My parents were here visiting the other week, and we spent a day at Meijer Gardens. I might have mentioned the Gardens here at some point--it's one of the best attractions in Grand Rapids. They have an excellent sculpture park, as well as a pretty great outdoor concert series. We saw Neko Case there a few years ago, and Andrew Bird is playing there this summer.
But first we had to fortify ourselves with breakfast at Gaia. Andy and I aren't vegetarians, but my parents are, and we always have to bring them here when they visit. For a long time it was the only place to get vegetarian food in Grand Rapids; I still think it's the best.
Hee hee!
I loved the intense, dramatic color on these tulips.
Neuron by Roxy Paine. I think this might be my favorite new thing at the Gardens.
Spooky shot.
Joan Miro, Woman and Bird.
I love this Louise Bourgois Spider sculpture...with birds nesting in its belly.
Keith Haring's Julia.
My mom spotted these in the Victorian Garden. Isn't the lacy pattern on these blooms amazing?
Sadly, we couldn't take these three to Meijer Garden. Don't worry--they got plenty of other walks. Look at the mug on Miss Lucy. Methinks she does not like sharing her couch.
xo
K
That place looks really lovely! The sculpture garden really is impressive. Glad y'all had a good day. And I will agree with the fact that Lucy looks peeved.... although she is handling it with grace. We just got a new sofa yesterday and it's almost 8 feet long. Rudy is in hog heaven. Lucy could come for a visit and lay on the far end from him and the would barely know the other was there. Ha.
ReplyDeleteI *love* the spider sculptures! This one is in Ottawa http://www.flickr.com/photos/benandjenn/7031905287/
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great photo, Jenn! I wonder if it had birds nesting in its belly, too.
Deleteoooh nice place to take the folks! I used to have a French teacher called Mrs Meijers....one day she went
ReplyDeletebananas at me in front of everyone...so...ummm yes I thought of that when I saw your post...unrelated of course!
go the vego parents!
Haha! Lucy looks completely displeased about having to share her couch!
ReplyDeleteThere are such fabulous pieces in the garden and the tulips! One of my favourite flowers. :)
I think it's so nice to be able to spend the time outside and enjoying art. I'm not quite sure I can think of a space in Los Angeles that has a sculpture garden but now I have to do a search. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteI may be wrong, but I think that the horse sculpture you've shown here is by an artist who has sculptures at the Portland airport, too - Deborah Butterfield. I saw a nice piece on her on the public television station in Portland the other day. Anyhow...
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely visit with the parents!
Yes, Susie--thank you! It is a Deborah Butterfield sculpture. A cool piece.
DeleteBeautiful gardens!
ReplyDeleteThe look on Lucy's face really does say a lot!