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This is a very difficult column for me to write because this is my last column as Pinecrest Gardens Director. It is with a heavy heart that I leave this phenomenal job, that was, in reality, anything but a job for me. For the past 12 years, Pinecrest Gardens has been my life, my heart, my passion, my happy place as I watched it blossom into South Florida’s Cultural Arts Park and my place of escape when I needed solitude. We rebuilt, refreshed and renovated every one of our facilities, breathing new life into what was tired and rundown when I arrived.
Our botanical beauty is more spectacular today than it has ever been. The renovation of Cypress Hall, Hibiscus Gallery, Hammock Pavilion, our Zoo, Playground, a new Inspiration Center, our Sensory Garden, every path shelter and every path…these were just some of our accomplishments over the last 12 years. The Banyan Bowl received new seating, professional sound and lighting and a stage. We got all dressed up for seasons that would feature dance, theater, music and even high school graduations.
Our educational initiatives have taken root, our festivals became bigger and better and our performing arts programs have been nothing less than spectacular, especially our jazz program which boasts an 80 percent full season subscriber base and sold-out shows for every performance. Through hurricane Irma, COVID and all of the other episodes that might have tried our patience and set us back, we have rebounded from each and every one, stronger and better than before.
We have seen glorious monumental art like the Four Season of Philip Haas, Stick Works by Patrick Dougherty, Trolls by Thomas Dambo and most recently, Bruce Munro: Forest and Field of Light. We have a world class environmental Artist in Residence, Xavier Cortada, and a unique immersive art program called the Hartvest Project led by Public Artist, Carola Bravo.
We host workshops and classes for all ages, we mentor young gifted jazz musicians, we grow stunning flora, we perform, oh my gosh, do we perform…both on stage and off. We are the most stunning destination for family entertainment, for people of all abilities with inclusion as our focus and we are affordable (with a $5 admission charge and $3 for seniors) for nearly everyone. We are South Florida’s Cultural Arts Park, and I have lived its transformation, putting my heart and soul into every change that has happened and never losing sight that culture composes nearly three-quarters of the word horticulture.
All good things must come to an end…the time has come for me to retire and hand this beloved garden over to my successor who will bring fresh ideas and take Pinecrest Gardens to new and wonderful heights.
But that said…the show must go on…here’s what’s up at the Gardens from September 12th through the 25th.
G.I.R.L. Fest
Saturday, September 24 at 10 a.m.
Kick off the new Girl Scout year at Pinecrest Gardens! Come meet our awesome community partners, visit with your sister Girl Scouts at troop booths and enjoy beautiful Pinecrest Gardens. Access to G.I.R.L. Fest is included with regular admission fee.
The Jazz Educators Community Coalition: Nicole Yarling
Sunday, September 25 at 2 p.m.
Groovin’ on a Sunday Afternoon is an annual celebration of community-based organizations that are passionate about young people and the arts. The family friendly concert is free and open to the public with regular Park Admission.
Art in the Gardens
HARTVEST PROJECT
“THE COLORS OF MIAMI” 2nd edition
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Hosted and Curated by Carola Bravo
Opening: Thursday, September 15, 6– 9:00 p.m.
“The Colors of Miami” is an art exhibition created by the Consulate General and the Cultural Institute of Mexico in conjunction with “HISPAFEST,” (Festival of Hispanic American Art and Culture). It brings together artists primarily based in South Florida with origins or roots from all over the American Continent and Spain. Artists are selected to represent the country of their heritage and are accompanied by the different consulates of South Florida. On view through October 23, 2022.
Xavier Cortada
The Art of Diatoms
Hibiscus Gallery
Diatoms are water-bound, single-celled microalgae encapsulated in silica. They harness the power of the sun to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and are responsible for generating at least one-fifth of the oxygen we breathe. Diatoms also allow scientists to see into the Earth’s past: By examining the glass shells of diatoms that are preserved in sedimentary core samples, scientists can determine the past salinity of water as well as the current state of its degradation.
To see more #Miaminews from #Aventura to #Coralgables to #SouthMiami, #Pinecrest, #Palmetto Bay and #Cutler Bay and all throughout #Miamidadecounty go to:
www.communitynewspapers.com
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