Seasons - Winter 2018-19 {Vol. 10 Issue 1}

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

MEIJER GARDENS HOSPITALITY

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World

A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy

Leap Into Learning;

Catering to Culinary Excellence

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Winter 2018-19 Volume 10, Issue 1

A Window into the Welcome Center

CATERING TO CULINARY EXCELLENCE

LEAP INTO LEARNING

EDUCATION FOR ALL

The action word in our mission statement is “promote.” We are called on by our mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts.

The Education staff and volunteers take their responsibility to “promote” very seriously. Their dedication led to the development of programming that attracts 89,000 people to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park specifically for an organized education experience. Meijer Gardens volunteers provide instruction as docents and bus buddies, for trams and Lena Meijer Children’s Garden programs to name a few.

ORCHID SHOW

The dramatic increase in education program participation was a driving force behind the creation of the recently opened Covenant Learning Center. The amazing generosity of the Meijer Family and the 400 donors who have contributed to the Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love capital campaign have made the Covenant Learning Center possible.

Today our 23,000 square foot, soon-to-be LEED certified facility contains the spaces and technology to give our staff and volunteers the tools to connect with more people in more meaningful ways. A few examples include: • Fully accessible restrooms that go beyond the • Six classrooms all equipped with sinks, flexible seating and walls, beautiful views to the outdoors, requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act with features such as no entry/exit doors. and advanced technology.

• The David & Carol Van Andel Children’s Gallery is • The Outdoor Classroom will give us a dedicated to exhibitions designed for the enjoyment unique opportunity to educate students about horticulture. of children. Note: in the short term this space is being used as our volunteer center while a new one • Storage areas are included and, while they are less glamorous spaces, they are very important. is being created in the new welcome center.

The Covenant Learning Center was dedicated October 9, 2018. Please come out and take a look at your new facility. The roof of the Covenant Learning Center will open next spring as the Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden. This 15,000 square foot urban-themed garden will be something very special.

The new Welcome Center, concessions building, Picnic Pavilion and parking lots are all progressing on schedule. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation we have received while we build these new facilities.

We are particularly grateful for the fine way you have navigated our parking lots.

A NATIONAL TREASURE

Finally, in September we said good-bye to a dear friend, Richard M. DeVos. Rich and his wife Helen were tireless advocates and generous supporters of Meijer Gardens. Often, we would have visitors from around the world comment that when they came to Grand Rapids to see Rich and Helen, they were told you must visit Meijer Gardens while you are in town. We all remain eternally thankful for Rich’s generous support for Meijer Gardens and the role he played in building our community.

We hope to see you here for our annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition opening November 20, 2018. The theme of this year’s exhibition is joy. It is a fitting theme since our mission calls on us to bring enjoyment to others. Your membership gives us important financial support in making our exhibitions possible. Come on out and experience joy at Meijer Gardens.

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

Gratefully,

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

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 Tasha Blackmon Linda Chamberlain Jocelyn Dettloff Scott DeVecht Suzanne Eberle Michael Gaudino Meg Goebel Charyn Hain Shane Hansen Todd Harvey Matthew Heynen Tamara Hibbitts Nancy Hickey Ronald Hofman Mike Jeppesen Yang Kim Jeff Lambert Gloria Lara Elisa Lintemuth

Jon March Janet Mason Mark Miller Laina Mills Mark Mossing Hannah Naltner Bonnie Nawara William Padnos Doriane Parker-Sims Jim Preston Bill Schoonveld Joe Taber Edward VanDam Kathleen Vogelsang Jill Walcott Maryln Walton Vicky Weller Daniel Williams Robert Wolford John Zimmerman

HONORARY MEMBER OF SCULPTURE COMMITTEE

Benefactor, Advocate and Friend We were saddened to learn of the death of Richard DeVos. His support of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and dedication to the arts in West Michigan and beyond will never be forgotten.

“Rich took time to build meaningful relationships with everyone he knew,” says Richard and Helen DeVos at the opening of The Richard & Helen David Hooker, Meijer Gardens DeVos Japanese Garden in 2015. Photo by Dusty Brown.

President and CEO. “Here at Meijer Gardens, Rich and his wife Helen gave generously to all our major projects, furthering our mission and bringing joy to others.” The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden is a tribute to his leadership, energy, ability to motivate others and his exceedingly generous gifts. We thank him for making our community better.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD A NATIONAL TREASURE: FRED MEIJER, HIS COLLECTION AND LEGACY ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

LEAP INTO LEARNING ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

A WINDOW INTO THE WELCOME CENTER MEIJER GARDENS HOSPITALITY

CATERING TO CULINARY EXCELLENCE DEVELOPMENT / MEMBERSHIP

STEWARDSHIP

EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS / CLASSES

Meijer Gardens receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

WHITE WINTER TO SUNNY SPRING Cover: Auguste Rodin. Eve, 1881 (cast before 1920). Bronze.

Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. Photo by William J. Hebert.

CONTACT Main 616-957-1580 Toll Free 888-957-1580

Winter 2018-19 Volume 10, Issue 1 December 2018—February 2019 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 © 2019 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Seasons is published four times per year for members.

Please contact membership@meijergardens.org if you prefer to receive Seasons via email. If you would like to comment on our content, please call membership at 616-977-7689.

4–5

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

Miner S. and Mary Ann Keeler

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

CONTENT

BOARD of DIRECTORS

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS/ATTRACTIONS SEPT 14—JAN 6, Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture NOV 20—JAN 6,

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy MAR 1—APR 30, Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming FEB 1—AUG 25, 2019,

#MeijerGardens MeijerGardens.org

6–9 10 11 12 –13 14 – 15 16- 23

Visit the magical Railway Garden, where miniature Grand Rapids landmarks come to life amongst stunning flowers and foliage. Photo by Peter McDaniel.

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ANNUAL EXHIBITION

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD November 20, 2018–January 6, 2019

Christmas Cabaret December 6, 6–10 pm

Member Holiday Parties Party with Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 19, 6–8 pm Family Parties with Santa and Mrs. Claus November 25; December 2, 10 & 16, 6–8 pm Adult Party (18 and over) with cash bar November 26, 7–9 pm RSVP online at bit.ly/MemberHolidayParties18, rsvp@meijergardens.org, or call 616-974-5222.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS Entire facility is open until 9 pm December 17—22, and December 26—29 PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Santa Visits November 20 and 27, December 4, 11 and 18, 5–8 pm The Original Dickens Carolers November 20 and 27, December 4, 11 and 18, 6–8 pm Winter-Time Walks November 20–January 5, 2019 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:15 am (for preschool); and 11:15 am (for school age) and Saturdays, 11:15 am (for families) Fee: Included with admission Winter in the Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun!

Bundle up and join us on an outdoor interactive discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways. Then, wrap up the walk in a cozy spot with a winter-themed story time.

Rooftop Reindeer November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 1–4 pm joy Running continuously in the Hoffman Auditorium.

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World is made possible by

Ruffino Wines Spectrum Health 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 Railway Garden is sponsored by

Welcome to the season of joy! This holiday season there’s no place to celebrate quite like Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Join us as we explore how the world spreads joy across centuries and cultures.

Good cheer abounds in Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, as we celebrate our 24th annual exhibition and most joyful yet. Take a journey around the world through 42 magnificent trees and displays representing unique international cultures and customs. For many cultures, holidays are celebrations that bring people together in symbolic and memorable ways. This year celebrate your own cultural heritage while learning how the rest of the world joyfully celebrates the holiday season.

Amidst spectacular winter plantings discover the artistry of 27 adorned Christmas trees, 15 fascinating cultural displays and our beloved Railway Garden. Inside and out, Meijer Gardens shines—especially in the ambiance of more than 300,000 lights!

This year, we invite you to experience the joy and splendor of the holiday season in a wonderous new film, joy, which explores the diverse festive fabric that exists in our local community.

Commissioned and directed by Meijer Garden’s staff and filmed right here in Grand Rapids over the last two years, this film is a slice of happiness, right here at home.

Joy fittingly opens with our own Lena Meijer who, with family Lena Meijer, of proud German heritage, is seen and friends, began this exhibition in 1995. Of proud German heritage, decorating the German tree in the new film joy, Lena and her friends are seen showing continuously in the Hoffman Auditorium. decorating the beautiful German tree—one of the most admired and influential holiday traditions. Nestled on the German tree are delicate springerle cookies and the elusive pickle ornament. Tradition has it that the first child to spot the pickle on Christmas morning receives a special gift.

From there, we travel to the Sankta Lucia Pageant, aglow in the historic Saint Mark’s Episcopal church in downtown Grand Rapids. Next is the vibrant Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe at the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe, followed by the warmth of the Menorah Lighting at city hall and a feast of food, music and song at Temple Emanuel. The film ends with the joyous celebration of the Dutch Sinterklaas Parade in the Kerstmarkt in neighboring Holland, Michigan. Though these living traditions are just an introduction to the breadth and depth of cultural life in West Michigan, they enhance our exhibit in extraordinary ways. Joy will be shown continuously in the Hoffman Auditorium, so don’t miss it.

Christmas trees and cultural displays are just the beginning of all you can do at Meijer Gardens this holiday season. Instill even more joy into your visit at one of our delightful tours, programs, classes, and events. Join us for an evening with Santa Claus and the Dickens Carolers on Tuesdays November 20, 27 and December 4, 11, and 18.

Meet Santa’s reindeer on Saturday, November 24 and December 1, 8, 15, and 22.

As always, this promises to be a very special season at a very special place—your Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Come experience the joy with us, now more than ever before.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION 5

Fred and Lena Meijer in the Milan, Italy studio of Arnaldo Pomodoro in 1999. Photo by Chuck Heiney.

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SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: Society Opening Preview and Annual Dinner Wednesday, January 30, 6–8 pm By invitation only.

Member Opening Thursday, January 31, 6–8 pm

A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy Lecture by Chief Curator and Vice President for Collections and Exhibitions, Joseph Becherer.

RSVP online at bit.ly/FredMemberOpening

PROGRAMMING Exhibition programs are drop-in and registration is not required. Please direct questions to Anna Wolff at 616-974-5225.

Gardens of Art Around the World Sunday, March 17, 2 pm Fee: Included with Admission Suzanne Eberle, Professor of Art History, Kendall College of Art & Design

Drawing inspiration from gardens and sculpture collections around the globe, Fred Meijer sought to create a unique museum environment second-to-none right here in Grand Rapids. Join Dr. Sue Eberle as she highlights the sculpture gardens that inspired Fred Meijer as well as some of the outstanding outdoor collections to add to your bucket list.

Great American Collectors Sunday, April 14, 2 pm Fee: Included with Admission Dr. Craig Hanson, Associate Professor, Calvin College

Fred Meijer, as an art collector, is among a small group of philanthropists who believed that art should be shared widely with the public. He saw his collection as a tool to enrich lives through the power of art. Join Dr. Craig Hanson as he discusses the role of collectors in the United States, and the legacy of art patronage.

The Art of Fine Art Collecting Sunday, May 5, 2 pm Fee: Included with Admission Linda and Scott Lafontsee, Owners of Lafontsee Gallery

You don’t have to have the resources of Meijer Gardens to build your own fine art collection. Join the owners and artists behind Lafontsee Galleries to learn easy ways to live with original artwork that inspires you every day. Linda and Scott Lafontsee have represented local artists for over 30 years in Grand Rapids.

A NATIONAL TREASURE: FRED MEIJER, HIS COLLECTION AND LEGACY

Friday, February 1—Sunday, August 25, 2019

“Build a world-class collection.”

This was the vision of Frederik G.H. Meijer (1919-2011) and his mandate to the Sculpture Advisory Committee and sculpture department in August of 1999. And it’s been our guiding principal ever since. Nearly two decades later, the permanent collection at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is internationally recognized as among the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture.

To commemorate the centenary of Fred’s birth and his extraordinary role as one of America’s foremost patrons of the arts, Meijer Gardens is honored to present a landmark exhibition, A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy. This retrospective examines Meijer’s passion for sculpture, extraordinary growth as a collector and profound commitment to engaging increasingly diverse audiences. Through the support of Fred and his beloved wife, Lena, we fulfill our mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts.

“The eye needs something, too,” was a favorite saying of Fred’s. He understood that the arts are integral to the vibrancy of community and the wellbeing of humanity. His infectious enthusiasm for sculpture is matched only by his passion for engaging people of every age and experience with his collection, in striking contrast to European aristocratic and some American traditions, where works of art were gathered and enjoyed privately, only to be presented to the public later (and usually posthumously). The Meijers intentionally collected art for public enjoyment and enlightenment.

The exhibition unfolds in eleven chronological or thematic chapters in our sculpture galleries, the Commons and the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Each chapter is based around original works of art, both from our permanent collection and highly specialized loans from sculptors and galleries Meijer knew and admired. In addition, the exhibition debuts a series of important recent acquisitions, which include a massive relief sculpture by El Anatsui (born 1944), a Ghanaian artist working in Nigeria; a series by iconic American Pop artist George Segal (1924-2000); and a remarkable early 20th Century masterpiece by Belgian sculptor George Minne (1866-1941).

The first chapter in the exhibition examines the origins of Fred’s interest in the arts, sculpture in particular. Though never formally trained in the history of art, Fred travelled as a young man with his parents, émigrés from the Netherlands, who exposed him to the significance the visual arts have on individual fulfillment and healthy communities. On trips to Europe, Fred frequented great museums and churches. Decades later, he fondly recalled visits to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. However, it was not until the late 1970s and 1980s that his success in business enabled him to become a donor and patron of the visual arts he so loved.

Among Fred’s earliest community forays was a sponsorship of the lighting of La Grande Vitesse, the landmark stabile by Alexander Calder (1898-1976), in downtown Grand Rapids.

In 1985, Fred began a long relationship with famed Danish-American sculptor Marshall

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

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Fredericks (1908-1998) with a commission for the Meijers’ hometown of Greenville, Michigan. Fred went on to collect 29 bronzes by Fredericks that later served as the nucleus of our collection and are on display throughout Meijer Gardens.

Through Fredericks and other figurative sculptors, Fred sharpened his focus on representational imagery in the 1990s. Animals, in particular, called to mind endearing memories of his childhood in rural Michigan. Many of these works were collected and held in storage for the right occasion. When Meijer Gardens opened in 1995, Fred and Lena gifted 63 sculptures as a symbolic embrace of his love of sculpture and art and her love of gardens and flowers. The decade’s most climactic moment was the Meijers’ involvement with the colossal equine project by Nina Akamu (born 1955) that would become The American Horse. By the time the sculpture was dedicated in 1999, Fred’s collection had greatly broadened with major works by Deborah Butterfield (born 1949), Alexander Liberman (1912-1999), Keith Haring (1958-1990) and Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930-2017).

Each facet of the Meijers’ transformative collection is explored in the exhibition, along with their earliest ideas for a sculpture park and how to integrate sculpture across all the gardens and grounds of Meijer Gardens. Particular attention is given to the famed Kröller Müller Museum and sculpture park in Otterlo, Netherlands. More than any other cultural institution, it helped define Fred’s collection and vision for the relationship between sculpture and the natural world. It is no coincidence that many of the major sculptors of the 20th Century featured at Kröller Müller are also featured at Meijer Gardens.

Over time, the historical importance of our collection grew, drawing attention from the international art world. As if their extraordinary generosity behind phenomenal acquisitions ranging from Auguste Rodin and Jacques Lipchitz, to Henry Moore and Louise Bourgeois, to Jonathan Borofsky and Beverly Pepper was not remarkable enough, the Meijers were open to collecting works of art that extended beyond their personal aesthetic.

What was best for the creative and intellectual engagement of the public was always at the forefront of their minds, and their trust in the Sculpture Advisory Committee and sculpture team is nothing short of legendary. By 2010, Fred’s desire to “build a world-class collection” was a reality beyond measure.

A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy follows Fred’s footsteps as a collector and patron of the arts, with rare insight into the creation of one of the world’s greatest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture. The exhibition celebrates the love and selfless dedication to community that were the very fabric of Fred Meijer’s being. His unmatched legacy is expressed in bronze and steel, marble and stone, wood and metals that elevate and engage millions of visitors—the words “Thank you, Fred” are just a beginning.

At the time of his death in 2011, the magnitude of Fred’s collection had grown beyond what he admitted were his wildest expectations, yet he remained concerned for the future.

Thanks to his and Lena’s unwavering generosity, the collection continues to grow and evolve. Their legacy not only tells a story of yesterday and an experience for today, but also a promise of tomorrow.

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SCULPTURE ESSAY

Charcoal D rawing with Anna Greidanus Friday, June 14, 3–5 pm Fee: Included with Admission Anna Greidanus, Professor of Art, Calvin College

Head outdoors with artist Anna Greidanus and learn the relaxing and inspiring practice of charcoal drawing.

A gestural, loose, and rapid approach is both less intimidating to first time artists and an effective form of observation. The program is free to members. Class size is limited to 15 guests. Please register online at meijergardens.org/calendar

Summer Sculpture Walks Sculpture Park Niches, The Gallery Tuesday, July 30, 6 pm Sculpture Park Niches, The Groves Sunday, August 11, 11:30 am Fee: Included with Admission Anna Wolff, Curator of Arts Education

Get off the beaten path and explore lesser known areas of the Sculpture Park with Curator of Arts Education, Anna Wolff.

See fantastic examples of Modern and Contemporary sculpture instrumental to Fred Meijer’s collection style and legacy.

Please meet just outside the Indoor Sculpture Galleries and prepare to walk and stand for at least 90 minutes rain or shine.

This program is drop-in and registration is not required.

A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy 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

Left: Fred and Lena Meijer with sculptor Mark di Suvero at SpacetimeCC studio.

Long Island City, New York. 1999. Photo by Chuck Heiney.

Right: Fred and sculptor Mark di Suvero at SpacetimeCC studio.

Long Island City, New York. 1999. Photo by Chuck Heiney.

SCULPTURE ESSAY

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One of six classrooms available in the new Covenant Learning Center. Photo by Kevin Huver.

LEAP INTO LEARNING Indoors and out, the new Covenant Learning Center is taking education to new heights at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Come explore with us this winter.

The Covenant Learning Center, our new education destination, helps us fulfill our mission to promote the appreciation and understanding of sculpture, horticulture, the natural environment and the arts to members and guests of all ages—an incredible 89,000 people learn with us every year!

At 23,000 square feet, the soon-to-be LEED-certified center opened this September in response to a 300% growth in educational activities since 1999. From form to function, the new facility inspires a lifelong love of learning in an environment that unleashes creativity.

Generous natural light and floor-to-ceiling glass make an inviting first impression as you step into the Covenant Learning Center. With triple the number of classrooms, from two to six, our education team has reimagined the scope and content of classes, camps, lectures and school group activities to better meet evergrowing community excitement. Each versatile classroom is outfitted with movable partition walls and the latest in education technology like SMART® boards, iPads and integrated hearing loops. Four of the six classrooms connect to an adjacent outdoor patio for an unparalleled indoor/outdoor learning experience.

The David & Carol Van Andel Children’s Gallery will be another must-see as the Covenant Learning Center continues to unfold. Eventually, this new space will be a permanent home for our engaging, always new, family exhibitions. Over the next two years, this space will serve as a temporary volunteer center until 10

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

construction is completed.

Expanded educational space naturally lends to a more expansive curriculum. Highlights of this year’s lineup of children’s classes include Grandparent and Me: Construction Fun, which includes excavating a sand table “construction” site, and Grandparent and Me: Constructing Art, which explores how artists like Andy Goldsworthy and Mark di Suvero use construction materials and equipment to create their works of sculpture.

Adult classes captivate your inner artist, with offerings like Botanical Bath Bombs, a how-to course on making these fizzy, fragrant treats that add relaxing essential oils and locally grown herbs to your bath. Other classes include Beginning Watercolor, a discovery of the techniques and textures used to transform a photograph into a painting; Create a Kokedama Orchid, which explores the distinctive Japanese art of planting a moth orchid on a moss-covered sphere; Coffee with the Curator offers a sneak peek, behind-the-scenes tour of the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition led by Director of Horticulture Steve LaWarre. And for the first time, the 2019 Secchia Garden Lecture will be followed by a workshop with the guest speaker the next day.

See the back pages of Seasons for more details on all upcoming classes in the Covenant Learning Center. We look forward to learning with you.

Construction of the Welcome Center is well underway, with footings for the sunken garden being poured. Photo by Craig Douglass.

A WINDOW INTO THE WELCOME CENTER Concept is becoming reality as our new campus continues to come into focus. At its heart is the architecturally astounding new Welcome Center. Here’s what you can expect to see in the coming season.

Anticipation is growing as we await the opening of the new Welcome Center in early 2021. The 69,000-square-foot, LEEDcertified space embodies the exciting evolution of our growing campus as we usher in a new era at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Points of interest throughout this spectacular space will include a Garden Pavilion with an adjacent veranda and views of the relocated and reimagined Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden; a sunken garden and indoor picnic/gathering area; and a Sculpture Garden Entry Plaza that will architecturally connect our amphitheater and main entrances. Other noteworthy destinations inside the Welcome Center will include the expanded and relocated Peter C. & Emajean (Pat) Cook Entry Arbor, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Visitor Center, Peter M. Wege Library, Owen-Ames-Kimball Orientation Theater and DeVos/ Keeler Gift Shop, as well as a much-needed coatroom, restrooms, storage and archives. Watch with us over the coming year, as metal and stone work are completed and the exterior of the Welcome Center continues to take shape.

We’re always growing, always beautiful and always new–and always committed to your safety. When you visit this winter, please remember that portions of Meijer Gardens are active construction sites. Be especially mindful of wayfinding signs to ensure your

safety and convenience as you enter, park and make your way inside through the temporary entrance. This semi-temperature-controlled, fabric building is designed for all seasons, providing harsh weather protection while offering views of ongoing construction and seasonal horticultural and sculptural elements. When the Welcome Center opens, this interim building will be relocated for reuse, in keeping with our commitment to sustainability.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and understanding with our seemingly ever changing parking lots and walkways. When all the new lots are ready, we will have 125 additional parking spots, 24 additional accessible parking spots, and 119 additional parking spots within a two minute walk of the Welcome Center entrance.

Phase two of the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater expansion is also underway, in preparation for the 2019 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens. We recycled the former concessions building to make room for an expanded concessions building and plaza that will greatly enhance your concert experience. The new concessions building will feature more sales windows, a merchandise counter and additional restrooms and drinking fountains. The facility’s lower level will house private green rooms for visiting artists and staff offices.

All winter long, we hope you’ll watch your gardens grow at MeijerGardens.org/growing.

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHT

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Make your event memorable with the scrumptious desserts on the Garden Dessert Trellis. Photo by Andrew Krause.

CATERING TO CULINARY EXCELLENCE

Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Whether you come for the afternoon, a concert or a catered affair, take time to take in our culinary creations, now fresh from our new culinary kitchen.

We’re always cooking up something new in Meijer Gardens Hospitality. In addition to our bustling Balk Café and amphitheater concessions, our talented kitchen teams orchestrate nearly 86% of catering for all events held here.

We serve thousands of guests at hundreds of events every year, and each year, the number grows–since 2013, the volume of food catered in our kitchens has doubled. Last August, so did the kitchens themselves.

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MEIJER GARDENS HOSPITALITY

At 2,490 square feet, our new catering kitchen triples the size of our former cooking facility and takes culinary excellence to a new level at Meijer Gardens. For the first time in our history, we now have two dedicated kitchens—one for the Balk Café, the other for catering—to create fresh, artisan-crafted meals made from ingredients sourced from local farmers, butchers and bakers. More space means more potential for exploring even more creative, on-trend cuisine.

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Michigan feta, cucumber water, lemon verbena, Marcona almonds. Photo by Andrew Krause.

Our executive chef was instrumental in the design of the catering kitchen. In addition to ample coolers, freezers and prep areas, the state-of-the-art space boasts the latest in cooking technology and two and one half times the cooking capacity, from 4 to 10 ovens. Highlights include “smart” Combi™ ovens, which feature convection, steam and combined functionality to reduce cook times by up to 40%; two 40-gallon tilt brazing skillets; double convection ovens; a char broiler; and a smoker for cold smoked fish, hot smoked brisket and everything in-between.

Enhancing these new efficiencies is conveyor belt functionality, which enables our kitchen team to plate up to 700 fresh meals in a single hour and better meet the demands of high volume catered events. Other conveniences include multiple support spaces like adjacent storage (no more lugging dry goods, linens, beverages

and alcohol up flights of stairs); a power-washing bay (no more hand scrubbing carts, hot boxes and other equipment); and a dualbay loading dock, trash/recycling room and accessibility ramp.

Unlike many dark commercial kitchens, the new space is flooded in natural light, thanks to two expansive windows that let our teams enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons in our gardens. It’s a simple yet impactful addition to their workspace that’s energized productivity in the innovatively open space.

You are invited to experience these efficiencies for yourself by trusting the expertly-trained Meijer Gardens Hospitality team to help you concept and create your next sensational event. From intimate gatherings to grandiose celebrations, indoors to out, we’re at the ready. Now, more than ever. Book your event today at MeijerGardens.org/host/or call 616-975-3146.

MEIJER GARDENS HOSPITALITY

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Fred and Lena Meijer’s vision of an environment of the harmonious marriage of horticulture and art is evidenced throughout Meijer Gardens. As stewards, the management, horticulture, sculpture & environment, event, facility, and culinary staffs, as well as the committee and volunteer members, all work together mutually embracing their vision. Dennis and I know our donations are being utilized to promote and preserve the sustainability this legacy of love, joy, fellowship, education, and beauty that Meijer Gardens brings to all. —JACKIE DEL RASO

Jackie Del Raso, seated on the live wall in the New Covenant Learning Center. Photo by Kevin Huver.

STEWARDSHIP:

THE JOB OF SUPERVISING OR TAKING CARE OF SOMETHING We often assure you that Meijer Gardens is a good steward of the funds you entrust to us. From time to time, we like to provide evidence to reinforce this statement.

In a letter dated September 1, 2018, Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator, congratulated Meijer Gardens for attaining our fourth consecutive 4-star rating.

We earned this coveted honor for: • demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency • adhering to sector best practices • executing our mission in a financially efficient way • exceeding industry standards and outperforming most charities in our area of work Thatcher stated, “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park apart from its peers and demonstrates to you and to the public its trustworthiness.”

Thank you for placing your faith in Meijer Gardens with your financial support.

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DEVELOPMENT/MEMBERSHIP

If you would like to make an annual or tribute gift, purchase or renew your membership, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact one of our Development and Membership team members.

DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS Anne Benson Director of Development and Membership (616) 975-3177 abenson@meijergardens.org

Kim Hillebrand Annual Funds and Grants Manager (616) 975-3143 khillebrand@meijergardens.org

Matt Eickhoff Fundraising Events Manager (616) 975-3168 meickhoff@meijergardens.org

Melissa Bush Membership Manager (616) 974-5258 mbush@meijergardens.org

CORPORATE PARTNERS AT MEIJER GARDENS

Meijer Gardens is grateful for the generosity of our corporate community. Our Corporate Partners program provides support for special events, exhibitions, and critical programming elements. To learn more, contact Kim Hillebrand at 616-975-3143 or khillebrand@meijergardens.org

QUARTERLY TRIBUTES The following gifts were received between July 1 and September 30, 2018. Those honored or memorialized are shown in bold type, while the donors are in regular type.

IN HONOR AMBASSADOR LEVEL $25,000+ Amway Corporation Corporate Live Cumulus Media, Inc. DTE Energy Foundation Fifth Third Bank Fox 17 Gilson Graphics Harvey Lexus of Grand Rapids iHeart Media West Michigan Meijer, Inc. MLive Media Group Spectrum Health Townsquare Media WGVU

PATRON LEVEL $10,000

Absopure Water Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance Country Inn & Suites Delta Air Lines, Inc. Lawrence Productions Macatawa Bank Miller Johnson Steelcase, Inc. US Golf Cars, Inc. Warner Norcross + Judd Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. WYCE 88.1

BENEFACTOR LEVEL $5,000

Bartlett Tree Experts Co. BrightFormat Burgess Concrete Construction, Inc. Cascade Engineering Deloitte Foremost Graphics Group Gordon Food Service Henry Mast Greenhouses, Inc. Insignia Homes Legacy Trust Masterpiece Flower Company, LLC MeXo / Zoko822 Owen Ames Kimball Co. RDV Corporation Reliable Energy, Inc. Roskam Baking Company Showspan Incorporated Universal Forest Products, Inc. Varnum LLP

SUSTAINER LEVEL $2,500

Aquinas College Betz Industries Butterball Farms, Inc. Chemical Bank Cook Holdings Crowe Horwath Custer, Inc. Dean’s Landscaping and Excavating, Inc. DJ’s Landscape Management DK Security Dykema Ellis Parking Company Everett’s Landscape Management, Inc. Excel Electric, Inc. Experience Grand Rapids FASTSIGNS of Grand Rapids Fence Consultants of West Michigan Gerald R. Ford International Airport Grand Rapids Gravel Grand Valley State University Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, LLC Herman Miller, Inc. InnoValuation, LLC ITC Holdings Corp.

Keller Williams Realty Market Center North Kendall College of Art & Design Kitchen 67 Lacks Enterprises, Inc. Landscape Design Services, Inc. Lasers Resource Life EMS Ambulance Materials Testing Consultants, Inc. Mercantile Bank of Michigan Norris, Perné & French LLP Northern Trust Bank Northpointe Bank Pioneer Construction, Inc. Priority Health Progressive AE The Sharpe Collection SoundOff Signal Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Star Tickets, Inc. Tekton,Inc. Van Andel Institute Van Dellen Steel, Inc. Walters Gardens, Inc. The Wisinski Group

CONTRIBUTOR LEVEL $1,000

American Plastic Toys, Inc. Applause Catering + Events Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals Carmela Specialty Foods Christie’s Gardens Alive Farms Hilbrands Landscape Management, Inc. Hotel Walloon Juhas and Sullivan Jewelry Kenowa Companies Leo’s Restaurant Northland Express Transport Old National Bank PADNOS Pageworks Preusser Jewelers Real Space S. Abraham & Sons, Inc. Twin Lakes Nursery, Inc. Vista Springs, LLC W.A. Lettinga Investment

FRIEND LEVEL $500

Ball Park Floral Better Made Snack Foods, Inc. Catch Air Design Collective Floral & Gifts Eastern Floral & Gift Shop Fleurology Designs Gumina’s Flowers Horrocks Market Irwin Seating Co. JetBlue Airways Katerberg VerHage, Inc. Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts Maple Hill Golf Martha’s Vineyard Meijer—Knapps Corner Meritage Hospitality Group Northern Jet Management Remacon Compressors, Inc. Southwest Airlines Superior Groundcover, Inc. Top Shelf Charters Walt Disney World

Active List as of 9/30/18

Robert Blossfeld Angelo Agon Ann Blossfeld Bob & Jean Blossfeld Maureen Blossfeld Blossfeld Design John & Cathy Chung Mary Blossfeld Chung Susan Griffin Julie Ondersma Phyllis Ward Sandra Watt

IN MEMORY Paul Baughman James & Marilyn Bishop William Kopp Marcia Oetting Charmain & Leslie Vickers Don Ward Mary White

Sara Clay Beth & Stephen Carveth Glenn & Anastasia Garner Paul & Leane Blake Scarlett Jenks Benjamin & Anna-Marie Jenks Phyllis Johnson Jody Clements Rose Kiss Hans & Tina Schwarz Rix Landheer Alan Landheer Patrick Lasher Roger & LuAnne Bleiler Louis & Betty Miles Bruce & Jane Reynolds

Barbara Raby Marty & Susan Allen Anonymous Jon & Lori Austin Elene Cafasso Jane Christine Mary Abbott Cumming & Mal Cumming Lynn Gregory Susan Grimaldi Jeff & Diane Hamilton Mary Hauser Lawrence & Mary Marcotte Kelly & June Noel—Ryan, Jen Noel & Family—Katie, Scott & Rowan Kondak Robert & Katherine Udell Lochlann Crawford Willson Jill Willson Lockwood & Sean Lockwood

Kathy & Robert Parente Ezekiel Choffel

MCACA GRANT AWARDS Earlier this year, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park applied for Fiscal Year 2019 Operational Support and Capital Improvement funding from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs (MCACA). We are delighted to report that Meijer Gardens has been granted $123,000 in support of our mission.

With $48,000 in Operational Support funds, including federal support through the National Endowment for the Arts, Meijer Gardens will present delightful gardens and thought-provoking annual horticulture and sculpture exhibitions, and offer hundreds of fun and interactive educational programs.

Capital Improvement funds totaling $75,000, will advance our mission through the construction of a new LEED-certified concessions building in the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. At 12,000 square feet, it will feature a larger plaza area within the gates to help shorten lines and concert guests’ wait times. This Amphitheater Support Building will usher in an exciting era of expanded musical programming, increased capacity, and new audiences. It will be a wonderful addition to the landscape of Meijer Gardens, and to West Michigan. With the construction of the ASB, we will bring joy to more guests, welcome new audiences, and offer new and distinct visual experiences.

Our thanks to MCACA and our Michigan legislators for this special grant support!

DEVELOPMENT/MEMBERSHIP

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EVENTS Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, November 20–January 5, 2019 Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:15 am (Preschoolers) 11:15 am (School Agers) Saturdays 11:15 am (For all ages)

WINTER-TIME WALKS

FEE: Included with admission Winter in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun! Find the walk session that is best for you and your little winter explorers. Bundle up and join us on an outdoor discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways. Then, wrap up the walk in a cozy spot with a winter-themed story time.

Tuesdays, January 8–February 26 10:30 am

COZY TALES FOR CHILLY DAYS

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

January 26—27 Saturday: Displays 12–5 pm, Sales 10 am–5 pm Sunday: Displays 11 am–4:30 pm, Sales 11 am–4:30 pm

ORCHID SHOW

FEE: Free Surround yourself with the colors, fragrances and beauty of tropical orchids in the Huizenga Grand Room. Orchid enthusiasts from across the region will display their finest and most unusual orchids, vying for ribbons and the coveted American Orchid Society Awards. Members from Grand Valley Orchid Society will answer your orchid growing questions. Visit the orchid vendors, offering a huge selection of orchids, and find the perfect orchid for your home. Attend free talks on growing orchids presented by Orchid Society members. Visit MeijerGardens.org for the complete list of talks.

Preschool Story Time (Best for Ages 2–5)

February 12: Ponds

January 22: Flowers

February 19: Bears

January 29: Pattern/Texture

February 26: Sky

Tuesday, January 15 1—2:30 pm

READ & EXPLORE: ART AND GARDENS BOOK GROUP

FEE: Included with admission Please join us as we explore Edward Abbey’s classic Desert Solitaire. Considered the Thoreau of the American West, Abbey spent two seasons as a ranger in Arches National Park in 1956 and 1957. He wrote Desert Solitaire as a memoir of his time there and a reflection on the desert. In addition to our discussion of his book, we will also explore our own desert environment with a special tour of the Earl & Donnalee Holton Arid Garden.

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

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EVENTS

Saturday, February 9 1–4 pm

WINTER FAMILY DAY

FEE: Included with admission Bundle up for an outdoor adventure and be our guest in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden for an afternoon of wintry fun for all ages! We’ll have plenty of hot chocolate to keep you warm and loads of activities to keep you busy: • Observe a sculptor transform a block of ice into an amazing piece of ice art • Create an ice sculpture to add to our colorful Outdoor Ice Sculpture Gallery!

• Create an eco-friendly mosaic on the snow with seeds • Discover fascinating facts about animals and their habitats on the naturalist walk

Saturday, February 23, 10 am Sunday, February 24, 12 pm OR 2:30 pm

WHO AM I? A BUTTERFLY BALLET

In collaboration with Grand Rapids Ballet Sponsored in part by Jesse and Gia Budrick

FEE: Included with admission.

January 8: February 5: Musical Instruments Winter Fun January 15: Mice

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

Photo by Peter McDaniels.

Saturdays, February 2 OR February 16 (Ages 3 and older) 10–11:30 am

FEE: $5 per person for members, $8 per person for non-members Free for ages 2 and younger To see a sneak peak of the butterfly exhibition, additional fees apply for general admission.

Choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by members of the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company. Mark your calendars now for a thoroughly delightful butterfly ballet.

Told through the eyes of a newly emerged butterfly, the story will captivate young and old alike. With colorful costumes, spectacular music and exquisite choreography, this enchanting performance will provide a unique and memorable experience.

To register, visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar.

ANIMAL ADVENTURES: SURVIVING IN THE WILD

In collaboration with John Ball Zoo

FEE: $5 per person for members, $10 per person for non-members Have fun exploring the survival techniques of a barn owl, a tarantula, a hedgehog, and a Sinaloan snake. Enjoy watching live animal presentations, listening to animal stories, completing art projects, playing animal-themed games, and trying your luck at animal challenges. Perfect for ages 3 to 6, but all ages are welcome. Come in from the cold and have some fun! Reservations are required and can be made online at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or jbzoo.org, or by calling Meijer Gardens at 616-975-3144, or John Ball Zoo at 616-336-4300.

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.

EVENTS T U E S DAY N I G H T S AT M E I J E R G A R D E N S

A FEBRUARY AFFAIR

What to do this winter? We’ve got the cure for cabin fever. Get out of the house and visit Meijer Gardens on Tuesday nights, all February long. Our events will entertain, educate, and enliven. Great for social networking, date night or as a gift!

This winter we will be featuring: Flowers & Chocolate, and Sight and Sound Redux.

All tickets include admission to the event, food, and drinks.

EVERY TUESDAY IN FEBRUARY 2019 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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Tuesdays, February 5 or 12 6:30–9 pm

FLOWERS & CHOCOLATE

FEE: $63.00 members, $68.00 non-members If you enjoyed last February’s pasta making class, come out and try your hand at making truffles.

Our friends from Local Epicurean, “America’s handmade Pasta Company”, will be back to instruct you on how to make delicious truffles from ingredients such as flowers, nuts and dried fruits, all while enjoying a three-course meal featuring ricotta ravioli with a dark chocolate marinara sauce. Libations will be provided, and you will also make chocolate bowls to take your truffles home in.

Reserve by calling 616-975-3151 or online at www.MeijerGardens.org/calendar.

Tuesdays, February 19 or 26 6:30–9 pm

SIGHT AND SOUND REDUX

FEE: $53.00 members, $58.00 non-members MusArte Duo is a unique performance combining live painting and music. A February Affair welcomes back painter Marlene Boonstra and classical musician Gail Salvatori. Follow along with Marlene as she renders a painting inspired by the orchid wall in our tropical conservatory, and the vivid colors and primitive style of Henri Rousseau, while Gail lends magic to the atmosphere on the violin. Hors d’oeuvres and libations will be provided. At the end of the evening Marlene’s finished painting will be raffled off, so not only will you walk away with your own work of art, but perhaps Marlene’s as well. Participation in painting is optional, if you prefer, you can just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds.

Reserve by calling 616-975-3151 or online at www.MeijerGardens.org/calendar Photo by Katherine Salavatori.

EVENTS

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EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS

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

September 14, 2018–January 6, 2019

PROCESS AND PRESENCE: CONTEMPORARY DISABILITY SCULPTURE The exhibition offers audiences a survey of contemporary Disability sculpture through artists whose work represents local, national and global perspectives on the lived experience of disability.

Shinichi Sawada. Untitled, n.d. Clay. Photo courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga.

Balk Gallery, Process and Presence exhibition, photo by Chuck Heiney.

Photo bottom right; Foreground: Carl Hendrickson. Chair, 1992. Wood and fabric.

Background: Terry Williams. Untitled, 2015 and Guitar, 2017. Mixed media.Photo by Chuck Heiney.

November 20, 2018–January 6, 2019 CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS

Trees and displays represent 42 cultural celebrations. See pages 4–5 of Seasons for details.

MEMBER HOLIDAY PARTIES

Space is limited. Choose one of three ways to RSVP: Go online at bit.ly/MemberHolidayParties18, or email rsvp@meijergardens.org, or call 616-974-5222. The events are free of charge for members and guests allowed under your membership level. Regular admission prices apply for non-member guests.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Photos by Peter McDaniel.

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EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS

November 19, 6–8 pm

HOLIDAY FAMILY PARTIES

November 25 AND December 2, 10, 16, 6–8 pm

ADULT HOLIDAY PARTY

November 26 7–9 pm, cash bar, DJ and photo booth (18 and over only)

Entire facility is open until 9 pm December 17–22, and December 26–29 PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

CHRISTMAS CABARET—Holiday Gala

December 6, RSVP required.

Contact Matt Eickhoff at 616-975-3168 or meickoff@meijergardens.org

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS SANTA VISITS

November 20 and 27, December 4, 11, 18, 5–8 pm

THE ORIGINAL DICKENS CAROLERS

November 20 and 27, December 4, 11, 18, 6–8 pm

ROOFTOP REINDEER

November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 1–4 pm

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS February 1–August 25, 2019

A NATIONAL TREASURE: FRED MEIJER, HIS COLLECTION AND LEGACY

SPECIAL EVENT— FILM SCREENING:

PROGRAMMING See pages 6–9 of Seasons for details.

FEE: Included with admission

GARDENS OF ART AROUND THE WORLD

Sunday, March 17, 2 pm Sue Eberle, Ph.D., Professor of Art History, Kendall College of Art and Design

GREAT AMERICAN COLLECTORS Fred and Lena Meijer with sculptor Mark di Suvero at SpacetimeCC studio.

Long Island City, New York. 1999. Photo by Chuck Heiney.

Frederik (Fred) G.H. Meijer (1919-2011) was among the most extraordinary art collectors of the last half century, assembling one of the most important collections of Modern and Contemporary sculpture in the world. Highly unique among collector-philanthropists, his collection was never a private endeavor and then gifted to the public but created directly for the enjoyment of the public through what became Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Sunday, April 11, 2 pm Dr. Craig Hanson, Associate Professor, Calvin College

THE ART OF FINE ART COLLECTING

Sunday, May 5, 2 pm Linda and Scott Lafontsee, Owners of Lafontsee Galleries

CHARCOAL DRAWING WITH ANNA GREIDANUS

Friday, June 14, 3–5 pm Anna Greidanus, Professor of Art, Calvin College

SUMMER SCULPTURE WALKS

Sculpture Park Niches, The Gallery Tuesday, July 30, 6 pm Sculpture Park Niches, The Groves Sunday, August 11, 11:30 am Anna Wolff, Curator of Arts Education

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: SOCIETY OPENING PREVIEW AND ANNUAL DINNER

Wednesday, January 30, 6–8 pm.

By invitation only.

Sunday, February 10, 2 pm

FIVE SEASONS: THE GARDENS OF PIET OUDOLF*

FEE: Included with admission Immerse yourself in the gardens of revolutionary landscape designer Piet Oudolf, known for designing public spaces like New York City’s popular High Line and the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Millennium Park. This award-winning, meditative documentary immerses viewers in his work, taking us inside Oudolf’s creative process, from his aesthetic theories to his strikingly abstract sketches to the ecological implications of his ideas. The film poetically reveals how Oudolf upends conventional notions of nature, public space, and, ultimately, beauty itself and redefines our conception of gardens as works of art in themselves. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or direct questions to Julie Francke at jfrancke@ meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3145.

MEMBER OPENING

Thursday, January 31, 6–8 pm A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy Lecture by Chief Curator and Vice President for Collections and Exhibitions, Joseph Becherer.

Fred and Lena Meijer in the Milan, Italy studio of Arnaldo Pomodoro in 1999. Chuck Heiney Photography.

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.

Photos by Thomas Piper.

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS

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CL ASSES

Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR Direct questions to 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.

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

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

Tuesday, December 4 (Adults) 6–8 pm

Saturday, January 12 (Adults) 10am–12 pm

Saturday, January 19 (Ages 4-5 with Adult) 10–11:30 am

PHOTOGRAPHING HOLIDAY LIGHTS

WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY

GRANDPARENT AND ME: CONSTRUCTION FUN

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 300,000 holiday lights! Bring your camera and dress for the weather. Tripod recommended but not necessary.

INSTRUCTOR: Cory Olsen FEE: $30 members; $40 non-members Capture winter’s beauty as you learn tips on photographing in cold weather and extreme conditions. Learn troubleshooting techniques, how to capture falling snow and using winter light to your advantage. Practice on location what you have learned in the classroom.

Bring your camera and dress for the weather.

Tripod recommended but not necessary.

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Dig in for a fun time working together to measure, “paint”, hammer, and build! Have fun at our sand table “construction site”, play construction games and listen to construction stories.

Tuesday, January 15 (Adults) 4:30–5:30 pm

GARDENS IN GLASS: CREATE A CLOCHE GARDEN

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Francke FEE: $50 members, $60 non-members Create a garden in miniature inside a unique glass cloche container using a variety of tropical plants. Make it reflect 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. Learn how to care for your cloche garden for future success.

All materials provided.

Tuesday, January 22 (Adults) 6–8 pm

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 “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.

Photo by Dean Van Dis.

Saturday, December 15 (Ages 4-5 with Adult) 10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: MINI-MERRY-MAKERS

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Ring in the holidays by making your own musical instrument! As a class, go on an instrument hunt to find musical-themed ornaments in the Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition. Watch and listen to a demonstration by the Garden’s own Ian Warnock as he plays the didgeridoo, an authentic Australian instrument used in ceremonies. Make your own maracas, decorate a cardboard tube didgeridoo and participate in a short musical parade around the classroom.

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EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS

CANCELLATION POLICY Photo by Erin Zacek.

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.

CL ASSES

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR

Direct questions to 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.

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

Scholarship assistance is available.

Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

Saturday, January 26 (Ages 6-7 with Adult) 10–11:30 am

Saturday, February 9 OR 23 (Adults) 8–9 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: CONSTRUCTING ART

CABIN FEVER YOGA

INSTRUCTOR: Dean Jefferey FEE: $7 members, $17 non-members Break free of the snow and join us for a morning yoga session amongst the fragrant flowering plants in the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse. Open to all levels and ages. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle.

Pre-registration is required.

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Did you know that some artists use the same equipment construction workers use? Join us to learn about the work of artists Andy Goldsworthy and Mark di Suvero and work as a pair on fun center-based activities such as building mini arches and creating sculptures from nuts, bolts and steel pieces. Learn how important a keystone is and work as a group to construct a 7-foot foam arch. Complete your experience by creating a small sculpture to take home.

Tuesday, January 29 (Adults) 6–7:30 pm

BOTANICAL BATH BOMBS

INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Pitzer FEE: $25 members, $35 non-members Experience the delights of botanical “bath bombs!” Easy to make, these are a relaxing addition for your bath or to give as a gift to 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.

Tuesday, February 5 (Adults) 2-4:30 pm OR Tuesday, March 19 (Adults) 6-8:30 pm

BEGINNING WATERCOLOR

INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Hart FEE: $45 members, $55 non-members Work from a photo as you discover the delightful art of watercolor. Learn how to create a strong composition by using positive and negative space. Brush techniques, textures and choosing the correct paper will be discussed. Bring a colored photo to use as a reference. Images on a cell phone may also be used.

All other materials provided.

Thursday, February 7 (Adults) 5:30–7 pm

CREATE A KOKEDAMA ORCHID

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Francke FEE: $35 members, $45 non-members Learn the Japanese art of kokedama, by planting an orchid on a moss-covered sphere that can be displayed on a tray or suspended in a bright location. Receive a lovely Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) and discover the steps to successfully transform it to a unique art form. Learn how to care for it and enjoy this lovely tropical plant at home.

All materials provided.

Saturday, February 9 (Ages 6-10 with Adult) 10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: WORKING WITH WOOD

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Learn about shapes, space and pattern. Then using a wooden box as a frame, create your own 3-dimensional sculpture with wooden blocks, wheels, beads and furniture fragments, based on the works of Louise Nevelson. Plenty of time will be allotted for free expression!

All materials provided.

Tuesday, February 12 (Adults) 6–8 pm

DRAWING FOR BEGINNING PAINTERS

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Antonakis FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Improve your painting by brushing up on your drawing skills! This class will emphasize basic drawing techniques used by artists in preparation for the painting process. Drawing pencils and charcoals will be used. All materials provided.

CLASSES

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CL ASSES

Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR Direct questions to 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.

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

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

Tuesday, February 12 (Adults) 6–8 pm

FUSED GLASS WIND CHIMES

INSTRUCTOR: Gloria Badiner FEE: $65 members, $75 non-members Create a beautiful fused glass wind chime for your spring garden! Choose from a wide selection of colored glass to design a header and five chimes to make a custom wind chime.

All materials and tools provided.

Beginners welcome.

Tuesdays, February 19 and 26 (Adults) 6–8 pm

BEGINNING ACRYLICS

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Antonakis FEE: $60 members, $70 non-members This class for beginners will take the student from the preparatory drawing to the blocking-in stage of the painting process, and eventually to the build-up and refinement of the painting.

Basic painting techniques will be explored using acrylic paints. All materials provided.

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.

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CLASSES

Saturday, February 23 (Adults) 8–9:30 am

Sunday, March 10 OR March 17 (Adults) 9–11 am

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR

BUTTERFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

FEE: $15 members, $25 non-members Join our 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 exhibition 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.

Space is limited to 20 guests.

Saturday, March 2 (Ages 7-16 with Adult) 10 am–12 pm

FAMILY MINDFULNESS

INSTRUCTORS: from Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness FEE: $10 member child, $15 member adult $13 non-member child, $18 non-member adult Spend time with family members practicing mindfulness in the seasonal beauty of Meijer Gardens. Mindfulness can be a useful skill to help bring more clarity and calm into our lives. The workshop will include a variety of mindfulness activities including a mindful walk and tai chi exercises. Dress for the weather.

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.

CL ASSES

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR

Direct questions to 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.

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

Tuesday, March 12 (Adults) 7–8:30 pm

Saturday, March 16 (Adults) 9:30–11:30 am

GARDENS AND GRANDEUR: A TASTE OF AUSTRALIA

BEGINNING VEGETABLE GARDENING*

INSTRUCTOR: Ian Warnock FEE: $15 members, $20 non-members Enjoy a cup of coffee and an Anzac biscuit or Tim Tam (favorite Australian cookies), as Lead Horticulturist Ian Warnock guides you to the “land down under.” Beginning in Sydney, enjoy the lush plantings and Victorian influences of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Sydney, with views of the Sydney Opera House and surrounding harbor. Learn about one of the world’s rarest plants, the Wollemi pine, and see the flying foxes that make the botanic gardens home.

Before leaving Sydney, visit the tranquil Chinese National Friendship Garden. Then travel northwest to the Blue Mountains, named for the blue haze caused by oils released from eucalyptus trees, to see native tree ferns and listen for the Lyre bird. We will continue our journey northwest to the desert region of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see the spectacular red rocks and domes. Conclude with the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo, a traditional instrument of the Aboriginal people—played by Ian himself!

Scholarship assistance is available.

Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

EVENT

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 will ensure an abundance of vegetables all season long.

Photo by Ivory House Photography.

SAVE THE DATE Tuesday, April 2, 7 pm

SECCHIA GARDEN LECTURE* The Master Lecture Series

Saturday, March 16 (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!

FEE: Included with admission Speaker: Kelly D. Norris Join award-winning author and plantsman as he shines the spotlight on Plants with Style. Discover which plants to put on your A-list, plants that will thrive, captivate and enthrall. Be inspired with quintessential plant combinations and discover ways to have your garden reflect its sense of place. See the Spring issue of Seasons for registration details.

Kelly’s book, Plants with Style, will be available for sale and signing at the lecture.

CANCELLATION POLICY Photo by Erin Zacek.

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

Call 616-975-3147 for class cancellations due to severe weather.

CLASSES

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Auguste Rodin’s Eve unveiling at Meijer Gardens, January 10, 2001.

Photo by Chuck Heiney.

A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy

Few American cultural philanthropists have had such a transformative impact on regional, national and international audiences as Frederik G.H. Meijer. Because of his legacy of extraordinary support and open-minded approach to collecting significant works of sculpture, the permanent collection at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is regularly celebrated as one of the world’s finest and an ongoing source of enjoyment to legions of visitors from every walk of life.

Sharing his renowned collection gave Fred great joy. Once on a tour with former President Jimmy Carter, Fred humbly suggested that Meijer Gardens was becoming a regional asset, to which the former president paused and said, “No, Fred, you are building a National Treasure.” Timed to coincide with the centenary of Fred’s birth, this landmark exhibition charts the milestones of the collector and his collection–one of the most compelling stories in American cultural history.

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

WINTER 2018-19 Volume 10, Issue 1

A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy is made possible by

Would you prefer to receive Seasons via email?

If so, please contact the Development/Membership Office at 616-977-7689 or membership@meijergardens.org.

Friday, February 1—Sunday, August 25, 2019

1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

FEB 1–AUG 25

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

UPCOMING