My, how its gardens glow
There's an amusing dictum within the ranks of the military, especially among new recruits, that proclaims: "If it moves, salute it, if it doesn't, paint it."
Strictly interpreted, this means that a major art show currently on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich., is well worth a salute. It is an exhibition of kinetic sculpture -- sculpture that moves.
Meanwhile, the park -- one of Michigan's top attractions -- is getting set to greet the approaching holiday season in high style as it slips into glittering yuletide finery to stage one of its most popular annual events.
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World (Nov. 20 through Jan. 6) draws more than 75,000 visitors as it transforms the gardens with the glow of 300,000 lights, showcases more than 40 international trees and celebrates different cultures, customs and food. It features strolling carolers and rides in horse-drawn carriages, as well as reindeer and Santa visits.
George Rickey (1907-2002) was one of the most inventive and influential contemporary sculptors of his time. His iconic works, designed to form endless compositions, were the outgrowth of experiments with wire and metal that began during service as an engineer in World War II. "George Rickey: A Retrospective" runs through Dec. 31.
Meijer is the only Midwest venue for this landmark exhibition, the first of its kind following the artist's death. It surveys six decades of the artist's work, including about 30 interior and 20 exterior works, on loan from various collections across the United States. Most pieces are examples of kinetic sculpture that use movement as a basic element of composition. This movement, produced by air currents, water or light, became an important aspect of 20th-century sculpture.
"This exhibition is unique in that these sculptures function as both objects and an event that's ever changing," notes curator Joseph Becherer. "Most of Rickey's pieces have a wind-driven element that provides an endless series of combined shapes and movements."
Catch a screening of "The Moving World of George Rickey," a movie that plays continuously in Hoffman Auditorium. It traces the artist's life from childhood in Scotland through his work while in his 90s. Listen to Rickey describe his inspirations and work process and observe his beautiful sculptures in motion.
One of the dynamic influences on Rickey's work was the mobiles of American master Alexander Calder. It is fitting, then, that newly arrived at the Sculpture Park is Calder's monumental "Two Discs" (on a rare, long-term loan from the Smithsonian). Composed of tons of black painted steel and bolts, the colossal sculpture stands on five angled legs that curve gracefully upward.
New displays unveiled at this year's 13th annual renewal of Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World include the Chinese New Year and an Islamic celebration of the holiday Id-el-fitr.
Returning is the Gardens Holiday Express, a G-scale railway garden that incorporates authentic historical Grand Rapids buildings, bridges and landmarks. All of the structures are made of natural materials, such as cedar and hickory bark, twigs, grapevines, acorns, walnut shells and even cinnamon sticks. Also returning this year is the Victorian Tree featuring more than 1,100 ornaments from that era.
Other features include a luminary-lit walkway, holiday entertainment, family activities (including sing-along trolley rides) and international cuisine at Taste of the Gardens Cafe, where food specialties from many countries will be available during extended hours on Tuesday evenings (until 9 p.m.). Visitors will have the opportunity to taste how other countries celebrate the holidays through food.
The tree-lighting ceremony (6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 20) features live performances by Embellish Hand Bell Ensemble and the Original Dickens Carolers. Of course, Santa will be there, too.
For a holiday celebration, the outskirts of Grand Rapids offer a couple of dining choices that provide companionable fireplaces and cozy ambience. Blue Water Grill is six miles from Meijer Gardens. Reds on the River is further out at Rockford, a charming riverfront village.
Reds, with flagstone walls and a monumental fireplace, has the look of Tuscany, but the food is upscale American with emphasis on fresh seafood. Blue Water Grill, along the shore of Versluis Lake, draws its architectural inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater." In winter, patrons enjoy the large limestone fireplace and views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Pan-seared walleye and slow-roasted prime rib are popular choices, as are wood-fired pizzas.
In downtown Grand Rapids, check out the Cottage Bar & Restaurant. Opened in 1927 as a sandwich shop, it built its reputation on well-made burgers and chili and a warm, friendly atmosphere popular with pols and reporters.
Nearby is the One Trick Pony that started out as Oliver Bleak's General Store built in 1856. Over the years, the building has expanded and fused with a neighbor while housing 17 different businesses, from dressmaker to dry cleaner, radio repair shop to meat market.
Celebrating its 10th year, One Trick Pony offers a menu that features pecan-crusted ahi tuna as well as pizza and pasta. It welcomes local and touring music acts.
If you go
Information: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, (888) 957-1580, www.meijergardens.org; Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 678-9859, www.visitgrandrapids.org; Travel Michigan, (888) 784-7328, www.michigan.org.
Mileage: Grand Rapids is about 180 miles northeast of Chicago.
Mike Michaelson is a travelwriter based in Chicago andthe author of the guidebook"Chicago's Best-Kept Secrets."