As a frequent visitor to the ever popular city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, one attraction which cannot be missed is the famous Frederick Meijer Gardens. The area host numerous exhibitions, concerts, and events for members of the entire family to enjoy. One specific item of note are the various installations (sculptures) positioned throughout the Gardens which are substituted on a regular basis.

This frighteningly realistic masterpiece was created by one of the most innovative figurative sculptors working today, Sean Henry. His trademark happens to be creating realistic models in contemporary clothing scaled either much larger or smaller than life-size. He utilizes drawings and clay models that are then meticulously converted into bronze.

Fans of science would appreciate the sculpture known as "Neuron" by Roxy Paine. This sculpture is a compilation of 3500 stainless steel rods and pipes representing the ultimate transformation from industrial to art.

Deborah Butterfield's work deals intricately with horses and portraying them as intelligent mares rather than the customary war horse. The name Cabin Creek comes from the location where the wood for this sculpture was compiled. The wood is eventually transformed into bronze suitable for the elements of the Midwest.

As with many gardens around the country, there is always a place of serenity allowing for solitude and contemplation.

Alexander Liberman was showered with critical acclaim for his paintings, photographs and sculptures. This sculpture named Aria, which is a melody sung by one voice, towers at 42 feet enabling viewers to walk around and through the work. Aria clearly demonstrates the artist’s fondness for architecture and music.

The final sculpture of the day comes from Jaume Plensa known as "I, you, she or he… The artist uses language and communication as theme for his installations. The three sculptures, whose bodies are comprised of mainly stainless steel letters, are all seated on boulders facing each other, faceless, in silent conversation. The artist is better known for his famous Crown Fountain installation in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.

I look forward to returning to the Gardens as there is a major expansion underway for an authentic Japanese Garden to be constructed on the property by the summer of 2015 with a Koi pond and all.

A while back I was given the opportunity to photograph the beautiful Christ Church Cranbrook in the affluent community of Bloomfield Hills, MI. I was fortunate to be a group of about 18 photographers who had the church to ourselves for a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon. The Church was the creation of newspaper magnate George G. Booth and his wife, Ellen who purchased a 175-acre farm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan back in 1904. They proceeded to construct a series of buildings including an elementary school in the community in the early twenties. Mr. Booth noticed that many residents were traveling to other neighborhoods to fulfill their worshipping needs, so he built this Episcopalian Church to serve the community of Cranbrook. The attention to architectural detail is a direct reflection of artistic spirit and inspiration which enriched the lives of George and Ellen Booth.

The Church opened its doors to the community in 1928 and has flourished by serving approximately 900 families while also providing great educational and outreach opportunities to those in need.

A bird's eye view of the Church from the existing and compact rear balcony.

The church is famous for it's intricate woodcarvings, impressive pipe organ, as well as it's numerous stained glass windows.

The exquisite stained glass windows are seen throughout and captured in virtually every photograph taken of this wonderful institution.

A closer view of the front of the church provides greater appreciation of the thoughtful design and planning that went it to the exhaustive construction and meticulous attention to detail.

The Church was granted the coveted designation of becoming a National Historic Landmark in 1989 which can be seen just outside the entrance.

I had a wonderful time visiting this tremendous institution and I would like to thank our tour guide, Peggy, for her amazing insight and hospitality she providing throughout the afternoon. This is a place you must visit if you get the chance - I look forward to return visit.

@2017 Hamish Carpenter Photography - All Rights Reserved

FREDERICK MEIJER GARDENS

CHRIST CHURCH OF CRANBROOK

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