Franklin Park Conservatory News Room
Franklin Park Conservatory’s 2007 Antiques & Gardens Fair
to Feature Acclaimed Interior and Floral Design Experts
(July 26, 2007 – Columbus, OH) Franklin Park Conservatory announced today its ninth annual Antiques & Gardens Fair, one of the organization’s largest fundraising events, will take place Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16, 2007. In addition to showcasing the beautiful displays of more than 40 antique and garden dealers from around the country, this year’s event boasts New York-based interior designer Charlotte Moss and sought-after floral designer Ron Morgan as featured speakers.
This signature three-day event is presented each fall by the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board and brings spectacular shopping, special events and expert speakers to Columbus. Fairgoers will find treasures for the home and garden in every price, including fine European and American antiques, contemporary classic furnishings, nature-inspired jewelry and art, architectural salvage pieces for indoors and out, and one-of-a-kind items like handmade birdbaths, cast stone garden ornaments and rare original prints and maps.
“Decorating and garden enthusiasts always look forward to this event knowing they will find that unique accessory sure to beautify and enhance their home or garden,” said Nancy Cardenas, Antiques & Gardens Fair
co-chairperson. “The 2007 Antiques & Gardens Fair is a great educational opportunity for guests wanting to learn the latest decorating, collecting and gardening tips from top industry experts,” adds Joan DeVendra, event
co-chairperson. Charlotte Moss, an acclaimed Manhattan-based interior designer, and Ron Morgan, one of the most well-recognized floral designers in the United States, will draw crowds interested in learning the tricks of the trade in their fields Moss has spent the past 22 years as an interior designer, known for her signature style: elegance with a mood of comfort and livability. In 1985, Moss left an executive position on Wall Street to pursue her true passion of interior design. She opened Charlotte Moss & Co., a home furnishings store and interior design firm on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Most recently, in April 2007, Moss opened the Charlotte Moss Townhouse, a retail store filled with Moss’s favorite items from around the globe and styled as if it were her own home. Moss has designed residential installations throughout the United States and the Caribbean, and become a sought-after lecturer in the design field. She is also the author of five books including A Passion for Detail, Design Inspirations and The Winter House.
Morgan is known for creating exquisite arrangements using flowers, fruits, vegetables and unusual items. His tablescapes are legendary for their creativity, elegance and visual impact. Over the course of his career, he has designed window displays for Harrod’s and David Jones, opened retail floral and antique shops, consulted as an interior designer, conducted flower arranging classes, and has spoken at garden club events around the world. Morgan, who lives in Alameda, Calif., has published four books to date, including his most recent In the Company of Flowers.Antiques & Gardens Fair 2007 is supported by several Columbus companies including the Scotts-Miracle Gro Company, Abercrombie & Fitch, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, Huntington Bank, Our Ohio/Ohio Farm Bureau and Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease. Antiques & Gardens Fair continues to be one of the largest premier fundraisers for the Conservatory, helping to support and provide continued growth for our horticulture, education and outreach programs,” said Hyla Griesdorn, Women’s Board president. “Continuing support from local companies, members and attendees for this event has helped raise nearly $1 million over the past eight years.” Proceeds from Antiques & Gardens Fair benefit the Conservatory’s horticulture and education programs, including its School Field Trip and Summer Youth programs, as well as its community gardening program, Growing to Green.
This year’s Antiques & Gardens Fair events include:
Wednesday, September 12, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Growing to Green Awards and Potluck – An evening to celebrate the most successful community gardens, beautification projects and community gardeners in and around Columbus. The 2007 Growing to Green Awards will be given to deserving recipients in the following categories: Neighborhood Improvement Project of the Year, Paul B. Redman Youth Leadership Award, Community Gardener of the Year, Education Garden of the Year, and Community Garden of the Year. For more information, contact Bill Dawson, Growing to Green Coordinator at 614-645-5952.
Thursday, September 13, 6 – 7 p.m.
- Sponsor Reception – A private one hour reception that immediately precedes the opening night preview party will take place for corporate and individual sponsors.
Thursday, September 13, 7-10 p.m.
- Preview Party – Guests can enjoy cocktails and culinary specialties and a chance to preview the beautiful array of antiques, plants, garden furniture and accessories of more than 40 dealers from across the country. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Cameron Mitchell Catering Company, Cornucopia, Handke’s Cuisine and Sher-Bliss. Tickets are $125 person and must be purchased in advance at www.fpconservatory.org or by calling 614-645-6402.
Friday, September 14, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Speaking Presentation by Charlotte Moss – Charlotte Moss, a New York-based interior designer and founder of Charlotte Moss & Co., will speak for the first time since opening her newest retail concept, the Charlotte Moss Townhouse in Manhattan in April 2007. Moss’s presentation will take place at Capital University’s Mees Hall. Parking is available at Franklin Park Conservatory and transportation will be provided to Capital University for all ticketed attendees. Tickets are $40 for Conservatory members, $50 for non members and can be purchased at www.fpconservatory.org or by calling 614-645-6402.
Friday, September 14, 6-9 p.m.
- Vintage Vogue – Guests to Vintage Vogue will sample 20 wines and 5 different varietals, enjoy paired hors d’oeuvres, and listen to live jazz during a private after-hours shopping event. Tickets are $50 person and can be purchased at www.fpconservatory.org or by calling 614-645-1756.
Saturday, September 15, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- In the Company of Flowers: A demonstration and book signing with Ron Morgan – Acclaimed floral designer Ron Morgan will create 10-12 stunning arrangements using flowers, fruits, vegetables and other natural materials that will be auctioned off to demonstration attendees. Morgan’s books will also be available for purchase and signing. Tickets are $30 for Conservatory members and $40 for non-members and can be purchased at www.fpconservatory.org or by calling 614-645-6402.
Sunday, September 16, 1 p.m.
- Hands-on Workshop with Ron Morgan – Popular floral designer Ron Morgan will teach participants how to create arrangements like those featured in his latest book, In the Company of Flowers. Materials will be provided – reservations are limited. Tickets are $65 for Conservatory members and $75 for non-members and can be purchased at www.fpconservatory.org or by calling 614-645-6402.
Admission to Franklin Park Conservatory for Antiques & Gardens Fair is $10 for non-members and $5 for Conservatory members, and is valid all weekend. Admission to featured speakers and special events varies. For tickets or information, please call 614.645. 6402 or visit www.fpconservatory.org.
Franklin Park Conservatory Announces its Fall 2007 Exhibition – Enchanted Express
(June 11, 2007 – Columbus, Ohio) – Franklin Park Conservatory announced today its Fall 2007 exhibition – Enchanted Express – an indoor garden railway adventure traveling through the Conservatory’s plant collections to past small, scaled architectural wonders of the world and to places that exist in our imaginations.
Created by famed garden railroad designer Paul Busse, Enchanted Express will be on display from October 13, 2007 to March 30, 2008.
Paul Busse creates elaborate, three-dimensional structures made of natural materials including mosses, twigs, leaves, and seeds. Amazingly accurate in detail, his creations look remarkably like they were constructed of the originally used materials. Only upon further inspection can the natural materials be identified.
“We are excited to bring this unique experience to the Conservatory, “ said Bruce Harkey, executive director of the Franklin Park Conservatory. “Paul Busse’s creativity will delight visitors of all ages and will illustrate, in a whimsical way, the historical and literary connections between plants and people. ”
Installed within the Conservatory’s Himalayan Mountain, Rain Forest, and Desert biomes,
G-scale model trains will travel around the world to vignettes of well-known places such the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal. A plant of significance to each location or culture will be featured along with a character that tells the story of that plant’s importance to that society at that time.
In the Himalayan Mountain Biome
Landmark Location Featured Plant
The Great Wall of China Beijing, China Tea
Buddhist Temple Kathmandu, Nepal Lotus Flower
The Taj Mahal Agra, India Jasmine
In the Rain Forest
Landmark Location Featured Plant
Lost City of the Incas Cuzco, Peru Potatoes
Mayan Ruins Tikal, Guatemala Corn
In the Desert
Landmark Location Featured Plant
Egyptian Pyramids Giza, Egypt Papyrus
Hagia Sophia Mosque Istanbul, Turkey Olives
Al-Dier Monastery Petra, Jordan Spices
Signage with facts about the individual buildings and their related plants will be located throughout the exhibition. Visitors can learn more about the scenes by purchasing a brochure designed to immerse families in the stories of the plants and the people of these well-known historical places.
In the Conservatory’s Show House, the journey will continue to imaginary places and the homes of well-known fairy tale characters including Rapunzel, the Three Little Pigs and the Old Woman in the Shoe. Children will delight in the magical woodland landscape as they search for their favorite characters.
Throughout the run of the Enchanted Express, related programs including lectures, hands-on nature crafts, curator tours, and small-scale gardening classes will take place for all ages. On November 22 and December 26, 27 & 28, the Conservatory’s popular Family Holiday Break programs are scheduled and will include activities and performances related to the exhibition.
Family Fun Saturdays, held the second Saturday of every month, will be similarly themed.
A full listing of all exhibition-related programs and images from Enchanted Express can be found at www.fpconservatory.org.
Enchanted Express is being made possible by the following lead sponsors: The Columbus Foundation, Davis Foundation, Giant Eagle, Wolfe Associates, Inc., The Columbus Dispatch, and WBNS 10TV. Major support is provided by Cardinal Health, Greater Columbus Arts Council, and Ohio Arts Council. Bob Evans and The Puffin Foundation have provided additional support.
About Paul Busse
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Paul Busse installed his first model railroad at the Ohio State Fair in 1982. His imaginative garden railroads grew from his training as a landscape architect. First installed in 1991, his holiday train display at the New York Botanic Garden continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors each season and has become a much-loved tradition. His work has been featured at botanic gardens in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Busse and his team design and build the elements of each of his garden railways at his studio/workshop in Alexandria, Kentucky. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Paul Busse installed his first model railroad at the Ohio State Fair in 1982.
To learn more about Paul Busse and his work, visit appliedimagination.biz.
About Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory offers unique botanical collections, gardens, waterfalls, and educational programs designed to foster life-long learning and appreciation of plants. The Conservatory features an original Victorian glass house built in 1895 and 73,000 square feet of greenhouses and classrooms situated in a 90-acre urban park just minutes from downtown. As part of its unique focus on combining fine arts with horticulture, the Conservatory is the only botanical garden in the world to own a signature collection from the internationally acclaimed artist, Dale Chihuly. Franklin Park Conservatory is located at 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, 43203 and is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and students, and $4.00 for children 2-12. Members and children under 2 are free. All exhibitions are included in the general admission price. Images available apon request.
Franklin Park Conservatory Breaks Ground on $20 Million First Phase of Master Plan
Seven years of planning with community representatives, public and private partners,
and architects culminatein the project’s official launch
(June 6, 2007 – Columbus, Ohio) – Franklin Park Conservatory today celebrates breaking ground on the first phase of a multi-faceted Master Plan to transform Franklin Park and the Conservatory. The Master Plan was developed in partnership with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, with extensive input from community leaders and nearby neighborhood residents. The Conservatory has raised $14 million of the $20 million goal for the first capital campaign in its history from corporations, foundations, individuals, and state and local governments to make the project possible. The first project in this phase will be two Palm House additions.
“We are very grateful for the generous support of our private donors as well as our public funding partners who are committed to Franklin Park Conservatory’s future,” said Bill Wells, Franklin Park Conservatory board president. “Just as important will be the general public’s financial support, which will be crucial to implementing our Master Plan.”
The lead donors to the campaign are American Electric Power Foundation; city of Columbus, The William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation; Limited Brands Foundation; Nationwide Foundation; The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company; the state of Ohio; Abigail and Leslie Wexner; and the Robert E. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation.
“Our campaign leadership team has worked tirelessly to bring our Master Plan to the community and secure the needed funding to make this dream a reality,” said Cathy M. Lyttle, the campaign liaison between the Friends of the Conservatory board and the leadership team.
The campaign leadership teams consists of Pam T. Farber, Karen Fiorile, DeeDee Glimcher, Jim Hagedorn, Cherie and Jack Lucks, Mo Meuse, Frederick L. Ransier III, Cindy Rasmussen, and Bill Wells.
The Palm House additions project adds facilities that make the historic Palm House and areas surrounding it more accommodating to special events. While the historic Palm House will remain intact, the additions will improve functionality and increase events capacity and revenue from events.
The projects beginning now and slated for completion in late summer 2008 include:
- Special Events Addition – Special event visitors will enter the Conservatory through a new entrance in the addition adjacent to the Palm House to the north. A new special events venue in this addition will seat 170.
- Special Events Support Addition– Adjacent to the Palm House to the south, the second addition will provide facilities for back-of-the-house activities. Located in this area will be dressing rooms for event clients, a catering area, conference rooms for event client meetings and offices for the Conservatory’s special events staff.
- Rooftop Gardens – Atop each addition will be a rooftop garden – one with an Asian theme and one with a Mediterranean theme. The gardens will be accessed through the Show House and will be available for special events as well as enjoyed by general visitors.
- Bride’s Garden – Adjacent to the north addition will be the Bride’s Garden, a terraced garden with a calming fountain that can be used by a bride for a relaxing moment prior to her wedding or following the ceremony for wedding photographs.
“The Master Plan is about reinstating Franklin Park and the Conservatory’s original grandeur and vitality, and creating additional vehicles for economic and community development for Columbus and Franklin County,” said Bruce Harkey, executive director of Franklin Park Conservatory. “We chose to start with the Palm House additions because they will generate new revenue for the Conservatory to help support our community outreach, exhibitions and horticulture programs.”
Additional phase one projects are slated for completion in Spring 2009. Groundbreaking will be announced in the coming months. These include:
- Community Garden Campus – The four-acre campus will become the new home for Growing to Green, the Conservatory’s community gardening program, and a new programmatic partner – the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA). Located on the campus will be the Community Garden Center, an Education Pavilion and demonstration gardens to be used for new outreach and education initiatives.
- Community Garden Center – The existing Caretaker’s House in the southeast corner of the park will be restored as the centerpiece of the Community Garden Campus. This new Community Garden Center will contain a community gardening resource center, a community meeting room, and offices for Growing to Green and ACGA.
- Education Pavilion – Designed to look like a brick carriage house, the Education Pavilion will have multiple doors opening onto surrounding terraces and gardens. Within the pavilion children and adults will learn about conservation, the environment and community gardening.
- Demonstration and Landscape of Home gardens – Demonstration gardens throughout the campus will be used for education programs, including a new Community Gardener Training Program. The Landscape of Home garden, created by award-winning landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, will inspire visitors and provide ideas for their own gardens.
- Plant Study and Production Facility – Production greenhouses will be built onsite to support horticulture programs and provide space for science education for students.
The Conservatory worked with landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy and local urban design and landscape architecture firm MSI on the landscape design for the Master Plan. Messervy is known for her work on the Toronto Music garden in conjunction with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The Conservatory is also working locally with the architecture firm Schooley Caldwell Associates and Miles-McClellan Construction.
Franklin Park Conservatory’s community-inspired Master Plan was developed in 2000 based on input from a number of stakeholders, including the Franklin Park Conservatory staff and board, the City of Columbus, businesses, the Franklin Park neighborhood and other nearby communities.
About Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory offers unique botanical collections, gardens, and educational programs designed to foster life-long learning and appreciation of plants. The Conservatory features an original Victorian glass house built in 1895 and 73,000 square feet of greenhouses and classrooms situated in a 90-acre urban park just minutes from downtown. As part of its unique focus on combining fine arts with horticulture, the Conservatory is the only botanical garden in the world to own a signature collection from the internationally acclaimed artist, Dale Chihuly. Franklin Park Conservatory is located at 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, 43203 and is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and students, and $4.00 for children 2-12. Members and children under 2 are free. All exhibitions are included in the general admission price. Images available apon request.
Conservatory’s Gardens Blossom in Hats at the
Seventh Annual Hat Day Fundraiser
(April 19, 2007 - Columbus, Ohio) - On Friday, May 4, 2007, Franklin Park Conservatory’s gardens will blossom in hats at the annual Les Chapeaux dans le Jardin luncheon fundraiser. Commonly known as "Hat Day," it has become one of the largest annual fundraisers for the Conservatory, and one of Columbus' premier social traditions of the year. Hat Day is held each year during the first week of May in the Conservatory’s beautiful gardens and under a grand marquee.
"Hat Day has continued to grow since it first began in 2001. This year we anticipate our largest crowd, yet with 600 guests gathering under the Hat Day tent to raise funds and help support the Conservatory’s horticulture programs - most notably Growing to Green," said Joy Gonsiorowski, this year’s Hat Day chairperson. “We are so grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and all who attend."
Growing to Green is the Conservatory's community gardening and urban revitalization program that began in 2000. "For seven years, Columbus businesses and individuals have generously given their support to Hat Day so that Growing to Green can make a difference in underserved neighborhoods," said Bruce Harkey, Executive Director at Franklin Park Conservatory. "Because of their support, more than 120 community gardens and greening projects around the city have helped provide food to the hungry, assisted enterprising individuals and groups to earn income, acted as a catalyst for neighborhood re-development, improved community safety and provided healthy recreation and social opportunities that bring people together."
The luncheon features cuisine by Chef Hartmut Handke, a fashion show of local celebrities modeling the new spring and summer collections from Saks Fifth Avenue, and the surprise presentation of the fourth annual Ann Isaly Wolfe Award. Andrea Cambern, WBNS 10tv news anchor, emcees the luncheon and fashion show. Celebrity models are a surprise each year, though past runways have featured Columbus community and business leaders including John F. Wolfe, Abigail Wexner, Stefanie Spielman, and Ellen Tressel.
The Hat Day program also honors civic leaders for their involvement and support of the Conservatory with the presentation of the Ann Isaly Wolfe Award. Created in 2004, the Ann Isaly Wolfe Award recognizes individuals who or organizations that, through their enduring service, leadership, and financial support, have enabled the Conservatory to take its place among the leading cultural institutions in Columbus. Given each year in honor of its first recipient, the announcement is made at Hat Day where the honoree receives a limited edition photograph of the historic Palm House, created by Columbus artist Ric Petry.
Past Ann Isaly Wolfe Award winners include:
2006 William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation, and Bill and Jackie Wells
Paul B. Redman
2005 Cherie Lucks
2004 Ann Isaly Wolfe
Hat Day has become the signature spring fundraiser for the Conservatory and one of the more distinctive charity events in Columbus. Those in attendance carefully plan their springtime outfits — their hats in particular. "Hat Day is truly a memorable event. Everyone present is brilliantly dressed for the occasion, and of course wearing their best hats," said Karen Fiorile, event co-chairperson. "People look forward to this event each year because it is a fun, social event that truly helps improve Columbus neighborhoods, all of Franklin Park, and the entire Conservatory."
Hat Day begins with a social hour and "auction by drawing" at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Tickets for Hat Day are $300 per person and valet parking is included. A limited number of tickets are available and must be purchased by April 27. Please call 614.645.5569 for more information.
About Growing to Green
Growing to Green is dedicated to promoting and providing resources for community gardening and city beautification. Started in March 2000, it has become Columbus' largest organized effort committed to serving the community gardening needs of central Ohio. Growing to Green works with community groups and has been a resource for 120 community gardens and greening projects serving inner city neighborhoods and schools, youth at risk, and recreation and neighborhood centers. While most are community gardens, others are school gardens, memorial gardens and neighborhood beautification projects. In 2006, Growing to Green initiatives were expanded to reach local immigrant populations and individuals with disabilities.
About Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory offers unique botanical collections, gardens, waterfalls, and educational programs designed to foster life-long learning and appreciation of plants. The Conservatory features an original Victorian glass house built in 1895 and 73,000 square feet of greenhouses and classrooms situated in a 90-acre urban park just minutes from downtown. As part of its unique focus on combining fine arts with horticulture, the Conservatory is the only botanical garden in the world to own a signature collection from the internationally acclaimed artist, Dale Chihuly. Franklin Park Conservatory is located at 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, 43203 and is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and students, and $4.00 for children 2-12. Members and children under 2 are free. All exhibitions are included in the general admission price. For more information, visit the Conservatory’s web site at www.fpconservatory.org.
Media Contact:
Laura Schmid
614.645.5892
