Creativity is an unusual concept. It resists definition, yet we recognize it instantly. What does it mean to be creative—or a creative? It often feels less a skill, more a force of nature—an energy flowing through individuals and places, shaping previously nonexistent ideas and experiences.
How does creativity translate into a world defined by technology, speed, constant innovation? Are there differences between artistic, creative and innovative? Do they carry different expectations—or do they describe a same mysterious impulse that moves humanity forward?
Worthwhile questions, as we collectively share and steward our remarkable Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Business leader Fred Meijer envisioned Meijer Gardens, yet he was far more than a businessman. In my view, he was an extraordinary innovator and creative thinker. His canvas—this campus—was an amalgamation of ideas woven from seemingly different worlds: art, horticulture, music, education, community. On paper, they might appear unrelated. Here, they form a vibrant whole—one defying traditional boundaries. Fred was a creator, a connector, a catalyst.
History is filled with such rare individuals—outlier creatives, operating along convention’s edges. They see the world differently. They possess a remarkable ability to weave seemingly unrelated ideas into new pathways for human connection. They appear in every generation. Today, we’re fortunate to share our time with one of the most influential among them.
Dale Chihuly is a giant spirit—disruptive yet gentle, fearless yet generous. He challenges conventions while insisting on excellence. He embodies the creative impulse that drove Fred Meijer: the simple, powerful, “Why not?”
I first met Dale in 2023 in his Seattle studio, surrounded by his visionary wife Leslie and extraordinary team of artists and collaborators. The studio reflects a creative mind’s essence—vibrant, fast-moving, colorful, slightly chaotic, endlessly inspiring. Forms emerge everywhere: glass shapes, sketches, experiments—parts of an ongoing exploration, continually pushing an art form’s boundaries.
Transformation is his story. Dale helped pioneer the American Studio Glass movement In the late 1960s, fundamentally changing how the world viewed glass: a powerful sculptural medium, capable of monumental scale and expressive possibility. He studied historic Venetian glassmaking traditions on the island of Murano, bringing those techniques into dialogue with contemporary art. Inspired by the unexpected, from sea life forms to Indigenous baskets and textile patterns, he translated ideas into works of astonishing color, movement, scale.
Glass is born of fire and sand—earth transformed through heat and imagination. In Dale’s hands it becomes something almost elemental: light captured in motion; color suspended in space. His installations appear globally in museums, gardens and public spaces. Yet despite vast recognition, Dale remains a storyteller through form and light, endlessly curious, his work never finished.
History will remember Dale as a great innovator of three-dimensional art—who expanded his mediums’ possibilities much as composers like Beethoven reshaped music. We at Meijer Gardens are deeply honored to call him a friend and collaborator.
Our current exhibition celebrates this extraordinary creative journey and reconnects us with a remarkable partnership, begun decades ago between Fred Meijer and Dale Chihuly—visionaries who believed deeply in art’s power to inspire people and shape place.
This is especially meaningful as we partner to help mark the 30th anniversary of Chihuly Over Venice, among the most ambitious contemporary glass projects. With our friends at Pilchuck Glass School, an institution Dale co-founded, we’re proud to share that legacy while the Venice exhibition continues through September. We’re also proud to be the only United States venue presenting a Chihuly exhibition in 2026.
It’s a special moment, celebrating Dale’s outstanding work and the creative spirit itself. Most important: You’re invited to experience it—again and again. Walk through the galleries. Wander the gardens. Marvel at the color, the scale, the imagination. Let the work surprise you!
My sincere thanks to the many sponsors, supporters and partners who made this global exhibition possible. Most of all, thank you—our members. Your attendance, advocacy and support make everything we do possible.
Warmly,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Honorary Chairman
Frederik Meijer (1919–2011)
Honorary Member
Earl Holton (1934–2024)
President & CEO
Charles Burke*
Chair
Tim Liang*
Immediate Past Chair
Candace Matthews*
Directors
Amy Assenmacher
Peter Baldwin
Rosalynn Bliss*
Linda Chamberlain*
Chuck Christmas
Guillermo Cisneros
Nicole Dandridge
Duane Shields Davis
Jackie Del Raso
Terri Gaskey
Paul Goulet
Mark Gurney*
Kevin Jeakle
Joe Jones
Rick Keyes*
Alison Mast*
Mary McLoughlin
Thomas Merchant*
William Padnos*
James Peacock III
JoAnne Perkins*
Daniel Persinger
Ryan Podvin
Colin Seegmiller*
Randy Thelen
Michael Toth
Hanna Tuzzolino*
Al Vanderberg
Susan VogelVanderson*
Jill Walcott*
Shannon Wilson*
Richard Winn
Trevor Wolfe
President of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation
Amy Keane
*Executive Committee
Start Your Experience— Plan Your Visit Today!
OUTDOORS |
CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens
Experience color, form and luminosity in a new way at CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens. In this highly anticipated exhibition, our outdoor Gardens & Sculpture Park are transformed by vibrant, stunning site-specific installations of magnificent color, form, and scope monumental works of art that are thoughtfully placed to explore the connection between art and nature while they create moments of beauty and surprise throughout our landscape.
As you wander and explore more than 150 acres of open-air paths, gardens, and galleries lush with the immersive CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens experience, you’ll discover works of impressive and awe-inspiring vision and scale. Vivid color climbs toward the sky in the bright, handblown forms of the nearly 32-foot-high Chartreuse Icicle Tower, stunning admirers in the Tassell–Wisner–Bottrall English Perennial Garden. Walk the corridors to the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, where one could almost feel the energy radiating from the of the fiery Orange Hornet Chandelier.
What you see next might depend on how you exit to the Gardens & Sculpture Park. Vickie’s Garden offers gleaming compositions of Fiori (italian for “flowers”) forms, while the Volunteer Tribute Garden, Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden, and Little Pond are enlivened by vibrant Red Reeds and floating onion-shaped Walla Wallas —a nod to the artist’s Pacific Northwest home.
Gracing and seemingly gliding upon the ponds and waters of The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, you’ll find a captivating Fiori Boat blossoming with organic elements, a Float Boat brimming with gleaming orbs in various sizes and hues, and a bounty of singular Niijima Floats, glistening in the light. Don’t miss the Yellow Herons, reminiscent of Meijer Gardens’ curvaceous wetland residents.
The Sculpture Park Hillside comes alive with a composition of shimmering Cattails and Copper Birch Reeds. A bit further along, The Waterfalls cascade around the towering Blue Polyvitro Crystals.
Chihuly’s exhibitions in conservatories and botanical gardens f urther testify to the many ways his art is in direct conversation with nature. Here, his outdoor sculptures revel in the company of real living flowers, throughout our grounds.
CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens is an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or new to Chihuly’s work, this exhibition celebrates color, light, and form through the work of one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists.
CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens is Presented by Macatawa Bank N.A., Powered by Wintrust.
Ready for a more intimate immersion in Chihuly’s art? Enjoy an add-on timed-ticketed experience in our indoor Sculpture Galleries, filled with colorful works reflecting more than four decades of his remarkable career. Featuring iconic series such as Baskets, Cylinders, Ikebana, Persians, Putti, Rotolo, and Venetians, along with original drawings that reveal process and inspiration, CHIHULY: Radiant Forms offers an inside look at the ideas and influences that shape the artist’s work. Take a moment to explore the broad range of work included in this special exhibition, limited in audience size for deeper appreciation of the works gathered within.
VENETIANS
Chihuly’s opulent Venetians series, begun in the late 1980s, is a celebration of the Italian city that has provided him a lifetime of inspiration. Several of these baroque vessels are adorned with vegetative forms and stylized flowers in colors that rival even the most extravagant garden palettes.
IKEBANA
In 1989, Chihuly began his Ikebana series, inspired by Japan’s traditional art of flower arranging. Chihuly’s bold variations on this tradition feature sculptural vessels containing expressive forms reminiscent of flowers not to be found in any handbook of botanical species. Chihuly continued his exploration of Japanese flower arranging in a number of these compositions in his two-dimensional work, also on view in the CHIHULY: Radiant Forms exhibition.
FIORI AND MILLE FIORI
Chihuly’s profusion of floral forms continues in his Fiori (Italian for flowers) and Mille Fiori (a thousand flowers) series. Massed as a riotous garden of organic forms, the artist’s Fiori celebrate both the vitality of nature and the endless creative possibilities of transparent media.
1 Early Works | A showcase of Chihuly’s early works from the 1980s reveals his embrace of gravity to shape his organic forms.
2 Venetians | Chihuly pays tribute to the history and opulence of Venice, Italy, where encountered Venetian techniques and the team model of glassblowing.
3 Putti | The artist’s playful variations on the winged cherub figure are shown frolicking atop glass vessels.
4 Baskets | Taking inspiration from Native American basketry, Chihuly’s nesting glass Baskets are an ongoing experiment, using centrifugal force to create thin-walled undulating vessels.
5 Persian Wall | Chihuly’s Persians are large swirling rondels with complex patterns that he composes into grand installations on ceilings, windows and walls.
6 Ikebana | The Ikebana series was inspired by the Japanese art of flower arranging, which Chihuly encountered during his travels to Japan.
7 Cylinders | Using the “pick-up drawing” technique he developed, Chihuly’s series of Cylinders often include textile patterns inspired by Native American blankets.
8 Glass on Glass | Chihuly’s newest series features layered glass panels, painted with vitreousglass enamel and lit from behind to create compositions of depth and discovery.
9 Seaforms | Raised on the Pacific Northwest coast, Chihuly has a lifelong connection to the sea that is reflected in the natural fluidity and rhythms of these aquatic forms.
10 Fiori Platform with Tower | A centerpiece of the exhibition, Chihuly’s Spring Mille Fiori (Italian for a thousand flowers) platform presents a lush indoor garden, amassing hundreds of elements into a radiant field of color.
11 Fax Room |
Combining sketches with handwritten instructions, Chihuly used faxes to guide glassblowing teams around the world, shedding light on his creative process.
12 Rotolo | Chihuly’s Rotolo (Italian for coil) are organic vertical ribbons of colored glass that rise to dramatic heights.
Tickets for CHIHULY: Radiant Forms are available online or at the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Ticketing Center.
Scan the QR code to reserve your experience today.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Chihuly and his work, CHIHULY Insider Tours offer a guided exploration of key outdoor installations. This approximately half-mile, 45-minute tour reveals the stories, techniques, and artistic vision behind the works on view. Additional details, including where to meet, will be emailed to participants.
Tickets are available online or upon arrival, with Meijer Gardens members receiving a 10% discount.
See More.
Ride the Tram.
Summertime is made for exploring our Sculpture Park. This season, we’ll make it easier and comfier than ever, thanks to our new hop-on, hop-off program.
To enhance the guest experience, last year we made the environmentally friendly leap into clean, quiet electric vehicles. We also upgraded from two to three trams, giving more guests more access to our 1-mile outdoor loop—four times more, in fact! Our fresh fleet will now make stops at four prime locations in our Sculpture Park: the Peter C. & Emajean Cook Transportation Center, The Waterfalls, the West Gate of The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, and Michigan’s Farm Garden.
“Many guests don’t understand just how
big our 158 acres are,” Mobility Manager Chris Potter notes. “Now, they can hop on and off the tram and see more of our Sculpture Park at their own pace or even go directly to their favorite spots quicker. It’s awesome for all ages and capabilities.”
Each tram, equipped with a wheelchair ramp, can transport one wheelchair rider at a time. If a guest is able to transition to a tram seat, their wheelchair may be stored at the Cook Transportation Center to make room for more riders. Electric convenience vehicles fondly known as scooters are also part of the summer fun. By popular demand, we’ve doubled our inventory to have 20 ECVs available beginning this year.
“Our goal is accessibility to every place for every person,” Potter says.
“It’s fun to see people get around to check out what’s new and even what they haven’t seen in years.”
Ready to Ride
New this summer, guests can purchase a wristband for $10 at the Peter C. & Emajean Cook Transportation Center for all-day, hop-on, hop-off tram access. Meijer Gardens members enjoy a 10% discount—and if your membership includes tram passes, you’ll now receive a wristband for those rides. Children under 2 years old ride free. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/tram for more information.
Up to 10 electronic convenience vehicle scooters may be reserved online, with 10 others available on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooter rentals are $10 for veterans and EBT (short for electronic benefit transfer), $15 for members, and $20 for nonmembers, plus tax. We also have 42 wheelchairs— always complimentary. Scooters and wheelchairs are available at the coat room and can be ridden indoors and out.
CHIHULY: Radiant Forms Tickets Are Available NOW!
Deepen your CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens experience by adding a timed ticket for the insightful and introspective CHIHULY: Radiant Forms indoor Sculpture Galleries exhibition, featuring unique artworks and original Drawings. Purchase your tickets today by visiting: MeijerGardens.org/Chihuly
Tickets to CHIHULY: Radiant Forms are $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 3–13. Meijer Gardens members receive 10% off these prices.
CREATE UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY MOMENTS
THIS SUMMER
CHIHULY Related Programs
Exhibition Explorations: Colorful CHIHULY Creations Third Saturdays of the Month | May–September May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19 10 am–12 pm
Explore the color and energy of Dale Chihuly’s work in the Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden, then create your own temporary masterpiece with Wiki Sticks. This hands-on experience invites guests of all ages to bend, twist and layer color into sculptural designs.
LENA MEIJER CHILDREN’S GARDEN SUMMER ACTIVITIES
June 15–August 14
Included with General Admission
This summer, discover pop-up storytimes, hands-on Discovery Cart activities, and selfguided explorations—inspired by Chihuly’s glass artwork. From bold colors to organic forms, each experience invites families to look at the garden through an artist’s eyes. Check at the Information Center for daily events.
Outdoor Artist Studio Wednesdays, 10:30 am Artists Creating Together
Explore outdoors with an artist’s eye! Join local artists for engaging informal art experiences inspired by Chihuly’s use of color, natural forms and global influences. Get creative with everyday materials while experimenting with color, shape and texture just like artists do.
CHIHULY SUMMER CAMPS
Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-327-7018. Call 616-327-7018 or email lbell@meijergardens.org for cancellations.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are given if we are notified by phone or email 30 days in advance of the event. A 50% refund is given if we are notified 7–29 days in advance of the event. No refunds are given for notice less than 7 days before the event. Payments cannot be transferred to other events.
FOUR-DAY CAMPS
From Floats to Fiori (Ages 5–6)
June 15–18 OR July 13–16 OR July 27–30 | 9 am–12 pm
$126 Members | $140 Nonmembers
This camp will explore the most recognized forms of artist Chihuly—known for magnificent creations that float on water, extend from the earth, and hang from the sky! Through a variety of 2D and 3D creations, campers will discover some of Chihuly’s most recognized themes and create masterpieces of their own.
Create Your Own Chihuly Collection (Ages 7–8)
June 15–18 OR July 13–16 OR July 27–30 | 9 am–12 pm
$126 Members | $140 Nonmembers
Colorful, wild, unique and exciting! The art of Chihuly is one of a kind. By relying on creative inspiration and teamwork, campers will create magnificent, Chihuly-inspired forms of their own! Campers will explore the art form through a variety of media and leave with their own collection of masterpieces.
Chihuly Around the World (Ages 9–10)
July 13–16 | 9 am–12 pm
$126 Members | $140 Nonmembers
Artists show us the world through their eyes. Let’s journey and see how the travels of Chihuly have inspired his artwork over his lifetime. Each day, campers will learn more about a destination and the designs it inspired while crafting their own works of art along the way.
TWO-DAY CAMPS
Color Explosion (Ages 5–6)
June 24–25 OR A ugust 5–6 | 9 am –12 pm
$63 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Where do colors come from? How do artists use them to create? Campers will explore primary and secondary colors through a variety of media and create their own work influenced by the multitude of colors and shapes that inspire Chihuly.
Capturing Color & Light (Ages 5–6)
July 20–21 OR A ugust 10–11 | 9 am –12 pm
$63 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Chihuly is famous for creating sculptures with bold shapes and rich colors that capture light, delight and amaze. Campers will learn how colors are combined and textures can be used to create their own light-catching masterpieces for window display.
Swirling, Whirling Designs (Ages 7–8)
June 24–25 OR A ugust 5–6 | 9 am –12 pm
$63 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Before he created with glass, Chihuly loved to draw! Even now, his three-dimensional designs often begin with bold, colorful expressions on paper. Campers will create large multimedia paintings with a multitude of techniques inspired by Chihuly’s process.
Translucent Tower Treasure (Ages 7–8)
July 20–21 OR August 10–11 | 9 am–12 pm
$63 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Soaring structures made of blown glass are one of the most recognized forms of Chihuly’s work. Campers will explore the relationship between light and glass, learn more about how these sculptures are made and create their very own translucent tower treasure to take home!
Creations with Color (Ages 9–10)
June 24–25 | 9 am–12 pm
$63 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Have you ever wondered how many colors make up a rainbow? It was Chihuly’s curiosity about color that first drew him to create. Experiment with watercolor and acrylic paints to craft your own array of colors and an art portfolio inspired by Chihuly’s unique combinations of shapes and colors.
Brilliance & Balance (Ages 9–10)
A ugust 10–11 | 9 am –12 pm
$63 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Captivated by Chihuly’s Chandeliers? You are not alone! These marvelous installations are masterpieces of inspiration, alchemy, color and light. Campers will learn about the process involved in making these unique forms come to life and leave with their own handmade miniature Chandelier.
TRY SOMETHING NEW —RESERVE YOUR SPOT
ADULT CLASSES
Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184. Call 616-975-3184 or email kpatzy@meijergardens.org for cancellations.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are given if we are notified by phone or email 30 days in advance of the event. A 50% refund is given if we are notified 7–29 days in advance of the event. No refunds are given for notice less than 7 days before the event. Payments cannot be transferred to other events.
Reclaimed Glass Mosaic Workshop
Thursday, May 21, 1–3 pm
Amber Oudsema, Meijer Gardens OR Saturday, September 12, 10 am–12 pm
Katie Reitemeier, Begin Within Studio $50 Members | $60 Nonmembers
Add unique beauty to your space with a glass mosaic tray, crafted from reclaimed glass collected during Meijer Gardens’ community cleanups. Draw inspiration from El Anatsui’s New World Map and the history of environmental art as you design an inlaid glass composition in plaster—using your own trinkets or choosing from an array of provided materials.
Yoga and CHIHULY Summer Series
Sunday, June 14, 9:30–11 am | Slow Vinyasa
Sunday, July 12, 9:30–11 am | Slow Vinyasa
Sunday, August 9, 9:30–11 am | Yin Yoga
Sunday, September 13, 9:30–11 am | Slow Vinyasa $25 Members | $35 Nonmembers
Kim Stoffel, Watch Kim Flow
Begin your morning with a rejuvenating yoga flow, led by Kim Stoffel, within the serene beauty of the Tassell–Wisner–Bottrall English Perennial Garden and amid the vibrant colors and organic forms of Chihuly sculptures—creating a truly immersive, inspiring experience. Prior to class, enjoy a guided 30-minute tour of these sculptures throughout the garden, offering a deeper appreciation of the artwork and its natural surroundings. Come prepared to move, breathe and connect with art and nature. Please bring your own yoga mat and water bottle.
Sound Bath and CHIHULY
Sunday, June 14, 8:30–10 am
OR Sunday, August 9, 8:30–10 am
$36 Members | $40 Nonmembers
Karen Ison Watson, Cosmic Dragonfly Wellness
Begin your morning with a rejuvenating sound bath led by Karen Ison Watson from Cosmic Dragonfly Wellness, set within the serene beauty of the Tassell–Wisner–Bottrall English Perennial Garden. Relax and reset surrounded by the vibrant colors and organic forms of Chihuly sculptures, creating a truly immersive and inspiring experience. After class, enjoy a 30-minute guided tour of the Chihuly installations throughout the garden, offering deeper appreciation of the artwork and its natural surroundings. Please bring your own yoga mat, bolsters and cushions if preferred to sitting or lying on the ground. Consider enjoying Yoga and CHIHULY and Sound Bath and CHIHULY classes back to back, with the 30-minute guided tour in between.
Fused Glass Wall Flowers Workshop
Sunday, July 12, 1–3:30 pm
OR Sunday, September 13, 1–3:30 pm
$180 Members | $190 Nonmembers
Gloria Badiner, Arts & Artifacts Glass Studio
Collaborate with Gloria Badiner in this handson class, to create a striking, three-piece wall installation inspired by floral forms. Using an extensive selection of fusible glass materials, design and construct your unique flower compositions. Class emphasizes essential design principles such as color harmony, spacing, visual balance and creating cohesion across multiple works. All materials are provided, allowing participants to focus fully on creativity and exploration. Pickup will be on a later date.
Fused Glass Optic Dishes Workshop
S aturday, August 8, 1–3 pm
$117 Members | $130 Nonmembers
Dave Rich, Daja Fuse
Join local artist Dave Rich of Daja Fuse for a creative exploration of fused glass as you design and create two luminous fused glass optic dishes. Participants are encouraged to experiment with color, form and personal expression while working with a variety of glass materials. All materials provided. Projects will be kiln fired off-site and returned to Meijer Gardens for pickup on a later date.
Seeing Glass, Color and Light Photography Workshop S aturdays, September 12 AND 19, 1–3 pm
$81 Members | $90 Nonmembers
Erik Holladay-McCann, Holladay Photography
This two-session photography class, led by photographer Erik Holladay-McCann, invites DSLR, mirrorless, and phone photographers to explore the artistry of capturing glass— emphasizing composition, color, transparency and form. Through guided image sharing and personalized instructor feedback, refine your vision, gain creative insight, and return to the exhibition with renewed perspective, applying new techniques to elevate your work.
Thoroughly enthralled by the art of Chihuly? Pondering beginning or adding to your collection? Visit our DeVos–Keeler Gift Shop for a selection of Studio Edition Glass and Fine Art Prints. Discover Baskets, Persians, Macchia and more among these distinctive pieces.
STUDIO EDITION GLASS
Vibrant and dynamic, Studio Edition Glass Artwork celebrates Chihuly’s creative spirit with quintessential compositions that span his career. Each handblown Studio Edition is signed by the artist. These pieces vary slightly in size, color and shape.
FINE ART PRINTS
Chihuly's passion for the spontaneous act of drawing is captured in Fine Art Prints, which offer an intimate connection to his work in glass. Many editions feature added handwork—the application of paint to the print after it is pulled from the press. All Fine Art Prints are numbered and hand-signed by Chihuly.
Meijer Gardens members, staff and volunteers receive 10% off their purchases of these stunning works.
The spirit of CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens comes to life in our living gardens, too. Horticulture adds an evocative layer to the experience through a vibrant color palette of plants, dynamic textures and movement that speak to the glass sculptures.
“ We used fire the essential element in glassblowing as our design cue,” notes Director of Horticulture Wendy Overbeck Dunham. “We leaned into high-impact, high-saturation plantings and strong foliage textures. Horticulture will be a big part of how guests feel the exhibition.”
With its vibrant color palette, the Grand Entry Garden immediately signals an exhibition in bloom, setting the tone for what’s ahead.
Indoors and out, look for bold plantings dominated by reds, oranges, and yellows, balanced with cool blue and
purple notes, with silver and white accents that create contrast and shimmer across our lush landscapes.
Plants curated to complement the CHIHULY exhibition include SunPatiens® Compact Electric Orange, with its strong, fiery blocks of color; FlameThrower™ Salsa Verde Coleus, selected for its energetic foliage texture and movement; and Velocity™ Blue Salvia, which serves as a crisp, cooling counterpoint.
“I’m especially excited about the horticulture moments created by journeying through the exhibition itself,” adds Dunham. “As you wander, look for transition points along major pathways, where warm masses shift into cooler notes, creating visual rhythm and breathing room. Slow down and take the time to immerse in our destination gardens, where texture and color are more layered and beg a closer look.”
Dahlias are another point of interest. As a subtle nod to the upcoming American Dahlia Society National Dahlia Show, to be held here at Meijer Gardens later this summer, dramatic dahlias including the Grandalia™ Dark Rose and the Dahlietta® Candy Dahlia are woven into plantings and floral arrangements throughout our indoor and outdoor spaces. Catch the widest range of dahlia colors and forms in Michigan’s Farm Garden.
“The exhibition is a curious study of the interplay between art and nature,” says Dunham.
“It’s a dynamic dance that evokes a different mood every season. Our summer gardens rise up and meet the sculptures in color, creativity and energy. It’s captivating.”
The Tom Merchant & Glen Johnson Sculpture Forum
This inaugural program of our newly launched Sculpture Forum will explore the near universal appeal of glass from a number of perspectives artisitic to anthropolicial. Through presentations and discussion, this panel of curators and authors will muse about the reasons glass continues to capture our eyes and imagination.
Detroit-based craft curator, former Curator at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Toledo Museum of Art, and author of Chihuly: On Color and Form.
Katya Heller
Executive Director, UrbanGlass, Brooklyn, New York, former Director of Heller Gallery, NYC, and strategic planner of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington.
Rock Hushka
Seattle-based curator, former Chief Curator and Deputy Director at Tacoma Art Museum, and an author for Chihuly: Garden and Glass.
Suzanne Ramljak
Vice President for Collections & Curatorial Affairs at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and former Editor of Glass Quarterly.
All questions for this this event may be directed to: youareinvited@meijergardens.org
An Acoustic Evening with TREY ANASTASIO featuring Jeff Tansky
June 17: $83 member
| $88 public
TASH SULTANA
June 19: $78 member | $83 public
An Evening with PINK MARTINI ALL-STARS
June 22: $58 member | $63 public
LARKIN POE + THE RECORD COMPANY
June 24: $58 member
| $63 public
LITTLE FEAT
June 28: $75 member | $80 public
ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES with Nathan Graham
July 1: $55 member | $60 public
MATTEO BOCELLI
July 2: $58 member
| $63 public
ZIGGY MARLEY with J Boog
July 10: $95 member | $100 public
LUCY DACUS with Smidley
July 13: $75 member
| $80 public
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES with Kindred Valley
July 15: $62 member
| $67 public
SHAKEY GRAVES with Texino
July 16: $57 member
| $62 public
BUDDY GUY 90
July 20: $90 member
| $95 public
KALEO with Dawes
July 22: $80 member
| $85 public
An Evening with JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT
July 23: $117 member | $122 public
ST. VINCENT
with Grand Rapids Symphony
July 26: $97 member
| $102 public
HOUNDMOUTH
July 27: $55 member | $60 public
BROTHERS OSBORNE
July 30: $90 member | $95 public
JESSE WELLES with Steph Strings
August 3: $59 member | $64 public
MEN AT WORK + TOAD THE WET SPROCKET with Shonen Knife
August 5: $98 member | $103 public
THE BEACH BOYS
August 6: $83 member
| $88 public
UMPHREY’S MCGEE + MOE.
August 12: $77 member | $82 public
MAT KEARNEY
August 13: $62 member | $67 public
BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS
August 16: $62 member
| $67 public
ZZ TOP with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
August 26: $105 member | $110 public
MYLES SMITH with Michael Marcagi
August 28: SOLD OUT
PUNCH BROTHERS
September 9: $60 member | $65 public
INDIGO GIRLS
September 14: SOLD OUT
SWITCHFOOT
September 16: $67 member | $72 public
Visit MeijerGardens.org/Concerts for more information.
It Started As an Idea Concerts
for the Community Sponsored by The Steve & Amy Van Andel Foundation
“Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater is more than a concert venue. It’s a community venue.”
Thus began a conversation with Amy Van Andel, who thoughtfully offers her insight on Concerts for the Community Sponsored by The Steve & Amy Van Andel Foundation and the welcoming joy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Concerts for the Community is a partnership among the Foundation, Meijer Gardens and Kent District Library, offering those that may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a concert and to enjoy a night of live music during the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series. The program
primarily focuses on organizations serving families with school-age children who have an interest in music and the arts and could be inspired by attending a worldclass summer concert in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Concerts for the Community offers more than a concert ticket: It provides a personalized experience at every turn by removing participation barriers. The program offers transportation, concessions and rental chair vouchers, general admission passes for a return Meijer Gardens visit, and a KDL library card along with a personalized library services orientation. “We’ve tried to think of every detail to give these guests a VIP experience that doesn’t end when the music stops,” Amy notes.
“There’s something really special about the shared experience of a concert at Meijer Gardens. You feel connected to nature and those around you.” From the venue’s open seating design and the anticipation of those first notes, to feeling excitement build while conversing with those around you before showtime, Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater provides an immersive experience beyond a traditional concert.
“The inspiration behind our philanthropic work is to support our community from a health and education perspective, which includes engaging with the arts an important aspect to overall well-being.”
Amy speaks of how enjoying music in a group setting at Meijer Gardens nurtures a sense of belonging, then of how she enjoys finding opportunities to connect organizations and forge new partnerships within the community. Her relationships with Meijer Gardens and Kent District Library prompted Concerts for the Community, a program strengthened by working together. She saw an opportunity to expand access to live music at Meijer Gardens and realized it could be possible by extending KDL’s existing programming. It felt like a natural fit—two organizations aligning to share their unique expertise.
“What started as an idea has grown into something that is truly a gift to the community. We are so proud of that, and so grateful to Meijer Gardens and KDL for bringing it all to life!”
Are you interested in supporting Concerts for the Community? Please visit: bit.ly/C4C_donate
“Concerts for the Community started in 2022, with the vision of Amy Van Andel. It’s been successful because of that visionary leadership and because we have a wonderful relationship with Kent District Library. Together, it’s 1+1=5. A tremendous community coming together and building a big hug for all.”
—Charles Burke, President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
“Meijer Gardens is essentially a place offering the community space for reflection, reprieve, respite. We are a necessary driver in this community because of the unique space we encompass.”
—Aaron Turner, Vice President of Philanthropy, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
JUNE 2
Motown Sound
JUNE 9
Chris Cranick + Phabies
JUNE 16
NO CONCERT
JUNE 23
Franklin Park
JUNE 30
Embodying Ubuntu: An Evening with Zondo, Samuel Nalangira & The Nathan Moore Affair
JULY 7
Blüejay with special guest Tarrow
JULY 14 6-Pak
TRADE SPONSORS
JULY 21
The Duron Family Band + Jake Kershaw
JULY 28
Soul Syndicate
AUGUST 4
Michigan I-O
AUGUST 11
Great Lakes Brass presents A Love Letter to New Orleans
AUGUST 18
Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with special guests Northview High School Jazz Band
AUGUST 25
Grand Rapids Ballet
Visit MeijerGardens.org/TEMC for more information.
TUESDAY EVENINGS IN JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST
Tuesday Evening Music Club brings talented local and regional musicians and cultural organizations to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage, on Tuesday evenings in June, July, and August.
These concerts are free for members of Meijer Gardens and included in general admission for nonmember guests.
Gates open at 5 pm | Music starts at 7 pm
Enjoy access to the entire grounds and outdoor CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens exhibition until 9 pm.
EXPERIENCE LIVE MUSIC IN THE GARDENS
Sunday Strings
Presented by
HUIZENGA GRAND ROOM | 2–3 PM
Immerse yourself in the world of chamber music this summer, as you join us for our seventh season of Sunday Strings Presented by Hill Island Financial . Created by Grand Rapids Symphony Section Violinist Haijin Choi, this popular series blooms with rare opportunities to experience music performed by West Michigan’s finest musicians—most of them Grand Rapids Symphony members—in an intimate setting unlike any other.
“Each performance presents a unique narrative and distinct perspective,” Choi notes. “This season evokes a musical discovery that ranges from the festive and celebratory to the dramatic and deeply reflective. The piano is a prominent voice this year—it’s a string instrument at its heart, too!”
This season welcomes back many familiar artists and the debut of a collaboration with Chicago- and Cincinnati-based trio OLEA, who foster community through innovative new music and audience interaction. “Violinist Alayne Honaker is a former student of mine from East Grand Rapids,” Choi says proudly. “Her work is a beautiful reminder that West Michigan is a nurturing and vibrant place for the next generation of classical artists.”
THE GILMORE PIANO FESTIVAL: Keys in the Garden
MAY 20 | 6 PM
Featuring pianist Natalie Tenenbaum, the inaugural Keys in the Garden event introduces a new artistic collaboration between the Gilmore Piano Festival and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, unfolding during the CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank exhibition.
Instruments outside the string family add a layer of brilliance to the series. On July 12, Robert White, a trumpet professor at Western Michigan University, will showcase the trumpet’s unique chamber repertoire alongside nationally acclaimed soprano Hannah DePriest. Their performance promises to be a captivating dialogue between the voice and the trumpet.
“This season is designed to meet you in whatever mood you find yourself,” Choi adds. “We hope you’ll join us for all six to experience the full spectrum of emotion with these incredible musicians!”
Save the date for select Sundays in July and August. Performances are complimentary. Your seats are waiting!
July 5: Changing Light | A piano, violin, and cello trio showcases the music of Turina (Circulo), Muhly (Common Ground), and Brahms (Piano Trio No. 1 in B major).
July 12 : Con Voci Festive (With Festive Voices) | A chamber ensemble featuring trumpet and voice explores music by Stradella, Scarlatti, and Ewazen.
July 19: OLEA Presents: Sounds of the Unspoken | The piano, violin, and clarinet OLEA Ensemble performs music by Milhaud, Khachaturian, Mason, Cook, and Martin.
July 26: Love Letter | A string quartet journeys through the mastery of Janacék (String Quartet No. 2 “Intimate Letter”) and Schumann (String Quartet No. 3).
August 2: The Mask and The Mirror | A romantic piano quintet performs music by Brahms and Bridge.
August 9: Let’s Go Fishing! | This piano quintet features Trout and music by Schubert (Piano quintet in A Major, D. 667) and Zwilich (Quintet).
This exclusive evening at Meijer Gardens includes cocktails, dinner in the Huizenga Grand Room, and a performance in the acclaimed Garden Pavilion. An opportunity to experience CHIHULY: Radiant Forms will be available at select times throughout the event.
The Keys in the Garden evening will feature the internationally celebrated pianist, composer, and producer Natalie Tenenbaum, known for her genre-defying performances and boundary-pushing compositions. Her work seamlessly fuses classical mastery with jazz, electro-acoustic sound design and cinematic storytelling. Hailed by The New York Times for her “sparkling consistently invigorating” interpretations, Tenenbaum has performed on stages from Carnegie Hall to SXSW and Broadway. Her performance promises a bold and immersive musical experience, blending classical piano with cinematic storytelling, presented in one of the region’s most visually stunning venues.
Tickets are limited, with guests encouraged to reserve early. Learn more about Keys in the Garden and purchase tickets at: MeijerGardens.org/Gilmore
Natalie Tenenbaum is a Nord Artist and a Yamaha Artist. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.
Bring Your Family and Play Together
This summer, the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden takes the art of play to a whole new level. Over the past year, we’ve been busy transforming this intergenerational space into a reimagined wonderland designed to delight the kid in us all.
Welcome to the upgraded Information Center, now featuring more comfortable, convenient places for children and families to gather, including updated restrooms with all-ages changing tables to improve accessibility, an expanded patio, and expanded refreshments—including a highly anticipated, year-round ice cream parlor!
Nestled inside, Mary’s Ice Cream Parlor features West Michigan’s own Hudsonville® premium ice cream, served in your choice of cone or dish, with an assortment of toppings. Nut-free and dairy-free options will be available. We’ll even have a grab-and-go station.
“From 1 to 99 years old, we’re all kids at heart,” Director of Culinary Arts & Events Amanda Harper says with a smile.
“The newly imagined Children’s Garden brings that out more than ever before. We can’t wait to surprise and delight families!”
Named after the generous donor whose support made the parlor possible, Mary’s Ice Cream Parlor also features a commissioned two-dimensional work of art whose focal point is a clock permanently set to 9:30 pm the time that Mary indulges in her daily scoop! Immediately through the Ice Cream Parlor, excitement builds as you approach a gazebo overlooking the new Big Girl Playground by Mad Mom sculptor Tom Otterness. Only the second of its kind in the world, this interactive sculpture was cast by
the artist especially for Meijer Gardens. With slides for arms, a climbing wall skirt, and more, it’s a sculpture that invites children of all ages to play.
“The landscape is part of the Big Girl Playground experience and not just the backdrop,” adds Director of Horticulture Wendy Overbeck Dunham.
“Plantings are durable and reliable for such an active area, yet still designed for color, texture, seasonal change, and discovery.
“The whole play area will feel surrounded by natural beauty, so families can settle into a space that’s joyful and energetic while still unmistakably Meijer Gardens in character.”
Phase 2 of the Children’s Garden refresh will begin this fall and include improvements to the Treehouse Village area, as well as enhancements to the Rock Quarry and the Log Cabin, among other exciting upgrades. Stay tuned! Watch for further information at: MeijerGardens.org/lmcg
Whimsical Topiaries
Summertime welcomes the return of our fantastical topiaries. The butterfly flutters back into the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, while the flowers displayed in the Gateway Garden entice guests to explore the grounds. These living sculptures are a true blend of art and horticulture.
“Each of our six topiaries is intentionally larger than life,” notes Director of Horticulture Wendy Overbeck Dunham. “They’re designed to match the energy and scale of CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens and our boldly blooming annual beds. This year, we’ve updated the planting design on the forms to create high-contrast patterns that catch your eye from a distance and pique your curiosity.”
Upon closer look, notice the intricacies of the patterns. Each plant is meticulously placed to feel even more graphic and intentional, with texture playing as much of a role as color.
Our topiaries are created in partnership with Canada-based Kadriform, an architectural firm specializing in mosaiculture and living plant sculpture. Locally, planting is done according to design by J.W. Greenhouses, then grown on until installation. Once these living sculptures arrive at Meijer Gardens, our Horticulture team takes over with ongoing care, monitoring, irrigation, grooming, and trimming to keep silhouettes crisp and patterns distinct. Help Us Grow: Support What You Love!
Inspired by what’s new this summer? Your support allows our continued growth. Contact Vice President of Philanthropy Aaron Turner at 616-975-3177 or aturner@meijergardens.org to explore our many partnership opportunities.
Make Your Own Memories— Visit this Season
Joya Bandstra’s Meijer Gardens legacy was born of her father, Ken Bandstra, a charter Bonsai Society member of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation.
A gift from him in Joya’s name allowed her to become a Perennial Society member— and through that gift, she began the Bandstra Family Fund. We’re delighted to have her share with us a glimpse of her Meijer Gardens story.
Some of my earliest memories of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park begin with my dad, Ken Bandstra.
He has supported Meijer Gardens since the beginning, attending openings, performances, and events, and believing
deeply that art and nature belong at the heart of a community.
Over time, Meijer Gardens became more than a place he visited. It became something he felt connected to and responsible for—a place that mattered enough to show up for, year after year.
That sense of care became part of my life, too.
For nearly 30 years, I raised my family in South Bend, Indiana, where my daughter Lea and my son Cory attended elementary school. Each spring, their school made a remarkable commitment: Every fourth grader spent an entire day traveling to Meijer Gardens. It meant rearranging schedules and loading 120 students onto yellow buses for a two-hour trip each way, all for one afternoon.
The school did it every year because the teachers knew it was worth it. Meijer Gardens offered something they could not replicate in a classroom. Moments of discovery. Creativity. Wonder. Butterflies filling the air. Sculptures towering overhead. A chance for children to experience art and nature in a way that stayed with them long after the buses pulled away.
When I moved back to Grand Rapids three years ago, I noticed my sharpened appreciation for how fortunate we are to have Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as part of our community.
What once required hours of travel for my children’s school is now just down the road, accessible and woven into daily life here.
Over time, Meijer Gardens became part of my family’s life in a deeper way.
Not just a destination, but a place where memories are made and revisited across seasons, milestones, and generations—a place that feels personal because it is growing alongside us.
That kind of meaning does not happen by accident. It happens because people invest with time, resources and care.
That legacy, passed from my dad to me and now lived out through my family, is why I am proud to support Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park today.
When we give back to places like this, they become more than places we visit—they become shared investments in creativity, connection and the kind of community we want to sustain for generations to come.
Left to right: Lea Helmuth, Joya Bandstra, Ken Bandstra, Josh Reyes-Villa
A Legacy of Magic
She calls Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park her second home. We couldn’t be more honored.
“I became a volunteer days before we opened—when Marshall Fredericks was here with Fred. I’m proud to be one of the originals.”
Barbara “Barbie” Beineman was intrigued from the start. “I feel lucky to live so close—this beautiful place is practically in my backyard! It’s been a fascinating gift to grow with it.” Thirty years and 3,500 volunteer hours later, she still thrills to visit.
In April 1995, before our grand opening, Kathy DentonBucknam—a close friend and inaugural board director—asked if Barbie might help with a few parties. “I immediately said yes and was in awe when I entered the building. I greeted guests. They could only see the Conservatory with brown paper on the windows, but it was magical.”
Barbie smiles at the memory of meeting Fred and Lena Meijer. “I was volunteering. Lena approached me, but I didn’t know it was her. She shook my hand and asked my name. When she introduced herself, I was so embarrassed here I was telling her about her garden!” The two became fast friends. “Fred and Lena felt like family. They were so warm. You’d meet them and immediately feel like you’d known them forever.” She continues, fondly recalling Fred’s storytelling and his sculpture collecting passion. “They were the perfect couple he did the talking. Lena beamed at his side. Fred shared stories about the artists and how he wanted to support them. He loved having exclusive pieces in his collection.”
Marshall Fredericks caught Barbie’s eye, too. She leapt when the opportunity arose to support relocating his Seven Saints and Sinners to Meijer Gardens.
“I was one of the donors who brought that sculpture here. I love its placement: Those seven figures greet you at the base of the stairs.”
Barbie admired Fred’s connection with guests. “He wanted everyone to experience art.” After The American Horse arrived, Fred met a young blind man trying through words to visualize its magnitude. Realizing that nearly impossible, Fred asked the artist to make a touchable miniature sculpture; a braille plaque describes it. “The sculptor, Nina Akamu, loved that this set ours apart from the horse in Milan.”
Barbie’s favorite volunteer spot? The front desk. “Friendships I’ve made with our front desk volunteers over the years are precious to me.” She loves the proximity to her favorite sculpture, Utopia. “Those faces blow you away and set the stage for what you’re going to see over the next 158 acres.”
She cherishes the Leonard and Dora Rosenzweig Orchid Wall in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. “The first place I fell in love with. I remember asking if the orchids were real they were that unbelievably beautiful! I’ve donated tributes near there to my parents and my sisters, Karen and Joan. In time, my name will be there too.
“I can’t think of a better legacy than supporting Meijer Gardens.”
Barbie rarely misses Winter Nights at Meijer Gardens or Tuesday Evening Music Club. “For years, I came every Tuesday night with my friend from work and her family—we were the last to leave at 9 pm! In 2022, my friend and my sister both passed away. I honor them by meeting my friend’s daughter and grandchildren on Tuesday nights now. We’ve adopted one another and continued our tradition in the place that reminds us of family. Every Tuesday night I think, ‘Wouldn’t Fred and Lena just love this!’”
And like countless others, Barbie is excited to experience CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens. “It’s going to be magical! I’m 84 and grateful to have lived long enough to be amazed by what’s been created over the last 30 years.”
Learn more about becoming a volunteer by visiting MeijerGardens.org/volunteer
Plant Shows and Classes
REGISTER NOW —SPACES ARE LIMITED
J apanese Garden: Tea Ceremony Days & Related Workshops
JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY
Saturdays: May 16, June 20, July 18, October 17 11:30 am–12:30 pm, 1:15–2:15 pm, 2:45–3:45 pm $140 Members | $150 Nonmembers
Experience the timeless Japanese art of chanoyu, the traditional tea ceremony. Watch as skilled tea masters, dressed in elegant kimonos, perform ritualistic cleansing of utensils and prepare and present matcha finely ground green tea accompanied by English commentary. Afterward, delight in a serving of sweets and matcha. A unique program feature is the chance for guests to enjoy authentic Shigaraki ceramics, specially commissioned from renowned Japanese ceramicists and fired in one of the world’s oldest kilns. This contemplative ceremony, designed to engage all senses, is best appreciated in quiet reflection.
INSIDE THE JAPANESE TEAHOUSE: OPEN TEAHOUSE DAYS
Sundays: May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, 1–4 pm Included with General Admission.
Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and refined architecture of our authentic Japanese Teahouse, open the third Sunday of each month, May to October. Marvel at the expert carpentry, harmonious contrasts of wood, intricate patterns and unique textures that define this architectural gem. Access to this experience is included with admission and offered on a first-come, firstserved basis, weather permitting.
Japanese Handmade Ceramic Workshop Series
CERAMIC WABI-SABI TEA SET
Sunday, May 17, 10 am–2 pm OR Sunday, June 21, 10 am–2 pm
CERAMIC MATCHA CUP AND WHISK HOLDER SET
Sunday, July 19, 10 am–2 pm OR Sunday, August 16, 10 am–2 pm
CERAMIC NERIKOMI POUR-OVER AND COFFEE CUP SET
Sunday, September 20, 10 am–2 pm
OR Sunday, October 18, 10 am–2 pm
$70 Members | $80 Nonmembers
Harmony Nguyen, Ceramic Artist
Create a handcrafted ceramic vessel inspired by Japanese aesthetics in a one-session workshop with local artist Harmony Nguyen. All materials provided. Finished pieces will be available for later pickup. You may register for one or multiple classes, as interested!
JAPANESE GARDENING TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP
Saturday, June 6, 10 am–12 pm
$40.50 Members | $45 Nonmembers
Ethan Cote, Meijer Gardens
Explore the art of Japanese-style pruning in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, where trees have been carefully shaped over the past decade to reflect this time-honored practice. Enjoy a guided garden walk and conclude with a live pruning demonstration highlighting the precision and artistry of the technique, weather permitting.
SUMMER IKEBANA-INSPIRED FLORAL DESIGN WORKSHOP
Thursday, July 9, 1–3 pm
$125 Members | $135 Nonmembers
Mandi Stade, Meijer Gardens
Immerse yourself in the beauty of summer at this ikebana workshop led by Mandi Stade— Meijer Gardens Horticulturist, certified 4th Grade Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher, Michigan Certified Florist—where participants will create a graceful, freestyle floral arrangement inspired by the season.
MEIJER GARDENS MICHIGAN ALL-STATE BONSAI SHOW
May 9 and 10
Saturday: Sales and Displays | 9 am–5 pm
Sunday: Sales and Displays | 11 am–5 pm
Complimentary admission
Enjoy stunning bonsai trees on display in the Huizenga Grand Room with our guest Bonsai Artist, Mark Fields. Shop for bonsai, specialty pots and growing supplies from a great selection of vendors. Attend free demonstrations and watch bonsai artists at work. A variety of hands-on workshops are available by preregistration.
BONSAI ADULT WORKSHOPS
BONSAI ADULT WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS are available at: MeijerGardens.org/calendar
JAPANESE BLACK PINE BONSAI
Saturday, May 9, 9–11 am
$210 Members | $220 Nonmembers
Robert Hoffman, Yume en Bonsai Level: Intermediate
HARLAND BOXWOOD BONSAI
Saturday, May 9, 9–11 am
$100 Members | $110 Nonmembers
Jim Beck, BC Bonsai
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
FICUS BONSAI
Saturday, May 9, 9–11 am
$65 Members | $75 Nonmembers
Scott Zomerlei, West Michigan Bonsai Club Level: Beginner/Intermediate
BLUE BELL BONSAI
Saturday, May 9, 9–11 am
$95 Members | $105 Nonmembers
Steve Jetzer Level: Beginner/Intermediate
MAPLE BONSAI
Saturday, May 9, 2–4 pm
$340 Members | $350 Nonmembers
Bill Valavanis Level: Beginner/Intermediate
LARCH BONSAI
Saturday, May 9, 2–4 pm
$80 Members | $90 Nonmembers
Janet and Rodney Kivell Level: Beginner/Intermediate
LIVING ART: UNDERSTANDING AND CARING FOR BONSAI
Saturday, May 9, 2–4 pm
$20 Members | $30 Nonmembers
Ted Bentley, Meijer Gardens
BRING YOUR OWN TREE WORKSHOP
Saturday, May 9, 2–5 pm
Sunday, May 10, 2–5 pm
$45 Members | $55 Nonmembers
Mark Fields, Meijer Gardens Level: Advanced
ROCK PLANTING
Sunday, May 10, 9–11 am
$165 Members | $175 Nonmembers
Ellen Veselenak, Greenwitch Gardens Level: Beginner
BONSAI PHOTOGRAPHY
Sunday, May 10, 9–11 am
$35 Members | $45 Nonmembers
Dianne Carrol Burdick, Professional Photographer
RIVER BIRCH FOREST BONSAI
Sunday, May 10, 9–11 am
$85 Members | $95 Nonmembers
Ken Huth, Ken’s Bonsai World Level: Beginner
WATERCOLOR, INK AND BONSAI
Sunday, May 10, 9–11 am
$80 Members | $90 Nonmembers
Nancy Hart, artist and natural science illustrator
NATAL PLUM BONSAI
Sunday, May 10, 9–11 am
$95 Members | $105 Nonmembers
Steve Jetzer Level: Beginner
INSIDER BONSAI TOUR
Sunday, May 10, 9–11 am
$20 Members | $30 Nonmembers
Ted Bentley, Meijer Gardens Level: Beginner
BALD CYPRESS BONSAI
Sunday, May 10, 2–4 pm
$110 Members | $120 Nonmembers
Jim Beck, BC Bonsai Level: Beginner
JUNIPER BONSAI WORKSHOP
Sunday, May 10, 2–4 pm
$90 Members | $100 Nonmembers
Scott Zomerlei, West Michigan Bonsai Club and Ted Bentley, Meijer Gardens
Level: Beginner
STANDARD FLOWER SHOW
Hosted by the Kent Garden
Club
| July 11 and 12
Saturday: Displays | 2–5 pm
Sunday: Displays | 11 am–5 pm
Complimentary admission
This show features floral designs and a horticulture division that includes beautiful flowers and foliage grown and artistically arranged by members of Kent Garden Club, West Michigan Flower Arranger’s Guild, and Michigan Garden Club District IV.
DAYLILY SHOW
Hosted by the Grand Valley
Daylily Society | July 11
Saturday: Displays | 12–5 pm
Complimentary admission
Daylily flowers last for just one day—and so does this show! See an amazing variety of daylily flowers that vary in size from less than 1 inch across to almost 10 inches.
DAYLILY WORKSHOPS
DAYLILY 101
Saturday, July 11, 1–2 pm
$31.50 Members | $35 Nonmembers
Ginny Pearse, Garden Path Perennials
Join us for a Daylily 101 session with Ginny Pearse and learn all about daylily care, varieties, and all things daylily related! Whether you have many years of experience with these perennials or are interested in incorporating them into your garden for the first time, everyone is welcome. There will be a small giveaway.
THE ART OF THE DAYLILY: ILLUSTRATION AND GOUACHE
Saturday, July 11, 3–6 pm
$72 Members | $80 Nonmembers
Explore sketch and wash and gouache watercolor through line variation, with close observation of the natural world. Join artist and natural science illustrator Nancy Hart for a serene, hands-on session fostering creativity and connection to nature.
NATIONAL DAHLIA SHOW
Hosted by the West Michigan Dahlia Society August 29 and 30
View hundreds of dahlias, on display in the Huizenga Grand Room. Flower sizes will vary from the size of a golf ball to that of a dinner plate. Many unusual dahlia forms and a rainbow of colors will be presented. Dahlia fanciers from across the country will be attending and exhibiting.
DAHLIA WORKSHOPS
DAHLIAS 101
Saturday, August 29, 2–3 pm
$31.50 Members | $35 Nonmembers
Jeff Miner, West Michigan Dahlia Society President
Learn how to care for these beautiful flowers throughout the seasons, from planting to overwintering, with expert tips. Leave with deeper appreciation for the Dahlia Show and skills to become a successful dahlia gardener.
DAHLIA PHOTOGRAPHY
Sunday, August 30, 9–11 am
$40.50 Members | $45 Nonmembers
Dianne Carroll Burdick, Professional Photographer
Dianne Carroll Burdick leads an intimate photography workshop during exclusive closed hours of the National Dahlia Show. Bring your own camera and capture a stunning collection of blooms.
Applies toward Great Lakes Floral Association Certified Florist Continued Education Unit (CEU).
Applies toward Certified Green Industry Professional Continued Education Unit (CEU).
*Applies toward MSU Extension Master Gardener Continued Education Unit (CEU).
Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184. Call 616-975-3184 or email kpatzy@meijergardens.org for cancellations.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds are given if we are notified by phone or email 30 days in advance of the event. A 50% refund is given if we are notified 7–29 days in advance of the event. No refunds are given for notice less than 7 days before the event. Payments cannot be transferred to other events.
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Mondays in January. Hours may change seasonally or during special exhibitions. Visit MeijerGardens.org for details. Meijer Gardens receives funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
& Shirley Balk Café and Peter M. Wege Library open at regular
The
Gift Shop,
616-957-1580 #MeijerGardens TF 888-957-1580 where we all grow™ We value your input! Respond to our content or submit your own to hello@meijergardens.org. Seasons is produced quarterly and mailed to Meijer Gardens members. If you prefer to receive your copy digitally, contact Membership at 616-977-7689 or membership@meijergardens.org. Meijer Gardens is a proud member of Museums for All. Show your EBT/WIC card for a reduced admission of $2 per person for up to four people.
