What a year this has been. There have been extraordinary changes in our appearance. We have had ongoing construction to our entrance that has transformed the look of this garden from the moment of entry. It has been a year of extraordinary highs and a notable low!
We have welcomed, for the first time ever, a world class artist in residence, Xavier Cortada. In November, with the generosity of the Knight Foundation and Total bank we were able to bring an internationally acclaimed artist, Patrick Dougherty, to build a magnificent monumental exhibit from 15 tons of willow saplings that will stand proudly in our Meadow for a two year period. We have surpassed all expectations in advance ticket sales for jazz and other high profile performing arts initiatives.
Our education department has increased its programming in both children and adult educational initiatives. Our festivals are better than ever, attracting and entertaining bigger crowds than ever before. We have welcomed more families for recreation and inspiration throughout our fourteen acres of botanical beauty.
What is most remarkable is that most of this happened while dealing with the devastation of Hurricane Irma and its aftermath. It will be a long road ahead to replant and replenish our lush green botanical stage, but the journey has begun and we will work hard to bring this garden back to where it was before September 12, which brings me to the purpose of this reflective commentary. We are resilient, and no matter what Mother Nature might send our way, we will pull together as a Village and as a cultural enclave and continue to welcome visitors and patrons to entertain, enlighten and engage, regardless of the challenges.
For the remainder of the year through January 1 we will continue our Live Like Bella Nights of Lights…and if you haven’t had the opportunity to see it yet, please visit any night between 6-9:00 p.m. You will be amazed by the beauty of the lights and the magical atmosphere that they create.
We wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Stay safe, and please, if we haven’t been top-of-mind for a visit during the holiday season make a point of stopping by. We are open New Year’s Eve till 9:00 p.m. and New Year’s Day, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. We are here for you, three hundred and sixty five days a year and for many nights as well. We hope to see you all soon, especially in the New Year as 2018 promises to be our best year EVER.
