HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Over 100,000 guests have visited Windmill Island’s Artful Garden
Windmill Island Gardens Development Manager Matt Helmus says the art-themed display of floral splendor has had many visitors bringing art supplies to capture the Dutch attractions, floral displays and natural beauty through the spring and summer.
In culmination of the season, Windmill Island Gardens will be hosting an ‘Art in the Garden’ gala on Thursday, September 7. The gala will feature the announcement of winners in the ‘Art in the Garden’ plein air painting competition.
Helmus says this is a first year event.
“It’s got some momentum behind it. It’s popular in a lot of other communities to do this plein air painting and we would like to see it grow in Holland. It’s a free event and you’ll get to see paintings that were done here on the island. We’re looking forward to making it an annual event down here.
Guest juror Conrad Kaufman will be judging the first-year painting competition. Kaufman is an award-winning artist based in Kalamazoo. Growing up on a working farm in Southwest Michigan, he is a self-taught artist who learned by capturing the beauty of his family’s farm. Kaufman specializes in murals that have been his full-time profession since 1995. His murals are located throughout the region in public places and private homes.
The gala will also feature live music as well as appetizers and a cash bar. The event is free with a portion of art sale proceeds supporting Windmill Island Gardens. The gala runs from 6 to 8 p.m..
Following the event, many paintings will remain on display in the Windmill Island Gardens conservatory through the end of the season on October 1.
