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The American Horse - Photo by Neala Schwartzberg
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Perhaps the most gorgeous and artistically lush combination is sculpture and nature - the careful blending of the creations of both.
One of the best can be found in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Center.
The combination came about out of love. Frederik loved sculpture and his wife Lena loved gardens, and so this devoted couple joined not only their lives but their passions to create seasonal gardens, a world-class Sculpture Park, meandering nature trails, and a charming children’s garden.
Take a tram tour then explore on your own.
Make sure to stop at the magnificent The American Horse. This 24-foot tall 15,000 pound casting by Nina Akimu is based on the design by Leonardo da Vinci. There are only two in the world – the other is in Milan, Italy. All this courtesy of Meijer who heard about da Vinci’s horse and was determined to make da Vinci’s vision real.
The art runs the gamut of styles and subjects and will fascinate the whole family. The list of artists included is breathtaking in its diversity. The Butterfield Horse of bronze looks just like driftwood – because it was originally made of driftwood and then cast in bronze, and patina was applied to look like wood – but strong enough to be outside through all the Michigan weather. Andy Goldworthy's Grand Rapid Arch is another fascinating piece. There's pieces of contemporary art, with all its quirkiness, and pieces by names that are familiar, and not as familiar -- about 37 works and more on the way.
The gardens are equally impressive -- 125 acres of natural wetlands, woodlands, meadows and botanical gardens plus indoor tropical, arid, Carnivorous, Victorian and seasonal gardens.
Spend the day exploring the two most powerful sources of beauty, and then enjoy the musical pleasures of a concert in the amphitheater (summer only).
Comments
You take beautiful pictures, Neala. Looking at them gave me the impression of being there, and your article highlighted what I might want to see should I find myself in the area.
I agree with Gina. Your photos are amazing. Speaking of which- Could you, perhaps, recommend a camera to me? I'm a new Examiner, and have never used a camera (except the disposable kind). I need something simple- and I will be taking photos at night, indoors and out, as well as in the day. I'd really appreciate your suggestion. Thanks.
Thanks Gina, it's very kind of you!
It's a wonderful place, no matter where you go, you'll be impressed.
j- I use a Canon 30D SLR - it's a few years old but I love it. Probably not great for a beginner,
I wouldn't suggest a point and shoot - very easy but not so good under evening or indoor conditions. But, there is a kind of hybrid that has a better lens than the tiny point and shoot but not as complicated as a SLR (single lens reflex).
I'd go with one of those.
Neala-
Thanks so much! Will let you know how it goes.
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