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater to headline our everpopular Tuesday Evening Music Club. From emerging singer-songwriters to touring bands across culturally diverse genres, these talented performers are hand-selected through a scouting process and from local artist submissions. Some are new to center stage and many are seasoned musicians. A fortunate few have played as the opening act for renowned artists in our Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens. This eclectic collection of artists spans all musical genres, from Funk to Jazz to R&B. From Indie to Surf, 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 for the perfect date night or family outing. Pack a picnic basket or let us serve you dinner at the Balk Café or amphitheater concessions. Chairs of all heights and blankets are welcomed on Tuesday nights. Take your time and meander our botanical and sculpture gardens during our extended hours, to 9 pm. We hope to see you for a Tuesday of music and memories under the evening summer sky.

Hannah Rose and the GravesTones. Photo by Chantal Elise Roeske.

Soul Syndicate. Photo by Ben Howell.

Tuesdays in July & August, 7 pm

TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB

FEE: Free for members, general admission for non-members

JULY 3: Hannah Rose and the GravesTones—

A combination of Funk, Blues, Country, Jazz, and Rock and Roll, lead by a songstress with a voice all her own. Rachel Curtis—A stirring, well-seasoned vocalist and 2018 American Idol contestant, backed by her band.

JULY 10: The Kathy Lamar and Robin

Connell Band—With Kathy singing and Robin on the keys, it’s a blend of R&B, Soul, and Pop, with a tinge of Jazz. Soul Syndicate—A cadre of the region’s most talented musicians, doing more than justice to the likes of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and more.

JULY 17: The Eric Engblade Quartet:

Led by award winning singer-song writer and multi-instrumentalist Eric Engblade, it’s Folk Rock with teeth. Wire in the Wood—An eclectic selection of traditional and modern covers in the package of Prog-Bluegrass.

JULY 24: Valley Girl—Upbeat, Indie-Pop with reminiscences of eighties synth. The Hacky Turtles—Unique, Alternative Rock with forays into Folk and Funk. Tuesday Evening Music Club Sponsors

JULY 31: Lipstick Jodi—An Indie, Alt-Pop band with a slight Punk edge, obtaining a rich sound out of only three pieces. Hollywood Makeout—An energetic punch of Alternative Rock, Pop, Garage, and Surf.

Lipstick Jodi. Photo by Andrew Flees.

AUGUST 7: Nessa—A combination of classical, jazz, and Celtic influences, led by flutist/vocalist Kelly McDermott. The Moxie Strings—A foot-stomping, rockinfluenced, progressive spin on traditional Celtic and Americana classics and originals. AUGUST 14: Franklin Park—Reunited in 2010, these former classmates from 1969 perform spot-on renditions of The Beatles, The Birds, The Rascals, and more.

Nessa. Photo by Leisa Thompson.

6 Pak—A legendary, all girl band, originally formed

in 1967, performing the grooviest hits from that era.

AUGUST 21: Watching for Foxes—Indie-Folk Rock driven by powerful, haunting vocals. Desmond Jones—A fusion of Funk, Rock, and Jazz, centered around melodic guitar rifts. AUGUST 28: Ralston & Friends—Local music icon

Ralston Bowles shares the stage with friends and collaborators from the community and beyond.

Ralston Bowles. Photo by Richard Kienitz.

EVENTS

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EVENTS

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR

SUMMER BUS TRIPS

Thursday, July 26, 2017 10 am—7 pm

BUS TRIP: DAY TRIP TO MUSKEGON AND CHERRY POINT FARM

FEE: $115 members, $135 non-members Join us for a delightful summer day trip to Muskegon and Cherry Point Farm in Shelby! We’ll start out with guided tours at the Hackley and Hume homes in Muskegon, featuring the restored homes of Muskegon’s most well-known lumber barons. View exceptional examples of craftsmanship, including wood carvings and stained glass. Our tours will be followed by a simple boxed lunch from the Meijer Gardens café, then a short tour of the permanent collections at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Afterwards, enjoy free time to visit a nearby park, spend more time at the art museum to view current exhibits or explore other offerings at the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, including the Scolnik House of the Depression Era and the Fire Barn Museum. In mid-afternoon, we will hop back on the bus for the short trip to Cherry Point Farm and Market to walk the fragrant lavender labyrinth, view the Stone Circle Herb Garden at the center of the labyrinth, and explore the market. We will enjoy an entertaining talk on the history and mechanics of the Cherry Point Fish Boil, then sip lemonade and watch the pot boil over a wood fire, anticipating a mouth-watering meal of mild and sweet Lake Superior Whitefish, potatoes and onions all boiled in delicious seasonings and served with homemade coleslaw, garlic toast and freshbaked cherry pie à la mode. Fee includes transportation, a boxed lunch, dinner, guided tours, and all gratuities. Guests will need to navigate stairs and stand for approximately one hour. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147. 18

EVENTS

Tuesday, August 14 7:30 am–9:30 pm

THE BEAUTY AND BOUNTY OF LEELANAU: A FARM TO FORK TOUR

FEE: $195 members, $215 non-members Experience the scenic beauty of Leelanau County in a new and unique way—by savoring the bounty from its farms, lakes, and ranches! Begin your day in Leland with a picnic lunch served in a lovely courtyard setting at the welcoming Leland Lodge. During lunch, enjoy an engaging talk by Brian Price—geologist, commercial fisherman and former executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy. He will share insights into the county’s farming and fishing traditions and describe land preservation successes. After lunch, take a step back in time and explore Historic Fishtown. Fishtown features unique shops tucked inside weathered shanties, a smokehouse, fishing tugs and charter boats. Although on the National Register of Historic Places, it remains one of the few commercial fishing operations on the Great Lakes. Hop back on the bus to venture north and tour a working ranch with herds of Tibetan yaks and Suri alpacas. Learn why yak meat is considered the perfect red meat and explore the on-site shop for some alpaca wool products to take home. Sit back and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, past vineyards and orchards and learn why Leelanau Peninsula produces some of the tastiest fruit and most delicious wines in Northern Michigan! Round out your day with a tour of 9 Bean Rows Farm and learn about their commitment to growing healthy and delicious food using environmentally and economically sustainable methods. End your adventure with a relaxing dinner at 9 Bean Rows Cafe, a farm-to-table restaurant located in a former Firehouse in Suttons Bay. We’ll toast to the day with some locally produced beers and wines over a meal presenting the abundance of Leelanau County and the 9 Bean Rows Farm. Fee includes transportation, admissions, presentation, guided tours, a snack, lunch, dinner and all gratuities. Guests must be able to navigate uneven and potentially soft ground, so dress appropriately to visit farm fields. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

Friday, September 21 (Adults) 7 am—11 pm

CHICAGO BOTANIC: GORGEOUS GARDENS AND ASTOUNDING ART

FEE: $165 members, $185 non-members Join us for a day of discovery at the Chicago Botanic Gardens! Chicago Botanic traces its roots back to the foundation of the Chicago Horticultural Society in 1890. Since then, the organization has grown dramatically to include 27 distinct gardens in four natural areas. Our day begins with the Grand Tram Tour, providing an overview of the history and science of the Gardens 385 acres. Let technology enhance your visit by using the Garden Guide application to explore What’s In Bloom, the Garden Plant Finder or General Plant Guide. After the tour enjoy a boxed lunch on the lakeside deck with a scenic water view, then gather at the entrance to the American Craft Exhibition. This highly competitive juried show and sale of fine art features handcrafted artwork from the country’s leading craftspeople. Take a break from the show and enjoy time on your own to explore one of the many display gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Green Roof Garden, Fruit and Vegetable Garden and Natural Prairie. With nearly 14,000 trees and over one million perennials, if you love gardens, this trip is for you! On our return trip we will stop for dinner at the beautiful and unique Hackneys on Lake. This historic restaurant dates back to Prohibition, when the Hackney family served burgers and beer from their back porch to many happy customers. Hackneys award winning burger is ground fresh daily and is served on the restaurant’s own dark rye bread, using the same recipe handed down from the 1920s. Other excellent dinner options will also be available. Fee includes transportation, a snack, tram tour, map of the gardens, boxed lunch with beverage, entry to the Chicago Botanic Gardens and American Craft Exhibition, dinner and all gratuities. Expect a significant amount of walking and some stairs. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3147 or 616-975-3184.


EVENTS

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR

THE MASTER LECTURE SERIES—SAVE THE DATES!

Photo by Deborah Feingold.

Photo courtesy of Bill Woodrow.

Tuesday, October 2, 7 pm The Master Lecture Series

Tuesday, October 16, 7 pm The Master Lecture Series

PHYSICIAN AS WRITER LECTURE SPEAKER: DR. SIDDHARTHA MUKHERJEE

THE CHARLES SCHOENKNECHT AND WARD PAUL SCULPTURE LECTURE SPEAKER: BILL WOODROW

FEE: Free for members; $14.50 non-members. Space is limited. Registration required at Meijergardens.org/calendar. Registration will open on July 10. Please direct any questions to Anna Wolff at awolff@meijergardens.org or 616-974-5225. Join us for an engaging and enlightening evening at Meijer Gardens with accomplished author, researcher, and physician Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. Dr. Mukherjee’s celebrated book, The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction and is the focus of an engrossing three-part PBS series by Ken Burns. His most recent book, The Gene: An Intimate History takes on the critical question: “What becomes of being human when we learn to ‘read’ and ‘write’ our own genetic information?” It debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Dr. Mukherjee is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Columbia University, where his laboratory is on the forefront of discovering new cancer drugs using innovative biological methods. He is a frequent contributor to the New Yorker and the New York Times Don’t miss out on what promises to be a thought-provoking, even life altering evening. Dr. Mukherjee shares compelling insights on his writing and his work in our biennial Physician as Writer lecture.

FEE: Free for members; $14.50 non-members. Space is limited. Registration required at Meijergardens.org/calendar. Registration will open on July 10. Please direct any questions to Anna Wolff at awolff@meijergardens.org or 616-974-5225. Join us for a lively conversation with sculptor, printmaker, and mixed media artist Bill Woodrow. His career spans five decades, and his artistic voice remains as clear and relevant today as ever. In the Sculpture Park, Listening to History, created in 1995, is a timelessly thought-provoking sculpture. His early sculpture, created with up-cycled materials in the 1980s, made him a key figure in what was known as the New British Sculpture Movement alongside Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley. Reacting to Minimalism, Woodrow adopted a more traditional approach to materials, technique, and imagery. Much of his work invites a narrative, leaving open the possibility for the viewer to make a connection with the art and the artist. Come meet the artist to hear his insights, anecdotes and appreciate his artistic practice first-hand.

EVENTS

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F A M I LY EVENTS

SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE LENA MEIJER CHILDREN’S GARDEN, JUNE 10–AUG 25

MICHIGAN’S FARM GARDEN

WEEKLY PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Fridays, June 15—August 24 1–4 pm

FRIDAYS AT THE FARM

Gather bushels of family fun this summer! Children of all ages will have farm-time fun by working together on a cooperative quilting project and with “chore challenges” like gathering eggs, hanging laundry and “painting” the barn. Join us for special farm-inspired stories, games, music and more.

Mondays, 11 am

MOVE TO THE MUSIC Discover music and movement by being a part of a moving, musical jam! Play an instrument, clap your hands, tap your toes, or bend and stretch. Follow along with local music and movement artists as we move to the music!

Tuesdays, 11 am

SUMMER STORY TIME Imaginations are welcome at Summer Story Time! 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.

SPECIAL FAMILY WEEKENDS

Tuesdays, 6:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, 1–4 pm

OUTDOOR ARTIST STUDIO

OLD-FASHIONED FARM DAYS

Discover 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.

Explore what life was like on a 1930’s era farm—pretend to buy and sell produce at the produce stand, be a part of a unique farm-time band, play games the old-fashioned way—without batteries or cords! Step back in time and enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned farm fun!

Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, 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, talking with local experts, 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.

Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, 1–4 pm

MEET ME AT THE FAIR

There is something for everyone at the fair. View live farm animals and vote for your favorite. Join in traditional fair games such as beanbag toss, hobbyhorse racing, and a bucket bonanza. Participate in a variety of home arts, including spool knitting and sewing card quilting. Enjoy live music, ice cream treats and more!

Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9, 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 and examine a variety of heirloom beauties grown at the Farm Garden. Sample different tomato varieties and vote for your top tomato.

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There is always something new to explore and amazing to discover in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden! Whether it’s engaging with story times, investigating Discovery Cart materials, exploring selfguided activities, or joining in with one of the guest performances, the Children’s Garden is the place to be—all summer long. Check at the Information Center for what’s happening daily.

FAMILY EVENTS

Wednesdays, 11 am

SPINNING GARDEN COLORS Take a closer look at the variety of spectacular colors found in nature every Wednesday in the Children's Garden. Then enjoy an interactive story time and “fingers-on” spinning and weaving activity with a professional fiber specialist.

Thursdays, 11 am

TOPIARY TALES

Explore the Children’s Garden through interactive walks each Thursday. Classic storybook characters will “come to life” as we examine living sculptures called topiaries! These guided walks will highlight the topiaries and storybook characters including ladybugs, bunnies, frogs, turtles and more.

Fridays, 11 am

SQUIRMY WORMS AND LOVELY LADYBUGS Did you know a group of worms is called a “squirm” and that a group of ladybugs is called a "loveliness?" Come join us every Friday and learn more about the wonderful world of red-wiggler composting worms and how the diets of ladybugs are beneficial! Learn how each of these animals are garden helpers with hands-on activities and stories.

Sundays, 2 pm

SCIENCE SUNDAYS Investigate Michigan animals every Sunday as you explore fascinating facts about reptiles, amphibians, mammals and more! Children’s Garden is sponsored by Learn from a guest naturalist what makes each animal unique, ways of simple identification and the importance of their conservation by participating in family-friendly activities.


F A M I LY E V E N T S CHILDREN’S GARDEN SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS

SPECIAL MEMBER EVENT

Saturday, June 16, 10 am–12 pm

MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT Join us for our annual Celebrate Grandparents evening! Activities are focused on grandchildren but enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Enjoy the gardens and Sculpture Park together. Watch for your invitation to arrive in the mail. For more information, contact Joann Wisnewski, Member Donor Events Coordinator, at 616-974-5222 or jwisnewski@meijergardens.org.

JUST FOR DADS

FEE: Included with admission Treat your dad (or another special person in your life) with a unique Father’s Day in the Children’s Garden. Activities will include: · Going on a naturalist walk—exploring how “cool” dads are in nature · Creating a nature themed Father’s Day craft— using unique natural materials · Listening to special stories that celebrate fathers!

Monday, August 13, 6–8:30 pm

CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS

Event is made possible by Vista Springs Senior Living Making Lives Healthier and Happier

Wednesday, July 4, 11 am

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

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.

THE RICHARD & HELEN DEVOS JAPANESE GARDEN SATURDAYS: July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 11:30 am or 2 pm

JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY IN THE TEAHOUSE

FEE: $50 members, $60 non-members (Space is limited.) Registration required at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3147. Photo by Peter McDaniel. 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: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, 1–4 pm

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 (so you may want to plan accordingly).

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.

FAMILY EVENTS

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2018 SUMMER CAMPS

Your child must fit in the listed age range by the first day of camp.

TWO-DAY CAMPS Monday AND Tuesday, July 23–24 (Ages 10–14) 9 am–2 pm

BUILD A MODEL TREE HOUSE

FEE: $80 members, $88 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 tree house 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.

Monday AND Tuesday, August 13–14 (Ages 6–7) 9 am–2 pm

EVERYDAY EXPLORERS

FEE: $80 members, $88 non-members Investigate woods, wetlands and meadows with your own explorer kit and learn to identify birds, bugs and intriguing plants. Record your findings in a journal and create nature-inspired artworks each day! Bring lunch and a water bottle.

Photo by Peter McDaniel.

FOUR-DAY CAMPS July 9–12 (Ages 6–7) 9:30 am–Noon

AMAZING ANIMALS

FEE: $80 members, $88 non-members Explore animal habitats to look for turtles, woodchucks, birds and more. Compare animal features and create a dazzling artwork each day from a colorful windsock fish to painted and bejeweled stick animals.

July 30–August 2 (Ages 10–12) 9:30 am–Noon

PHOTO OPS

FEE: $80 members, $88 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, and creating tiny clay sculptures to produce a short animated film. A tablet or iPad is required.

SUMMER YOGA CLASS NEW! Tuesdays: June 19, July 24, and August 21 6–7 pm Saturday: September 15, 9—10 am

OUTDOOR YOGA

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 PER CLASS/SESSION: $7 members, $17 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Dean Jeffery Join us for a refreshing and meditative session of yoga with well-known instructor, Dean Jeffery. Each class will feature a different outdoor location at Meijer Gardens including Michigan’s Farm Garden, The Sculpture Park, and the Japanese Garden. Join us for one, three, or all four! Open to all levels and ages, bring a yoga mat and dress for the weather. Pre-registration only.

Space is limited! Register at MeijerGardens.org. Questions? Call 616-975-3147 or 616-975-3184. 22

CLASSES


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. Fee for extra participant in Child/Adult pairs classes: $18 each member, $22 each non-member.

(*) Applies toward MSU Extension Master Gardener education credit.

UPCOMING SEPTEMBER CLASSES Saturday, September 8 (Ages 6-10 with Adult) 10—11:30 am

Saturday, September 15 (Age 7 – 16 with Adult) 10 am—12 pm

GRANDMA AND ME: MAKE A MINI-JAPANESE GARDEN

FAMILY MINDFULNESS IN THE JAPANESE GARDEN

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.

Tuesday, September 11 (Adults) 6–8 pm

SCULPTED PORCELAIN NECKLACE

FEE: $50 members, $60 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Maren Herman Experience the unique properties of porcelain, an amazingly durable yet beautfully delicate clay. Learn porcelain forming techniques and structured design. Then personalize 4-5 pieces to be used as a necklace. Sterling silver chain included. Pieces will be fired and ready for pick-up two weeks from the day of the class.

FEE: $10 member child, $15 member adult $13 non-member child, $18 non-member adult INSTRUCTORS: from Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness Join us as the Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness youth teachers lead an introductory family workshop, open to all who are interested in learning a little bit about the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be a useful skill to help bring more clarity and calm into our lives. Come and explore mindfulness outside at Meijer Gardens! The workshop will include a variety of mindfulness activities including a mindful nature walk and outdoor tai chi exercises. We will finish with a fall art activity to take home at the end of class.

Saturday, September 15 (Adults) 10 am–12 pm

FALL 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. Materials provided.

Saturday, September 22 (Adults) 10 am–12 pm

FALL TREE IDENTIFICATION

FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Kim Bradley Davidson Get an up-close look at deciduous and coniferous trees. Learn about the tree characteristics that aid in fall identification, including bud arrangement, leaf shape and color, fruit, seed and bark texture. Then venture outside to try your hand at tree identification using a simple dichotomous key booklet, included in the price of the class.

Saturday, September 29 (Adults) 10 am–3 pm

OUTDOOR WATERCOLOR BOOTCAMP IN THE JAPANESE GARDEN: CAPTURING LIGHT AND FORM

CANCELLATION POLICY Photo courtesy of Maren Herman.

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: $110 members, $120 non-members INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Hart Start with a short lesson in the classroom then head outside to use your newly acquired skills, moving around the Japanese Garden in a group to capture flowers, trees, water and sculpture. Create mini-landscapes or work up close to your subject in this tranquil environment. At the instructor’s discretion, a break will be given during the class to briefly review work and grab a snack in the café. This class includes a mini watercolor set for you to keep (a $25 value) and a voucher for a snack in our Café. All materials provided. Class is limited to 12 students. Expect a fair amount of walking. Materials provided. CLASSES

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Tony Pedemonte. TPe 044,, 2013. Fiber, mixed materials. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture

Friday, September 14—Sunday, January 6, 2019 Through the finest examples of three-dimensional practice (sculpture, ceramics, performance, installation and video art), this exhibition emphasizes the relationship between disability and the fundamental human experiences of change and embodiment. This innovative project is organized jointly by DisArt, a Grand Rapids-based arts and culture organization promoting full participation of disabled people in the arts, and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The exhibition offers audiences a survey of contemporary Disability sculpture through artists whose work represents local, national, and global perspectives on the lived experiences of disability.

Process and Presence: Contempory Disability Sculpture is made possible by

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 2018 Volume 9, Issue 3

The sister-state relationship between Michigan and the Shiga Prefecture; Japan is the cornerstone of this exhibition. Shiga Prefecture is long distinguished by remarkable opportunities for disabled people. This exhibition began with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the sister-state relationship and grew to accommodate a dynamic collection of works by contemporary artists from Australia, Japan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Would you prefer to receive Seasons via email? If so, please contact the Development/Membership Office at 616-977-7689 or membership@meijergardens.org.

ArtPrize: Wednesday, September 19—Sunday, October 7, 2018

1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

SEPT 14–JAN 6

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts.

UPCOMING


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