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Motorcoach Tour of Meijer Gardens
& Sculpture Park September 20

The Shiawassee Arts Center is offering an Indian Trails motorcoach tour to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids on Monday, September 20, 9am-6pm. The tour will include the famed glass art exhibit Chihuly: A New Eden. Dale Chihuly, the most sought-after artist in the world working primarily in glass, has returned for a second exhibition to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Meijer Gardens. His works are displayed at 15 sites, from the English Perennial Garden at the entryway to the Frey Boardwalk in the wetlands. Included are Chandeliers, glass towers up to 30 feet high, floating spheres, Reeds rising from the earth, the Sun, the Moon, and a rowboat full of glass.

Comprised of 132 acres of natural wetlands, woodlands, meadows and botanical gardens, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a year round experience with indoor tropical, arid, Carnivorous, Victorian and seasonal gardens, world class changing sculpture gallery with shows by international artists, and outdoor acreage featuring a world-class sculpture park, children's garden, historic Michigan's farm garden, amphitheater for summer concert events, nature trails and board walks. The integration of horticulture and sculpture flows throughout the site, uniquely blending both art and nature, setting it apart from other more traditional botanic gardens or art museum experiences. Described as "a national treasure" by President Jimmy Carter, Frederik Meijer Gardens has grown to become an international destination in a short span of time. Distinguished by sculptures from well-known artists such as Rodin, Moore, Oldenberg, DiSuvero, and many others, the sculpture representation is significant to the Midwest region on equal terms with other well known arts institutions in the world. Friends of SAC will recognize the larger 25-foot companion sculpture by Chicago artist, Richard Hunt whose 18-foot "Winged Column" sculpture sits on the grounds of the Shiawassee Arts Center thanks to the Clark Shanahan family.

The cost for the tour, which includes transportation, Meijer ticket and gratuity, is $35 for SAC members and $45 for non-members. Call the Shiawassee Arts Center 989.723.8354 or e-mail sac@shiawasseearts.org for more information or to make a reservation. Visa and Mastercard accepted. The Shiawassee Arts Center is located at 206 Curwood Castle Drive in Owosso and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5pm. The Arts Center features the artwork of local and statewide artists in eight galleries including the Frieseke Gallery and a specialty Gift Shop. The public is welcome and there is no admission charge. The Shiawassee Arts Council, celebrating its 38th anniversary in 2010, is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to encourage participation and appreciation of the arts. For more information visit www.shiawasseearts.org.