Seasons - Winter 2020-21 {Vol. 12 Issue 1}

HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION

SCULPTURE ESSAY

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions

First Look: Sculpture Highlights in the New Welcome Center

Red Flags: Andy Goldsworthy at Rockefeller Center

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Winter 2020-21 Volume 12, Issue 1

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

A Rooftop to Revel In

SAFETY AND BEAUTY The coronavirus pandemic’s impacts are tragic. Those suffering directly from the disease have our sympathy and best wishes. We have witnessed front-line workers in the health care industries go above and beyond to serve. They have all earned our gratitude. COVID-19 has taken a tremendous economic toll. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was forced to close for 87 days. Even after reopening, most of our events, spring and summer classes and camps and concerts were canceled. Nonetheless, we reopened for members and guests to visit our gardens, sculptures and exhibitions on June 8. Our reopening has focused us on two important things: safety and beauty.

First, we have followed the government’s recommendations to make Meijer Gardens as safe as possible by requiring face coverings, hand washing and physical distancing. Notice we use the term “physical distancing” rather than “social distancing.” Human interaction and meaningful conversations are essential and bring joy to people. We cannot become socially disconnected from each other. We believe we can be physically distanced and socially connected and do both safely.

It is important to note that all the protocols we have put in place would be completely useless if our members and guests ignored them. Fortunately, that is not the case. You have followed these new rules and done your part to help us maintain a safe environment. We appreciate your cooperation in following the important safety guidelines and responding positively when our staff and volunteers gently remind you of the rules.

An essential part of our ability to reopen and stay open is the dedication of the people I am privileged to call colleagues, and of the hundreds of women and men who volunteer. These people are front-line cultural workers making it possible for people to enjoy our gardens, sculptures and exhibitions. My admiration and appreciation for everyone is beyond words.

Second, we are focused on beauty. Beauty is part of the answer to many of life’s challenges. Beauty helps us heal. Beauty brings joy. Beauty helps connect us to each other and build understanding. We believe beauty is essential and represents part of the fulfillment of our mission. It is why our brand statement calls on us to be Always Growing. Always Beautiful. Always New. Please take the time to experience a whole world of beauty contained in the Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition.

The Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love project has given us the Covenant Learning Center, the Peter C. and Emajean Cook Transportation Center, new parking lots, improvements to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, and the Meijer-Shedleski Picnic Pavilion. In January, we will begin using the new Welcome Center. This initial “soft” or “partial” opening of the Welcome Center has always been planned. The Garden Pavilion room in the Welcome Center is home to the sculpture, Utopia, by Jaume Plensa. This room was scheduled to open in June 2021. Since the sculpture was created in Spain and the COVID-19 pandemic closed seaports, the components making up Utopia were delayed. The sculpture is now fully installed. Extensive ceiling, wall and floor work can now be performed. The Garden Pavilion room is scheduled to open in the second half of 2021.

The COVID-19 crisis stopped construction for 34 days. Yet our building partner, Owen-Ames-Kimball, architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien and Progressive AE have all made a huge effort to remain on track to open the Welcome Center on time. It is a huge achievement. Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners have designed a magnificent Welcome Center in perfect harmony with our existing facilities. We look forward to you experiencing this new creation, and in the coming years discovering its many fine and unique qualities.

Your membership and advocacy are an important part of sustaining us and helping us further our mission.

Thank you for your support and the many kind words and notes of encouragement. It is all sincerely appreciated.

Gratefully,

David S. Hooker President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

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

PRESIDENT & CEO David Hooker

EX OFFICIO MEMBER President of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Saralyn Coupe Ryan Anderson Tasha Blackmon Linda Chamberlain Chuck Christmas Jocelyn Dettloff Scott DeVecht Suzanne Eberle Joy Fossel Meg Goebel Charyn Hain Shane Hansen Todd Harvey Tamara Hibbitts Nancy Hickey Ronald Hofman Mike Jeppesen Gloria Lara Tim Liang Elisa Lintemuth Jon March

Janet Mason Candace Matthews Mary McLoughlin Mark Miller Laina Mills Mark Mossing Hannah Naltner Bonnie Nawara Doriane Parker-Sims JoAnne Perkins Jim Preston Carlos Sanchez Joe Taber Debbye Turner Bell Kathleen Vogelsang Jill Walcott Maryln Walton Tina Wheeler Daniel Williams Robert Wolford

HONORARY MEMBERS OF SCULPTURE COMMITTEE

Miner S. and Mary Ann Keeler

Businessman, philanthropist and friend of Meijer Gardens We were saddened by the news of the passing of our great friend Peter Secchia on October 21 at the age of 83. Peter proudly sponsored the annual Secchia Garden Lecture Series and has been a long-time supporter of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

His dedication to Meijer Gardens and West Michigan’s philanthropic community will be missed. In addition to his support of Meijer Peter Secchia Gardens, Peter’s generosity benefited our (April 15, 1937–Oct 21, 2020) community in countless ways including Millennium Park, MSU’s Medical Mile and the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College, among others. We mourn the loss of our friend and thank him for his years of support and generosity.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

METRO HEALTH CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

GEORGE SEGAL: BODY LANGUAGE FIRST LOOK: SCULPTURE HIGHLIGHTS IN THE NEW WELCOME CENTER

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ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

RED FLAGS: ANDY GOLDSWORTHY AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

A ROOFTOP TO REVEL IN

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PHILANTHROPY / MEMBERSHIP

EVENTS / CLASSES

WINTER WONDER TO SUNNY SPRING

Cover: George Rickey, Four Open Squares Horizontal Gyratory-Tapered, 1984.

KIRSTIN VOLKENING

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

NOV 24, 2020–JAN 3, 2021 Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

MAR 1–APR 30, 2021 Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming

Winter 2020-21 Volume 12, Issue 1 December 2020—February 2021 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 © 2021 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Seasons is published four times per year for members.

If you would like to comment on our content, please call membership at 616-977-7689.

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SCULPTURE ESSAY

WHAT DOES OUR ANNUAL FUND SUPPORT? Meijer Gardens receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

CONTENT

BOARD of DIRECTORS

hello@meijergardens.org

12 – 13 14 - 18

KENTE CLOTH The word kente comes from the word kenten, which means basket. The very first kente cloth weavers used raffia, or palm leaf fibers, and wove them into a cloth that looked like a basket.

PETER MCDANIEL

ADINKRA CLOTH Adinkra cloth is printed by using dye from the boiled inner bark and roots of the badie tree and stamping it with adinkra symbols carved from gourds.

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ANNUAL EXHIBITION

Schedule of events is current as of November 25, 2020.

All classes, events and programming are subject to change. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for up-to-date information.

Due to current orders, capacity restrictions are in effect and wait times may apply.

NEW THIS YEAR! EXTRA EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS Entire facility is open until 9 pm December 14–19, 21–23, 26 and 28–30

HANDCRAFTED

METRO HEALTH CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Tuesday, November 24, 2020—Sunday, January 3, 2021

In many cultures, the holidays bring people together in distinct and memorable ways that are difficult to capture in a display.

Please watch the award-winning film joy, highlighting several locally celebrated traditions from centuries ago, still vital today. This film can be viewed here on our YouTube channel YouTube.com/MeijerGardens.

Creating something by hand is a gift unto itself. Join us as we honor the shared artistry of a handcrafted holiday during our beloved annual exhibition.

It’s a look into timeless traditions and treasures that may even inspire the artist in you.

It’s a celebration of curiosity and creativity that can only be seen at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This season’s Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions is the expression of hundreds of skilled and caring hands—and it’s one of the most spectacular yet.

Since its inception 26 years ago, our holiday exhibition has exemplified the heartwarming, handcrafted traditions that bring the season to life around the world. Each display delves into the distinctive artisanship of these handmade treasures and their cultural significance to the people who lovingly create them.

As you take in our festive walkways illuminated by 280,000 glistening lights and over 1,300 poinsettias, handcrafted objects abound. You’ll marvel at the details, from classic handmade evergreen wreaths and magical miniatures in the Railway Garden to the majestic Moravian star hanging high above the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and the parade of statuesque Christmas trees and displays hand assembled by a team of more than 500 volunteers.

Don’t miss the vibrant handwoven kente cloth in our Ghana display, or the Japanese kadomatsu gate pine that was created by hand by families to welcome ancestral spirits, invite divinities, bring prosperity and protect from evil during the holidays. The handmade szopka nativity in our Poland display, inspired by Krakow’s famous landmark, is another focal point, as is the rangoli, a Diwali tradition of making meticulously intriguing designs and patterns out of colored sand, rice flour, flowers, beans or lentils.

Some of our 27 evergreens are adorned with handcrafted objects, too. Look for the Lithuania Christmas tree, which features intricate straw ornaments, many of which have been mended and restored by a volunteer whose mother made them a quarter-century ago. Homemade springerle cookies made by volunteers using handcrafted molds are a hallmark of the German Christmas tree.

Feeling crafty yourself? Join us for holiday classes. The kids will love virtually seeing Santa and the Dickens Carolers on Tuesdays, on November 24, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, or spending an afternoon with Santa’s reindeer on Saturday, November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19. We look forward to kicking off a stellar season of handcrafted holiday traditions with you and your family.

Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions is made possible by

Additional support from

PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day James & Shirley Balk Café will be open until 7 pm these dates.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS Member Only Holiday Early Hours Saturdays, 8-9 am December 5 and January 2 Sundays, 9-11 am November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 27 and January 3 Virtual Santa Tuesdays: November 24, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 5–8 pm The Original Dickens Carolers Virtual Streaming Tuesdays: November 24, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 6–8 pm Rooftop Reindeer Saturdays: November 28, December 5, 12 and 19, 1–4 pm Winter-Time Walks December 1, 2020–January 2, 2021 Preschoolers: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:15 am Family and Friends: Saturdays, 11:15 am Fee: Included with admission Winter in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun! Bundle up and join us on an outdoor discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways.

joy

The Meijer Foundation Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Railway Garden is sponsored by Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts Star 105.7 Michigan Radio FOX17 ANNUAL EXHIBITION 5

George Segal. Street Crossing. 1992. Plaster.

6 6 SCULPTURE SCULPTUREESSAY EXHIBITION

CLOCK WISE: JOCHEN WIERICH, PLENSA STUDIO BARCELONA AND RICHARD GR AY GALLERY, CHICAGO/NEW YORK, WILLIAM J. HEBERT

GEORGE SEGAL: BODY LANGUAGE Through Sunday, January 3, 2021

PLEASE ENJOY THESE VIDEOS RELATING TO GEORGE SEGAL: BODY LANGUAGE

George Segal: Body Language 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 Townsquare Media KIRSTIN VOLKENING

To peer closer into this monumental masterpiece, the anchor sculpture in George Segal: Body Language, is to discover how this prominent twentieth-century artist transforms the seemingly ordinary into moments quite extraordinary.

Perhaps no work in our current sculpture exhibition carries such a powerful presence, both in size and location, as Street Crossing. Fittingly placed at the end of the long gallery, the sculpture holds the viewer captive with its seven life-size figures modeled in plaster capturing a moment in time that the artist himself experienced while walking in downtown New York City.

Authentically recreating the street scene as a group sculpture required Segal to find As the child of an real-life models. He called upon his family artist, you see the world and friends, including his wife Helen, his differently, you travel daughter Rena and his friends like the painter more, you have different Miles Forst and the art historian Barbara perspectives. My dad Novak and her husband Brian O’Doherty. was very loving, warm After casting them individually, the artist arranged each sculptured figure in an and wonderful—we assigned place. The result is a grouping that always had fun. You can suggests the random crossing of anonymous see that in his work. people, a scene witnessed daily on the —Rena Segal bustling city streets.

It is always interesting to see how a work of art can change its meaning over time and take on new relevance in the present moment. Case in point are Segal’s Street Crossing and its counterpart, Bus Passengers, located on the opposite side of the gallery. It is as if the COVID-19 pandemic has reframed the multi-figure sculptures and created a new context: during a time when people around the world are concerned about being physically too close to others, these sculptures make a poignant statement. In the words of Rena Segal, “My father clearly worked during a pre-COVID time but he uncannily showed great awareness for the issue of our time: how do we safely navigate our bodies in space?” Figurative sculpture does this so beautifully by evoking a physical sensation, a bodily sense of being.

Consider another pair of sculptures, Number 26 and Number 25, by Hanneke Beaumont sited within our Sculpture Park. As intended by the Dutch artist, these two figures were installed 12 feet apart from one another. Since the beginning of the global pandemic, people are discovering a different interpretation of this piece. Our educators and docents now discuss this sculptural pair in very different terms. Is the large space between them actually a life-saving social distance? From this perspective emerges a new meaning behind the physical gap between them, giving visitors different ways to interact with these two sculptures than before.

While it is difficult to predict how this new experience of physical distancing will impact the work of figurative sculptors, the multi-figure works in George Segal: Body Language give us glimpses of how one artist’s vision of physical distance and proximity might foreshadow the future. Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with his sculptures, sculptural reliefs and rarely shown two-dimensional paintings, pastels and prints before the exhibition closes on January 3.

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

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FIRST LOOK: SCULPTURE HIGHLIGHTS IN THE NEW WELCOME CENTER With the closing of George Segal: Body Language on January 3, our sculpture galleries will undergo renovations throughout the coming year. Worry not—sculpture aficionados like you will have much to look forward to with the opening of the Welcome Center. Here’s your sneak peek.

The new Welcome Center at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is set to become a premier destination for closeup experiences with a diverse cross-section of our sculpture collection, including very recent acquisitions and never-before installed works by acclaimed artists like George Segal.

January's Welcome Center opening will be a “soft” or “partial” opening. Most of the building is on its original completion schedule. There will be parts of the building like the Grand Pavilion that will not yet be opened. During 2021, the Welcome Center will fully open and we are confident you will be delighted.

The sculptural journey begins outside in the Frey Foundation Plaza with Bent of Mind by Tony Cragg, a large bronze sculpture with black patina that forms a beacon for anyone approaching the new space. Once inside the PNC Portico, visitors will encounter Odalisque IV by Manuel Neri, a marble sculpture that was relocated from our Sculpture Park to protect its delicate marble surface. It will be surrounded by horticultural elements. This figurative masterpiece, along with a pair of relief sculptures by Henri Laurens entitled Night and Day in the Peter C. & Emajean (Pat) Cook Entryway.

Deeper into the space will be two new sculptures by Yinka Shonibare, a British-Nigerian artist carrying the distinguished titled of CBE, the highest commanding order of the British Empire. Shonibare is best known for his sculptural figures, either headless or with globes for heads and dressed in Dutch wax or batik fabric, referencing colonial relationships and trade, including slavery, across continents. Both his Aphrodite de Frejus and Farnese Hercules sculptures are part of an ongoing series inspired by antique sculptures and casts (Gallery exhibition Yinka Shonibare: Planets In My Head coming February 2021).

Gaze up to experience another point of interest, Circus Acrobats, a new sculpture by George Segal that is suspended from the ceiling in the Daniel & Pamela DeVos Ticketing 8

SCULPTURE ESSAY

Center. Cast in bronze, this pair of acrobats is among the artist’s most innovative works and a not-to-be-missed visual highlight of the Welcome Center. This location also offers a stunning view of the Ram’s Garden with many great works by Michigan artist Marshall Fredericks.

Set into a central wall of the Welcome Center is a wonderful homage to Fred and Lena Meijer. Their portraits, by photographer David LeClaire, hang side by side, flanked by two sculptures that were both significant to the history of our collection in their own way. Marshall Fredericks was one of the first artists that inspired Fred to collect sculptures, and the artist’s Lord Byron is a relatively small bronze masterpiece in the genre of artists’ portraits of other artists.

Fred Meijer grew to be passionate about modern abstract art, too. He realized the importance of the large Alexander Calder sculpture in downtown Grand Rapids. The smaller Calder displayed in the Welcome Center, Polychrome Lures, is a great example of the artist’s ability to create a sculptural object that is both suspended (mobile) and stable (stabile). A gift Gift of Drs. Joan and Bernard Chodorkoff and Fred and Lena Meijer, this early acquisition illustrates Fred’s vision for embracing modern and contemporary abstract sculpture.

The growth of our permanent collection is evidenced in a recent acquisition exhibited just once before in our | sculpture galleries and now taking its permanent place in the Welcome Center. New World Map by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui is an exquisite tapestry-like wall installation of hundreds of bottle caps, hammered and strung together with copper wire, along with other recycled material such as metal foil. With his internationally celebrated shimmering curtains, El Anatsui has created an innovative new language that builds on African traditions. Still working from his studio in Nigeria, he is considered one of the most important living African artists.

From every vantage point, the Welcome Center inspires with its integration of architecture, art and horticulture—it’s a stage for our sculpture collection and a landmark for West Michigan and beyond. Not to mention a fitting fulfillment of the duality of our mission. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Essay by Jochen Wierich, Curator of Sculpture & Sculpture Exhibitions

Recently reinstalled Bent of Mind by Tony Cragg. Please note, sections of the new Welcome Center will still be under construction up to and after our soft opening on January 11, 2021.

SCULPTURE ESSAY

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Andy Goldsworthy. Red Flags, 2020.

RED FLAGS: ANDY GOLDSWORTHY AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER September 1—October 2, 2020

It is always a pleasure to follow the career of artists whose works are located in the permanent collection across our 158-acre main campus. A shining example is Andy Goldsworthy, who recently took a new direction with a prominent installation in New York that has ties to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Goldsworthy became part of our Sculpture Park in 2005 with the installation of his Grand Rapids Arch in 2005. Recently, he contacted Meijer Gardens with an unusual request: two gallon bags of Michigan earth for a new project he was premiering in New York City.

Entitled Red Flags, the work is inspired by the state flags the artist saw flying outside the iconic Rockefeller Center. Upon witnessing the scene, Goldsworthy decided to replace each state flag with one that was blank and dyed with the red earth of that particular state. As he envisions it, the connection between the flags and the land provides a sense of synergy enhanced by the close placement of the flagpoles, which allow the flags to overlap in certain winds.

Goldsworthy has always had a great affinity for the iron-rich earth near his home in Scotland. With Red Flags, he takes his love 10

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

for this red earth to the United States. During one trip, the artist collected soil samples himself across states like Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Gathering earth from all 50 states required him to partner with organizations like ours to complete his vision. We happily obliged and consider it an honor to be part of such an important project.

Upon the soil’s arrival, the artist used the earth to stain the canvases that were displayed on Rockefeller Center Plaza. The Michigan flag has been stained with earth dug up by our very own horticulture team. Goldsworthy shares in our excitement for the project, “I have never made a work that involved so many people spread all over the United States. The prospect of the flags flying one day in New York provides some relief from the difficult times we all are struggling to get through.”

If you happened to have been in New York in September, and took time to take in Red Flags, remember that the hue of the Michigan flag proudly originated on the grounds of your very own Meijer Gardens.

COURTESY OF DIANE BONDAREFF/AP IMAGES FOR TISHMAN SPEYER

Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden in spring 2020.

Stuart Barbara Rooftop View and of the DanielPadnos & Pamella DeVos Ticketing Center Sculpture Garden inafall under construction, part2020. of the new Welcome Center.

A ROOFTOP TO REVEL IN It’s just two years old, yet the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden feels like it’s been a forever fixture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. A closer look into this charming little getaway off the beaten path reveals sensory delights in every season. See for yourself.

With its flowing design set against wild wetlands, this intimate space is the ultimate blend of urban meets untamed. The significant footprint features a mighty menagerie of more than two dozen varieties of perennials and trees that weave a continuous tapestry of ever-changing colors and textures that ebb and flow from week to week and season to season.

In winter months like these, the rooftop offers serene views of a sleepy garden from the warmth of indoors. As you peer out into the snowy landscape, note the intricate beauty of untouched seed heads, uplit trees and ornamental grasses peeking out from freshly fallen powder. If temperatures allow, stroll the cleared pathway to take in the wetlands, equally enchanting in winter.

Springtime brings the long-awaited bud break of four varieties of trees native to the Eastern United States. The contrast of their dark bark and light green foliage signals those first signs of life on the rooftop. Perennials awaken too, with dozens of species of sedum forming a gorgeous groundcover of canary yellow, deep KIRSTIN VOLKENING

burgundy and playful purple—the perfect canvas for more springtime bloomers like catmint, beardtongue, coral bells and false indigo.

Summer ushers in pollinators who flock to stunners like blazing star and giant hyssop, scattered among statuesque feather reed grass with its fresh greenish-yellow blades that culminate in straw-like foliage. Curious containers pique visual interest along the rooftop path all summer long, too. From larger-thanlife succulents, such as carnivorous pitcher plants normally seen in an arid garden, to water gardens that give a nod to the adjacent wetlands, these miniature works of horticultural art add architectural interest that begs introspection.

The transition to autumn is marked by goldenrod, whose prominent plumes command attention. Big blue stem grass also punctuates the space with distinctive deep blueish-purple hues that set off the far beds on the wall of wetlands, a last burst of color before winter makes its appearance.

In every season, works of art from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden amplify the rooftop aesthetic. This duality of horticulture and sculpture fulfills our perennial promise to be a destination that’s Always Growing, Always Beautiful, Always New. On your next visit, venture up to take in all that’s happening up on the roof.

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

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WHAT DOES OUR ANNUAL FUND SUPPORT? The Annual Fund is an ongoing campaign conducted throughout our fiscal year to provide dollars that are used immediately across our organization.

Annual Fund gifts allow Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to acquire plants and supplies for our horticulture displays, provide virtual educational programs, support our exhibitions and on site programming, and take meticulous care of our world-class permanent sculpture collection.

There are also many ways your Annual Fund gifts are used that may not be immediately visible. One example is the Museums for All program, which started October 1.

The program is part of our ongoing efforts to open access for everyone who wants to enjoy Meijer Gardens. More than 600 organizations around the country provide reduced rate admission for people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) by showing their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at the Admissions Desk.

Meijer Gardens’ day-to-day operations are only possible with financial gifts from a supportive community. Your contributions allow us to live our mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts. Thank you!

For more information or to make an Annual Fund gift, connect with our Annual Funds Manager, Meghan Burke, at 616-975-3143 or email mburke@meijergardens.org.

MEMBER VIRTUAL EVENTS In the past, Meijer Gardens has hosted multiple Member Holiday Parties for all to enjoy. This year is different. Even though we cannot gather in the traditional way, we will still celebrate with you virtually. Our weekly programs include: • Tree lighting ceremony (premiered for our members) • The Music Lady—interactive story and songs • Cookie baking with Chef Andy and Mrs. Claus • Art activity highlighting one of our holiday displays Check your email every Monday from November 23 through December 21 for information on these virtual experiences.

When you join us in person to see the exhibition, you may write a letter to Santa (we will be sure to forward them to the North Pole), or, write us a note sharing information about a handcrafted tradition that you enjoy during the holiday season.

Don't forgot to fill in your information on the back of the card, you may by surprised who sends an email back to you! If you are not able to visit, you may email notes to hello@meijergardens.org or mail to: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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PHILANTHROPY/MEMBERSHIP

Joseph Kinkel. Fred and Lena Meijer, 2004.

GIFT MEMBERSHIP BUNDLE Take advantage of our Gift membership bundle during the months of November and December 2020!

If you purchase a Contributor level or above as a gift, the recipient will also receive a beautiful art book. We will send a voucher with the membership card(s) that the member can redeem in the Gift Shop for a book highlighting sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park—either America’s Garden of Art or Michele Oka Doner. Gift memberships begin on the date of purchase and are active through the end of that month the following year. If you would prefer to have the membership cards mailed to you so that you can present as a gift rather than be mailed directly to the gift recipient, please email membership@meijergardens.org. Renewals of gift memberships can be handled over the phone by contacting the membership department at 616-977-7689, at the Main Admissions Desk, or by mail.

Please note that memberships purchased by December 11 will go out in the mail by December 18 in an effort to have delivery by December 24.

KIRSTIN VOLKENING

QUARTERLY TRIBUTES The following tribute gifts were received between July 1 and September 30, 2020. Those honored or memorialized are shown in bold type, while the donors are in regular type.

IN HONOR

Denise Mollenhauer Uta Vilmont Pat Wilson

Ethan McGraw David Andrusiak Karen Chapman and Family Anonymous Anonymous Geri Eggleston Dick Cook & Richard & Jean Eggleston Debra Bald Betsy Tineo-Cook Meredith Bell Jason Cook Opal Foran Jessica Berhens Bruce & Patricia Dillenbeck Debrah & Jeffrey Chimovitz Mary R. Bernard Erin Dillenbeck Paula Jacques Mackenzie Bitson Our grandchildren: Ruben, Joseph & Lisa Becherer Ross & Kelly Boomershine Julia, Benjamin, Isabelle, Mary Ohm Ellen Carpenter Matthew, and Theodore Ward Paul & Charles Brianna Clark John & Connie Kopchick Schoenknecht Chris Coble Nancy Schellenberg Dale & Wilma King Cynthia Czar Nathan & Emily Palmer Terrance & Deborah Jordan Delong Merriman Ron & Kathy Stewart Lexi Dengate Eleanor Lawson Paul & Carol Spindler Nathaniel Diedrich Sandra Hamilton Michael Estle Rachael Follett John & Jean Lockwood Carrie Schneider Fox Anonymous Henry Barlow Tracey Franklin Barbara M. Burns Rich & Mary Barlow Kathy Freewind Janis Crum Janna & Stan Boes Paige Greiffendorf Marilyn & Richard Breuker Barbara Huschke-Parker & William Parker Collin Groves Sheryl & Charles Smalligan Jim & Adele Lockwood Naomi Hardwick Edith Cooley Curreli Laura Lockwood Mallory Heldt Eileen Shedleski Susan & Dennis Yankosky Alayna Kelley Laurie Dahlstrom Wendy Kotlarczyk Charlie Mansfield Cheryl Bentley Toni Kwasier Allen & Nanci Einstein

IN MEMORY

Tami Schans Lake Ann M. Larson Emily Larson Jared & Lauren McGraw Jennifer McGraw Molly Miller Susan Mills Joseph Morris Shaine Mridha Megan Mulder Ernie Ortiz Kimy Patzy Daletta Payne Axelle Pelfrene Margi Peterson Emily Post Patricia Post Mike Rohen Sierra Ruark Cassidy Schneider Julie Thames Evan Warren Heather Wells Jessica Wiltse Ellen Zainea-Spoelhof Diana Morgenstern Affinity Group-Michaels Anonymous Lynne Barnhart

Nancy & Roger Bolthouse Patrick & Diane Coleman Nancy & Mike Crawley DeHoek & Company PLLC John & Linda Dietrich Richard & Linda Glaser Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation Craig & Kim Graves Robert & Linda Harra Amy & Rod Hathaway Shawn & Sarah Hudson Christina Hulstrand Patty & Rick Kanipe Donald Kelley & Ann Avery Kelley Donna Knudston Ronald & Nancy Laferriere Lodestar Construction, Inc. Mission Management Services David Ophoff Linda D. Rahn Terri & Matthew Sernau James & Holly Shupe Abigayle & Neil Sladick Richard & Barbara Towler Richard Tron Bruce Tuttleman Marcia Voet

LeeAnne & Geoff Widlak Sandy Zalesky Joann Ott West Michigan Flower Arrangers Guild Seymour Padnos Joseph & Lisa Becherer Catherine Rauch Jon Rauch Ruth Rice Rodger Rice Donald Robinaugh Sandy Bewell Susan Groeger Peggy & Victor Hill JoAnn & Thomas Roys Fran S. Anonymous Lorna Sikkema Brian & Sharon Barkwell Bert Stock Joseph & Lisa Becherer Thora White Joseph & Lisa Becherer Donald Kelley & Ann Avery Kelley

MEIJER GARDENS CORPORATE PARTNERS Meijer Gardens is grateful for the generosity of our corporate community. Our Corporate Partners program provides operational support for exhibitions, educational programs, facility upkeep and much more. To learn more, contact Meghan Burke at 616-975-3143 or mburke@meijergardens.org.

Absopure Water

Cumulus Media, Inc.

Fox17

Legacy Trust

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.

Townsquare Media

American Plastic Toys, Inc.

Custer, Inc.

Gemini Media, LLC

Life EMS Ambulance

Priority Health

Twin Lakes Nursery, Inc.

Amway Corporation

Deloitte

Progressive AE

Van Andel Institute

DJ's Landscape Management

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Macatawa Bank

Aquinas College

Reliable Energy, Inc.

Van Dellen Steel, Inc.

Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals

DK Security

Masterpiece Flower Company, LLC Materials Testing Consultants, Inc.

Revue Magazine

Varnum LLP

River City Flooring Design

Velo Law Office

Romence Gardens

W.A. Lettinga Investment

ShowSpan, Inc.

Walter's Gardens, Inc.

Spectrum Health

Warner Norcross + Judd

Steelcase Inc.

WGVU

Steenstra's Cookies

Wolverine Worldwide Inc.

Superior Groundcover, Inc.

WYCE 88.1

Bartlett Tree Experts Co. Betz Industries

Elders' Helpers Ellis Parking Company

Gilson Graphics Grand Valley State University Harvey Lexus of Grand Rapids

Meijer, Inc.

Herman Miller Cares

BHS Insurance

Everett's Landscape Management, Inc.

Blue Lake Public Radio

Excel Electric, Inc.

Howard Miller Foundation

Metro Health Hospital

Burcon Chiropractic & Massage

FASTSIGNS of Grand Rapids

iHeartMedia West Michigan/ Star 105.7

Michigan Radio Miller Johnson Attorneys

Insignia Homes

MLive Media Group

Horrocks Market

Meijer—Knapps Corner

Cascade Engineering

Fence Consultants of West Michigan

Constellation Brands, Inc.

Fifth Third Bank

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Northland Express Transport

Corporate Live

Foremost Graphics Group

Kitchen 67

Northpointe Bank

Country Inn & Suites Grand Rapids East

Four Star Greenhouses

Landscape Design Services, Inc.

Old National Bank

Team One—Central (Lexus) Tekton, Inc. Tiger Oak Publications

Active List as of 9/30/20 PHILANTHROPY/MEMBERSHIP

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EVENTS Schedule of events is current as of November 25, 2020. All classes, events and programming are subject to change. If canceled, a full refund will be issued.

Please visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for up-to-date information.

PLANT SHOW

BOOK GROUP

February 27–28 Saturday: Displays 12–5 pm, Sales 10 am–5 pm Sunday: Displays 11 am–4:30 pm, Sales 11 am–4:30 pm

Tuesday, December 8 1–2:30 pm

ORCHID SHOW

GRAND VALLEY ORCHID SOCIETY

FEE: Included with admission Escape winter’s chill and enjoy a stunning variety of beautiful, unusual and colorful orchids exhibited by orchid enthusiasts from across the state. Visit vendors to find an orchid that’s easy to grow at home or to add a more unusual species to your collection. Stock up on orchid growing supplies, such as premium orchid bark and fertilizer. Learn how to grow these beauties at the Grand Valley Orchid Society's information desk.

READ & EXPLORE: ART AND GARDENS BOOK GROUP

FEE: Included with admission For our winter book group we will enter the world of tropical birds, fly tying and international intrigue! Our book for this session will be The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace. Wallace’s book is a peculiar and gripping crime story offering much to discuss and ponder. As part of our discussion, a member of the Meijer Gardens Horticulture staff will share details of the bird collection in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. This will be a virtual book group meeting hosted through Zoom. Registration required. When you RSVP you will receive an invitation to the Zoom meeting, including a password.

Limited to 20 adults. RSVP to skilroy@meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3144.

LENA MEIJER CHILDREN'S GARDEN December 1, 2020–January 2, 2021 Preschoolers: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11:15 am Family and Friends: Saturdays, 11:15 am

WINTER-TIME WALKS

FEE: Included with admission Winter in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun! Bundle up and join us on an outdoor discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways.

Saturday, February 13 1–3 pm

WINTER FAMILY DAY

VIRTUAL OFFERING January 5–February 23 (best for ages 2–5)

Tuesdays; 10 am

COZY TALES FOR CHILLY DAYS

For 2021 Cozy Tales will go virtual via the Meijer Gardens Facebook page! The theme for this year is art. We hope you can join us for this popular story time, best for ages 2-5.

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EVENTS

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

FEE: Included with admission Bundle up for an outdoor adventure in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Join us for an afternoon of wintry fun for all ages! · Observe a sculptor transform a block of ice into an amazing piece of ice art. · Add your touch to a Children’s Garden collaborative ice sculpture display. · Discover fascinating winter facts on engaging naturalist walks. · Interact at exploration stations geared toward keeping you curious.

SAVE THE DATES! VIRTUAL SECCHIA GARDEN LECTURES This year we’re expanding the annual Secchia Garden Lecture into a four-part virtual lecture series. Learn from sought-after authors and speakers Bill Cullina, F. Otto Haas Executive Director of the University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum, and Susan Morrison, owner of Creative Exteriors Landscape Design in Northern California, as they share how to make your home garden sing this spring!

March 2: The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard by Susan Morrison March 16: Garden Up! Smart Vertical Gardening for Small and Large Spaces

by Susan Morrison March 30: What do You Mean I'm Not a Perennial!?! - Native Shrubs and Small Trees for Perennial Companionship by Bill Cullina April 13: From Emerald Carpet to Amber Wave: Serene and Sensuous Plants for the Garden by Bill Cullina Registration for this event will open February 1.

Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-974-5225.

FEE: Donation Based

These events generously sponsored by

MARK KIEKINT VELD

LEARN FROM HOME With many families homeschooling or learning from home this year, our Education team has created resources to help bring Meijer Gardens to your home classroom! Whether you’re visiting us in person or exploring our resources online, we are committed to presenting fun, interactive programs and activities about gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts. Visit MeijerGardens.org/Learn to learn more about the remote learning resources and “Zooming In” series of virtual visits listed below.

REMOTE LEARNING RESOURCES

"ZOOMING IN" VIRTUAL VISITS

Learn how to observe like scientists, write stories inspired by sculptures, or explore plant adaptations using our suite of remote learning resources. These fun, fillable activity sheets use video and virtual tours to explore Meijer Gardens while connecting to art and science content across a wide range of grade levels.

Join Meijer Gardens educators for live and interactive virtual visits to various locations at Meijer Gardens. Together we will practice looking closely, thinking deeply, and asking questions to make discoveries about art, horticulture, and the world around us. These programs are free and open to learners of all ages. Follow us on Facebook for more information about these events each month.

Is your family learning from home this year? We’d love your feedback on how Meijer Gardens can best support your learners. Help us design rich, relevant resources for students by taking a brief survey at this link.

ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY RECIPE FROM THE MEIJER GARDENS HOSPITALITY TEAM SPIKED RASPBERRY CRÈME TRIFLE This is a simple yet decadent way to have your “after dinner drink” and eat it too! The layering of the ingredients makes for an impressive presentation that can be made hours ahead of time, keep you out of the kitchen and enjoying your evening. Once made, just store them in the fridge and serve cold.

Yields 5 servings | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Build Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 3.4 oz box of chocolate instant pudding

1. I n a medium bowl mix the dry pudding mix, cold whole milk, Black Walnut Cream. Whisk until smooth with no lumps. Mixture will still be runny. Set in freezer for 5–10 minutes.

¾ cup

whole milk

¾ cup Round Barn Black Walnut Cream (can substitute Bailey’s Irish Cream) 16 oz pound cake (premade, from Meijer)

2. C ut the Pound cake into 1” squares, place in bowl and drizzle Disarrono Amaretto Liqueur onto the pound cake and toss carefully.

3. Crush the chocolate wafers and set aside.

4. Take the pudding mix out of freezer and place a small spoonful in the bottom of each glass.

5. Add a layer of raspberries on top of the pudding mix.

4 tbsp Disarrono Amaretto Liqueur 6. Then add a layer of the pound cake squares on top of raspberries.

6 oz fresh raspberries 7. Continue layering and finish with the top layer as pudding mix.

10 pieces

chocolate wafers

8. Sprinkle the chocolate wafer on top and garnish with a raspberry.

5

stemless wine glasses

9. Enjoy!

ANDY KR AUSE

EVENTS

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CL ASSES

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR

Questions? Email classes@meijergardens.org. Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

Non-member class fees include admission to Meijer Gardens for class participants on the day of the class.

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

Schedule of events is current as of November 25, 2020. All classes, events and programming are subject to change. If canceled, a full refund will be issued. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for up-to-date information. Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-974-5225.

Saturday, December 12 (Adults) 8–9 am

Tuesday, December 15 (Adults) 4–7 pm

Saturday, January 9 (Adults) 9–11 am

YOGA AMONG THE HOLIDAY TREES

INTRODUCTION TO INTAGLIO PRINTING

WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY

INSTRUCTOR: Dean Jeffery FEE: $7 members, $17 non-members Relax in the quiet beauty of Meijer Gardens at holiday time. Join us for a morning session among the beautifully decorated trees. All levels welcome. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Registration required.

Saturday, December 12 (Ages 8+ with an adult) 10 am–12 pm

INSTRUCTOR: Alynn Guerra FEE: $45 members, $55 non-members Explore basic printmaking with an emphasis on composition. Learn about creating a strong composition that demonstrates the important balance of positive and negative space. Draw sketchbook thumbnails and choose your favorite to transfer onto an easy to carve rubber block, then ink your print. No prior experience necessary.

MINI HOUSE WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Tuesday, January 19 (Adults) 6–8 pm

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Visit the Railway Garden and be inspired by artist Paul Busse’s creative use of natural materials.

Look for replicas of more than 30 Grand Rapidsarea landmarks like the Ada Covered Bridge, Fifth Third Ballpark and Voigt House, as well as some famous buildings from around the world.

Then work together using natural materials to decorate a 3-D mini wooden house. This class is for children ages 8+ with an adult.

SEED STARTING USING THE SOIL BLOCKING TECHNIQUE*

INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Pitzer FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Get a jump on your seed starting for this spring! Learn the practical, space saving and unique skill of soil “blocking” using compressed soil blocks and eliminating the need for plastic seed trays. Starting your own seeds allows you to select varieties for your individual garden conditions. Make and take home two blocks of annuals to plant later, a total of 40 planted seeds! You’ll also make a milk jug “winter sowing set-up" that will act as a mini-greenhouse for hearty vegetables and flowers such as broccoli, spinach, leeks, hollyhocks and more. All materials provided.

Monday, December 14 (Adults) 6–8 pm

PHOTOGRAPHING HOLIDAY LIGHTS

INSTRUCTOR: Cory Olsen FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Learn the basics for beautiful seasonal photographs—effective backgrounds, creative angles, light effects and best time of day. Then try out what you’ve learned amidst 280,000 holiday lights. Must be familiar with changing white balance and making other simple adjustments for exposure. Bring a camera.

Dress for the weather.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Mini House with Natural Materials example.

Withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance and recieve a refund minus a $5 processing fee. Withdraw 7–29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund. Call 616-974-5225 for class cancellations due to severe weather.

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CLASSES

INSTRUCTOR: Ashlee McGreevy FEE: $35 members, $45 non-members Capture winter’s beauty as you learn tips for photographing in cold weather and extreme light conditions. This class will cover camera programs and what works best for different types of shooting. Best for beginning or intermediate photographers. Bring your camera and dress for the weather.

Saturday, January 23 (Adults) 1–3 pm

IDENTIFYING TREES IN WINTER*

INSTRUCTOR: Kim Bradley Davidson FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Identify trees long after their leaves have fallen for the season. Examine an assortment of twigs collected from our gardens and woodlands, and discover the amazing variation in buds, leaf scars and stem textures. Then use a Winter Tree Finder (yours to keep) to identify the trees. Head outdoors to discover how other characteristics, such as bark, fruit, and habit can provide additional clues.

ERIN Z ACEK

CL ASSES

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR

Questions? Email classes@meijergardens.org. Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

Non-member class fees include admission to Meijer Gardens for class participants on the day of the class.

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

Schedule of events is current as of November 25, 2020. All classes, events and programming are subject to change. If canceled, a full refund will be issued. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for up-to-date information. Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-974-5225.

Tuesday, January 26 (Adults) 6–7:30 pm

Wednesday, February 10 (Adults) 1–4 pm

BOTANICAL BATH BOMBS

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING

INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Pitzer FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Experience the delights of botanical “bath bombs!” Easy to make, these are a relaxing addition for your winter bath or as a gift for friends. Listen to a short presentation on common herbs, then choose from an assortment of essential oils and locally grown herbs to make and form six fizzing pleasures that suit your mood. Receive recipes and a resource list for purchasing the basic ingredients used. All materials provided.

Wednesday, January 27 (Adults) 4:30–5:30 pm

GARDENS IN GLASS

INSTRUCTOR: Laura Worth FEE: $45 members, $55 non-members Create a garden in miniature inside a unique glass terrarium using a variety of tropical plants. Learn how to care for your terrarium for future success. Make it match your personality by bringing your own decorations, such as stones or driftwood for a natural look, or tiny people or animals for a whimsical display. All other materials provided.

Thursday, February 4 (Adults) 4–5:30 pm

ORCHID SUCCESS

INSTRUCTOR: Wendy Overbeck FEE: $25 members, $35 non-members Learn simple steps that will ensure success with orchids. Learn how to select the ideal orchid for your home, where it should be grown, the best way to water and fertilize, how to tell if it needs to be repotted, and more.

Receive a list of the best orchids for the home and take home a sample of Meijer Gardens’ special potting mix.

INSTRUCTOR: Megan Kellner FEE: $50 members, $60 non-members Sharpen your powers of observation while learning the basics of drawing from life.

Practice sketching simple geometric and natural objects while learning about proportion, sighting and contour. No experience required— just an open mind and a desire to build your drawing skill set. All materials provided.

Thursdays, February 4 and 11 (Adults) 5–8 pm

BEGINNING OIL PAINTING

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Antonakis FEE: $95 members, $105 non-members Learn the basics of using water-soluble oils and the appreciation of still life as subject matter in this two-part class. Explore the stages of building a painting from start to finish.

Discover how to develop a strong composition and then progress from sketch to a fully painted still life artwork on canvas that exhibits threedimensional forms. All materials provided.

Tuesday, February 9 (Adults) 6–8 pm

SOURDOUGH 101

INSTRUCTOR: Andrew Krause FEE: $45 members, $55 non-members Join Meijer Gardens’ Executive Chef and winner of the 2019 ACF Greater Grand Rapids Chef of the Year award, Andy Krause, as he demonstrates the process and techniques he uses to make long-fermented artisan sourdough.

Receive sourdough starter and a guide for using and maintaining your sourdough starter.

Tuesday, February 23 (Adults) 6:30–8 pm

TRAVEL TALK: SEOUL MAN

INSTRUCTOR: Ian Warnock FEE: $15 members, $25 non-members Join Lead Horticulturist, Ian Warnock, for a photographic tour around the capital city of Seoul South Korea from his time serving as a consultant on major horticultural projects in this country. From the dizzying heights of Namsan Tower to the bustling street markets below and from royal palaces to historic neighborhoods, visit one of the largest and most exciting cities in the world. Seoul is a city of almost 10 million people, so one might think it would be hard to find a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature. Ian will also share some hidden gems as he takes us to a few of the most peaceful gardens in and around Seoul.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance and recieve a refund minus a $5 processing fee. Withdraw 7–29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund. Call 616-974-5225 for class cancellations due to severe weather.

ERIN Z ACEK

Join Lead Horticulturist Ian Warnock for Travel Talk.

CLASSES

17

CL ASSES

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR Questions? Email classes@meijergardens.org. Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

Non-member class fees include admission to Meijer Gardens for class participants on the day of the class.

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

Schedule of events is current as of November 25, 2020. All classes, events and programming are subject to change. If canceled, a full refund will be issued. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for up-to-date information. Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-974-5225.

Sunday, March 20 (Adults) 9:30–11:30 am

BEGINNING VEGETABLE GARDENING*

Inside the Observation Station.

Saturday, February 27 (Adults) 8–9:30 am

Sunday, March 7 or March 14 (Adults) 9–11 am

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR

BUTTERFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

INSTRUCTOR: Steve LaWarre FEE: $15 members, $25 non-members Join Director of Horticulture, Steve LaWarre, for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. Steve will discuss what goes into putting this exhibit together each year, how the butterflies are received and what happens once they are here. Get your questions answered over coffee and muffins and get a sneak peek of this exhibition before it officially opens.

INSTRUCTOR: Dusty Brown FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Learn techniques for creating fantastic butterfly photos, including lens selection, background choice, composition, light, and exposure. Enjoy time alone with the butterflies before public hours begin.

Bring a tripod or monopod and a macro and/or telephoto lens. Some photography experience is necessary.

INSTRUCTOR: Greg Dunn FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Starting from the ground up, learn methods for preparing your site and the importance of good soil. Discover how watering, fertilizing, pest management and selecting the best varieties of plants that will ensure an abundance of vegetables all season long.

Sunday, March 20 (Adults) 12:30–2:30 pm

ADVANCED VEGETABLE GARDENING* INSTRUCTOR: Greg Dunn FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members A continuation of Beginning Vegetable Gardening, this class will cover the how and why of crop rotation, why companion planting should be an essential part of your garden, the most common diseases and how to prevent them, tips to extend the growing season, harvesting guidelines and more!

Saturday, March 6 (Ages 6-10 with an adult) 9–10:30 am

WORKING WITH WOOD

INSTRUCTOR: Jamel Taylor FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Be inspired by the work of Louise Nevelson, an American artist known for her monochromatic wooden sculptures. Then learn about shapes, space, and pattern. Finally, using a wooden box as a frame, make your own 3-dimensional sculpture with wooden blocks, wheels, beads, and furniture fragments. Plenty of time will be allotted for free expression!

All materials provided.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance and recieve a refund minus a $5 processing fee. Withdraw 7–29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund.

Call 616-974-5225 for class cancellations due to severe weather.

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CLASSES

KIRSTIN VOLKENING, DUST Y BROWN

JANUARY 11, 2021

Welcome Center Soft Opening January 11, 2021

We are thrilled to announce the “soft” opening of the new Welcome Center on January 11, 2021. The 69,000 square-foot building greatly enhances the arrival, admission and orientation experience for members and guests. The Welcome Center features Contemporary sculpture as well as horticultural elements throughout. Located next to what will be known as Parking Lot A, the Welcome Center compliments the glass architectural lines of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and serves as a place for members to enter, have the opportunity to view an orientation film and receive information about their visit. The design not only ties together the many parts of Meijer Gardens into a coherent and understandable whole, it also serves to welcome and amaze everyone who enters.

In addition to horticultural displays and details throughout, the Welcome Center will feature prominent works of Contemporary sculpture by major international artists Jaume Plensa, George Segal, Yinka Shonibare CBE, El Anatsui, Alexander Calder and Marshall Fredericks, whose work began Fred Meijer’s passion for collecting sculpture. Part of the permanent sculpture collection, the placement of these pieces and horticultural elements reflects the greater Meijer Gardens mission as evidenced throughout the Gardens & Sculpture Park.

From every vantage point, the Welcome Center inspires with its integration of architecture, art and horticulture. It is a stage for Meijer Gardens’ sculpture and horticulture collection and is sure to be a landmark for West Michigan and beyond.

20-329

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

UPCOMING

WINTER 2020-21 Volume 12, Issue 1 HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION

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