I’ve gone to Meijer Gardens two weekends in a row….once with Jeff and the 212 Art Center group, and then I returned yesterday with the Capri’s:   Lisa, Patrice and Kelly

Just love this park because the landscaping is not overly contrived, much of the design is left to nature

Or at least they carefully planned it to appear that way.

Starting below is a vignette of photos taken by either Jeff or I: 

Yesterday, we also went across the street from the gardens to Cornerstone University and saw the winning art piece from ArtPrize 2011

Crucifixion by Mia Tavonatti, 13 x 9 feet:

There are plenty of photos of the complete mosaic to be found, but I wanted to show you some of the details, its made completely of stained glass:

And later in the afternoon, we ventured back into Grand Rapids and viewed just a few of our most favorite entries:

The two youngsters of our group, Lisa and Kelly, are celebrating a landmark birthday.  Patrice and I are helping them do it properly with plenty of good times, good talks, and of course good food.   And the weekend is not over!