Chihuly's 'A New Eden' runs into fall
at Meijer Gardens; don't miss it

A group sponsored by the Detroit Garden Center visited the 132 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens at one of the leading cultural destinations in Michigan earlier this month.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids has more than 200 permanent masterworks by such artists such as Rodin, Calder and Degas. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, world-renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly prepared an exhibition for the summer of 2010 titled "A New Eden." The exhibit has been extended to the end of October.

Sites were chosen within conservatories, water features, natural settings and formal gardens. The 15 sites showcase many of the glass forms which Chihuly has created: Floats, Crystals, Towers, Reeds, Herons, Lilies, Tumbleweeds, Baskets, Chandeliers, and more. The sites and the works exhibited at each site were chosen with great care to ensure they compliment the gardens and grounds.

Chihuly’s relationship with Meijer Gardens began in 2000 with a site visit. In 2003, he exhibited indoors in the galleries and the permanent Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier was installed in the atrium. In 2009, the spectacular Lena’s Garden was permanently installed on the ceiling of the café. Chihuly said he was proud to have these two permanent indoor installations at such a prestigious institution.

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a gift from Lena and Fred Meijer, combining Lena’s love of flowers and gardens and Fred’s interest in sculpture. It is this combination of horticulture and sculpture, nature and the arts that makes Meijer Gardens such a unique cultural organization.

Travelers enjoying the day were Joyce Blumenstock, Susan Budrys, Pat Cardellio, Pat Cosgrove, Bev Donaldson, Marcia Geibel, Regina Gersch, Liz Hardwick, Kristi Juergens, Marie Mainwaring, Lambro Niforos and Barbara Hayes, director of the Detroit Garden Center.

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