Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Autumn 2020 Volume 11, Issue 4

EVENTS, CLASSES & CAMPSFrom the Autumn, 2020 edition of Seasons

18 EVENTS

CONTACTMain 616-957-1580Toll free 888-957-1580MeijerGardens.orghello@meijergardens.org

E V E N T S

October 3 and 4 Saturday, 10 am–5 pm, Sunday 11 am–5 pmFALL BONSAI SHOW WEST MICHIGAN BONSAI CLUB FEE: FreeSee a variety of bonsai on display, from trees in early stages of training to lovely older trees. Watch bonsai artists at work and shop for bonsai trees as well as bonsai tools and supplies.

The annual Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition is open to artists working in a two-dimensional format including photography. For applications and further information, please visit MeijerGardens.org/award. Online and mailed submissions will be accepted. The 2019 winning artwork can be viewed in the Wege Library. Deadline is Friday, October 23, 2020.

Tuesday, September 15 1–2:30 pmREAD & EXPLORE: ART AND GARDENS BOOK GROUPFEE: Included with admission Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto by Leslie Buck, presenter for the 5th Anniversary Celebration of The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden (see page 10), will be the focus of our fall book group. Whether you are an avid gardener or just someone who loves an engaging story, this fascinating and entertaining memoir will surely inspire you, enlighten you and, of course, provide plenty of material for a lively group discussion. We hope you can join us for this virtual book group hosted through Zoom. Reservations required. RSVP to skilroy@meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3144.

FALL DAY TRIP

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW

2020 LOESCHNER ART COMPETITION

PLANT SHOW VIRTUAL BOOK GROUP

Friday, October 2 (Adults), 10 am–12 pm Rain Date: Saturday, October 3, 10 am–12 pmDOWNTOWN MURAL WALKFEE: $25 members, $35 non-membersJoin working artist, Eliza Fernand, on a guided walking tour of the murals of downtown Grand Rapids. Fernand will discuss the media, artistic techniques and interpretation of these unique works of art, most of which were originally created as entrants in one of the ten ArtPrize competitions. Explore color, scale, and movement on this special fall walk. Expect a significant amount of standing and walking. Bring a water bottle and prepare for the weather. We will meet at a central downtown location to begin the walk. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-974-5225.

Schedule of events is current as of August 14, 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.

ERIN Z ACEK , ELIZ A FERNAND, KIRS TIN VOLKENING

Eliza Fernand, Grand Rapids Quilt Mural, 2015.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Holiday Gift Show has been cancelled. Please consider stopping by the DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop on your next visit to begin your holiday shopping!

2019 Loeschner Art Competition winners.

EVENTS 19

CONTACTMain 616-957-1580Toll free 888-957-1580MeijerGardens.orghello@meijergardens.org

E V E N T SSchedule of events is current as of August 14, 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.

Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 1–4 pmAMAZING HONEYBEESFEE: Included with admission “Bee” amazed as you take a closer look at the fascinating world of honeybees during this fun, family event. Discover different facets of bees and beekeeping by viewing an observation hive. Learn some amazing facts about honey. Find out how to communicate like a bee by participating in a “bee dance.”

2nd and 4th Sundays, September through December 2 pmDROP IN SUNDAYSFEE: Included with admission Join Meijer Gardens educators for a family friendly activity at 2 pm. Activities happen throughout the Gardens & Sculpture Park and may include guided walks, art activities and more! Activities will be suitable for adults and kids 8 and up. Stop by the Information Desk for details on the day's activity.

September 1–October 29 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11:15 amFALL STORYTIMEFEE: Included with admission Join us for fun, fall-inspired interactive stories like Going on a Leaf Hunt, Fall is not Easy, Jaime Planted an Acorn, and The Busy Little Squirrel. Experience how awesome autumn is in the Children’s Garden!

Saturday, October 3 1–4 pmFALL FAMILY DAYFEE: Included with admission Visit the Children’s Garden for fabulous fall family fun. Activities include something for all your senses—listen to fall-inspired tunes and autumn-themed stories, view a fiber arts demonstration and take a naturalist walk highlighting this amazing season.

Friday, October 23 10 am–12 pmHALLOWEE-ONESFEE: Included with admission Get creative at this special event designed for our youngest visitors. Dress your child as a sculpture, mammal, fish, insect, bird, tree, flower or in any other way that highlights something about the Children’s Garden. Celebrate Halloween with your wee-ones as you listen to Halloween-themed stories and go on a Halloween-themed hunt. No tricks, no treats, just fun!

Friday, November 27 10 am–12 pm“WEE” ARE THANKFUL!FEE: Included with admission Join us for special Thanksgiving activities designed for your wee-ones. Participate in a Thanksgiving-themed hunt and listen to stories all about thankfulness and sharing. Join us in the Children’s Garden and celebrate the meaning of thankfulness together!

December 1, 2020–January 2, 2021 Preschoolers: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11:15 am Family and Friends: Saturdays; 11:15 am WINTER-TIME WALKSFEE: Included with admission Winter in the 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.

MICHIGAN'S FARM GARDEN

LENA MEIJER CHILDREN’S GARDEN

PE TER MCDANIEL , ERIN Z ACEK

20 CLASSES

Schedule of events is current as of August 14, 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.

C L A S S E SREGISTER 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.

Monday, September 14 (Adults) 3–8 pmWATERCOLOR BOOTCAMP IN THE JAPANESE GARDENINSTRUCTOR: Nancy HartFEE: $110 members, $120 non-membersStart with a short lesson in the classroom then head outside to use your newly acquired skills, moving around the Japanese Garden in a group to capture flowers, trees, water and sculpture. Create mini-landscapes or work up close to your subject in this tranquil environment. At the instructor’s discretion, a break will be given during class to briefly review work and enjoy a snack from the James & Shirley Balk Café. All materials provided. This class includes a mini-watercolor set to keep (a $25 value) and a snack from our café. Expect a fair amount of standing and walking.

Wednesdays, September 16, 23, 30 and October 7 and 14 (Adults) 6–8 pmLANDSCAPE FOR LIFE*INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca MarquardtFEE: $125 members, $135 non-membersDiscover ways to make your yard more sustainable and attractive to wildlife while embracing the “ecosystem services” that nature provides—controlling erosion, cleaning air and water, promoting wildlife habitat, and improving human health and wellbeing. Each week you will be asked to complete tasks related to building a site plan for your property. Through careful observation and analysis, this class provides the tools you need to enhance the ways you can bring the landscape to life while solving any “problems” that are uncovered. We will use your actual projects as case studies to explore creative design solutions while drawing upon examples of professionally designed spaces to explore a variety of garden styles. You will also see the sustainable practices and landscapes at Meijer Gardens during a special tram tour. This class is based on a program developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, US Botanic Garden, and the American Society for Landscape Architects and tailored for West Michigan by landscape architect and native plant enthusiast, Rebecca Marquardt. This class includes ten hours of instruction, a tour, and a portfolio with handouts, drawing paper, and assignments. On site or virtual options available. Contact classes@meijergardens.org for information regarding the virtual class option.

NANC Y HART

Watercolor Bootcamp example. Saturday, September 19 (Adults) 10 am–12:30 pmFALL-INSPIRED FUSED GLASS SUNCATCHERINSTRUCTOR: Gloria BadinerFEE: $75 members, $85 non-membersBring a bit of Michigan's fall colors indoors with a 3 x 12-inch panel of fused glass. Students will explore the use of color, fruit, stringers and layering to create a sun catcher of their own design. All materials, use of tools, kiln firing and chain for hanging are included. Your project will be ready for pickup in two weeks.

Saturday, September 19 (Adults) 10 am–12 pmDOT PAINTED GOURD BOWLINSTRUCTOR: Lisa BoeremaFEE: $55 members, $65 non-membersCome and learn the process of dot painting. Using a small natural gourd and a variety of appropriate tools and paint, create a colorful gourd bowl under the guidance of artist Lisa Boerema. This technique may look complicated, but is surprisingly simple and enjoyable. A small succulent plant is included in the class price for later planting at home. All materials provided.

Dot Painted Gourd Bowl example.

CANCELLATION POLICYWithdraw 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.

Fused Glass Suncatcher example.

CLASSES 21

Schedule of events is current as of August 14, 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.

C L A S S E SREGISTER 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.

CANCELLATION POLICYWithdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance and receive 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.

Saturday, October 3 OR Sunday, October 4 (Adults) 10 am–1 pmBONSAI FOR BEGINNERSINSTRUCTOR: Steve JetzerFEE: $85 members, $95 non-membersLearn how to select a tree with bonsai potential, an appropriate pot and the best potting mix. Discover which tools are indispensable and learn wiring and pruning techniques. Receive a bonsai tree and work in a friendly atmosphere under the expert guidance of the instructor to begin training your bonsai. Limited to 8 students per class. These classes will be taking place in conjunction with the Fall Bonsai Show (October 3-4).

Monday, September 21 (Adults) 6:00–8:00 pmVIRTUAL CLASS: PRUNING WORKSHOPINSTRUCTOR: Leslie BuckFEE: $20 members, $30 non-membersJoin Leslie Buck, presenter for the 5th Anniversary Celebration of The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden (see page 10) and author of Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto, for a virtual pruning workshop. Learn three basic cuts, natural pruning tricks, when to stop, pruning over time, select plant advice, pruning within a landscape and more! This virtual class will be hosted through Zoom Webinar. Leslie's book, Cutting Back, will be for sale in the DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop. This class will be taking place in conjunction with the virtual lecture presented by Leslie Buck on September 22.

Tuesday, September 29 (Adults) 6:00–8:00 pmDRIED FLOWER WALL HANGINGINSTRUCTORS: Amber Oudsema and Eve ChoiFEE: $35 members, $45 non-membersExperience Chrysanthemum's & More!, where carefully chosen natural materials from our grounds have been gathered and composed into artfully designed hanging arrangements in the Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse. Next gather in a classroom to learn about floral symbolism, scents and color choices before designing your own dried flower wall hanging using craft materials and reclaimed objects to act as an artistic and functional piece in your home or in the home of a loved one. On site or virtual options available. All materials provided. Contact classes@meijergarden.org for information regarding the virtual class option.

Dried Flower Wall Hanging example.

Wednesday, October 14 (Adults) 1–5 pmWET FELTING: PAINTING WITH WOOLINSTRUCTOR: Kathy ForzleyFEE: $65 members, $75 non-membersUnleash your inner Monet and learn to create a beautiful Impressionist-style painting using wool fiber. Kathy will demonstrate how to prepare the wool base, discuss techniques for adding colors represented in your photo and show you how to create different flower and leaf shapes while adding small pieces of fabric, silk, wool nepps and other creative embellishments. Finish the process by using soapy water and wet felting techniques. Your finished piece can be mounted on canvas, framed or made into a pillow cover. Bring a photo for inspiration. All other materials provided. Some rolling of felt required.

Painting with Wool example.

22 CLASSES

Saturday, October 17 (Adults) 10 am–2 pmART JOURNALING ADVENTUREINSTRUCTOR: Katie ReitemeierFEE: $65 members, $75 non-membersWhether you’re a beginning or seasoned Art Journaler, this class will enhance your skills in building expressive backgrounds, incorporating pop-up and pockets, using gel plate and stamp printing techniques and incorporating easy, stylish hand lettering. Take home a 60-page journal for your ongoing practice. All materials provided.

Schedule of events is current as of August 14, 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.

C L A S S E SREGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDARQuestions? 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.

Saturday, October 17 (Adults) 10 am–12:30 pmLABYRINTH ZENTANGLEINSTRUCTOR: Marjorie GoosenFEE: $35 members, $45 non-membersWalking a labyrinth suggests a relaxing path to discovery, where you can lose yourself in imagination and peaceful exploration. We begin our understanding of labyrinths by tracing a finger labyrinth, a metaphor for life with twists and turns, stopping to reflect and notice as we progress. We will then continue our journey by walking the labyrinth in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Finally, enjoy a guided experience of drawing and creating your own labyrinth suitable for framing. Join us for this meditative indoor and outdoor experience. All materials provided. Dress for the weather.

Labyrinth Zentangle example.

Tuesday, November 3 (Adults) 6–8 pmPLASTER CAST TILESINSTRUCTOR: Amber OudsemaFEE: $30 members, $40 non-membersExplore the exhibition George Segal: Body Language with the Curator of Arts Education, Amber Oudsema. Learn about the history of plaster as an artistic medium dating back to ancient Egypt and beyond, then create two decorative tiles using everyday objects. Carefully curate a composition with found objects that you use daily, slowing down to appreciate all that you do and the beauty of daily life. Once your tiles have dried, paint them if you’d like, then hang them in your home to enjoy or give them as a thoughtful gift to a friend. All materials provided. Plaster tiles will set on site and may be picked up at a later date and painted at home on your own.

Plaster Cast Tiles example.

Tuesday, October 27 (Adults) 10 am–12 pmAUTUMN FLORAL ARRANGEMENTINSTRUCTOR: Mandi StadeFEE: $45 members, $55 non-membersMake an autumn arrangement, and get ideas that will help you any time of year. First, watch a demonstration of how to use the elements of design to create a simple, but lovely, arrangement. Learn the mechanics of arranging a variety of materials and find out the tools and tricks of the trade. Then make your own arrangement using chrysanthemums, succulents, and more.

THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIPSearching for the perfect gift? Consider a Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park annual membership—we promise something for everyone, all year long! Enjoy members-only events and exhibition openings, valuable discounts on classes, camps and more! Meijer Gardens memberships are also good for reciprocal benefits at organizations across Michigan and the United States, making them the perfect way to enjoy staycations or trips across the country. Gift memberships purchased by December 4 will be mailed by December 11. You can purchase new gift memberships online at www.MeijerGardens.org/membership or over the phone at 616-977-7689.

Schedule of events is current as of August 14, 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.

C L A S S E SREGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDARQuestions? 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.

CLASSES 23

Monday, December 7 (Adults) 6–8 pmPHOTOGRAPHING HOLIDAY LIGHTS INSTRUCTOR: Cory OlsenFEE: $30 members, $40 non-membersLearn the basics for beautiful seasonal photo-graphs—effective backgrounds, creative angles, light effects and best time of day. Then try out what you’ve learned amidst 300,000 holiday lights. Must be familiar with changing white balance and making other simple adjustments for exposure. Bring a camera. Dress for the weather.

Saturday, December 12 (Adults) 8–9 amYOGA AMONG THE HOLIDAY TREES INSTRUCTOR: Dean JefferyFEE: $7 members, $17 non-membersRelax 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 adult) 10 am–12 pmMINI HOUSE WITH NATURAL MATERIALS FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult$22 non-member child, $22 non-member adultVisit the Railway Garden and be inspired by artist Paul Busse’s creative use of natural materials. Look for replicas of more than 30 Grand Rapids-area 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.

Saturday, December 5 (Ages 8+ with Adult) 10–11:30 amCLAY SANTONS AND OTHER FRENCH TRADITIONS FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult$22 non-member child, $22 non-member adultDiscover the role santons (little saints) play in tradi-tional French nativity scenes, participate in a small scavenger hunt while viewing the exhibition, then create your own santons using clay, natural materi-als, fabric and your own creativity. Have fun with this delightful and intriguing Christmas tradition. This class is for children ages 8+ with an adult.

Tuesday, November 10 (Adults) 6:30–8 pmHERBAL HOLIDAY GIFTS WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR: Connie Hanson, Grand Shire FarmFEE: $50 members, $60 non-membersLearn a variety of ways to use herbs and essential oils to make unique gifts for the upcoming holidays! Begin by sharing tasty foods that can be packaged as gifts—such as peppermint shortbreads and pesto popcorn seasoning. Next, explore ideas for using herbs and essential oils to make a ginger lavender foot soak, a garden-fresh bath gel, and much more. Each student will make four items to take home—a holiday room spray in a beautiful blue bottle, Christmas cappuccino, homemade taco seasoning and a lavender dryer sachet! All materials provided.

Friday, November 13 (Adults), 2–6 pmNATURAL DYES: INDIGO TABLE RUNNER INSTRUCTOR: Megan WilliamsFEE: $65 members, $75 non-membersLearn to dye with natural indigo in this hands-on workshop. Explore the beautiful blue that can be achieved with two types of fermentation vats and the process of building darker shades. We will discuss and experiment with shibori techniques and make a lovely table runner to take home. Leave with recipes, shibori-dyed samples and a dyes table runner. All materials provided. Dress appropriately as dyes will stain.

Indigo Table Runner example.

Mini House with Natural Materials example.

Saturday, November 7 (Adults) 10 am–1 pmGEL PLATE PRINTING INSTRUCTOR: Katie ReitemeierFEE: $75 members, $85 non-membersIf you enjoy playing with color and pattern, you’ll love exploring the endless designs you can create using gel plate printing. Gel printing is a form of monoprinting that uses layering of paint, stencil and texture tools on a silicone plate to create printed papers that can be used for card making, collage and art journal pages. Students will learn the basics of gel printing and take home their own gel plate and brayer (a $25 value) along with their printed pages. Leaves will be used as a foundation for creating beautiful botanical prints. All materials provided.

CANCELLATION POLICYWithdraw 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.

24 HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION20-275

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

George Segal, Street Crossing, 1992. Plaster with white patina. Loan from The George and Helen Segal Foundation

George Segal: Body Language Through January 3, 2021Approximately sixty years ago, the young artist George Segal embraced a new working process that catapulted him to becoming one of the most recognized twentieth-century sculptors. In 1962, Segal was included in the legendary exhibition The New Realists, along with Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg, which launched a new movement in art: Pop Art. This exhibition focuses on Segal’s remarkable versatility in representing body language across different media, including not only his trademark plaster sculptures but also various print techniques. This is the first Segal exhibition at Meijer Gardens since 2004 and marks the first time that a large number of prints, gifted to Meijer Gardens by the Segal Foundation and Rena Segal, are on display.

THROUGH JANUARY 2021O N G O I N G

George Segal: Body LanguageTHROUGH JANUARY 3, 2021

Looking for more information? Click here to view the digital exhibition guide for George Segal: Body Language.

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

ent and the arts. AUTUMN 2020 Volume 11, Issue 4

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

Lecture: Exploring Process—PrintmakingSunday,September 13, 2 pmFEE: Included with Admission Mariel Versluis, Chair of the Printmaking Program at Kendall College of Art and Design Join working artist and college professor, Mariel Versluis, as she discusses the processes of printmaking. Topics will include why an artist might choose one printmaking process over the other, when to add color, and which medium is her favorite. See some examples of Versluis’s work and equipment and learn about this widely appreciated and complex artistic process.

Drop-In Workshop: Body Fragment CollagesSunday, October 11, 1–4 pmFEE: Included with Admission Lotus Liu, Visual Art Instructor Explore our exhibition, George Segal: Body Language, then create your own collage with human figures cut out of magazines. You will learn why Segal used fragmented body images in his artworks, and get creative with colors, shapes and compositions.

KIRS TIN VOLKENING

Please enjoy this exclusive interview featuring Jochen Wierich, Curator of Sculpture & Sculpture Exhibitions about George Segal: Body Language.

Schedule of events is current as of August 14, 2020. All classes, events and programming are subject to change. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for up-to-date information.