Dear Lara, et al - I would like to enter this discussion and hear what you decide and what others recommend. We have no gardens, but a similar challenge. Our Asian Exhibition, which has been more-or-less permanent for 80 years is currently undergoing a complete re-installation and re-interpretation. It was titled the Vanderpoel Gallery of Oriental Art. The core of the collection was given in whole to the museum around 1934 by Emily Noyes Vanderpoel (1842-1939) after our director of the time, Hannah Sprague Dodge (1878-1963) pursued her. In the early years, there was minimal interpretation and what textiles and garments didn't fit into the gallery, Mrs. Dodge wore when she "instructed" students.
In the gallery itself, for decades, there was minimal labelling and virtually no mention of Mrs. Vanderpoel. Mrs. Vanderpoel never travelled to Asia, but lived in her Manhattan apartment surrounded by the objects, many installed permanently into architectural elements and wall coverings. We have recently been researching the collection and have learned a great deal about it. It has become clear that although Mrs. Vanderpoel trusted her dealers as to authenticity, they frequently took advantage of her. At the time we accepted the collection, the Asian population in Norwich, CT was either very small, or in the shadows. Now there is a large Asian population here, especially a Chinese community. We have had focus groups mostly of leaders of the latter, educators our docents. Our challenge is reaching the ordinary (usually immigrant) person who typically may not feel welcome in the museum, even though their children attend our parent institution, a high school.
We also feel strongly the need to celebrate Mrs. Vanderpoel who was a writer, artist, educator and historian.
As for your garden, it seems to me that your strongest advocates (and audiences) would be your local garden clubs, nurseries, etc...
Thanks for your thoughts! Vivian
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Vivian Zoë
Executive Director
Slater Memorial Museum
Norwich CT
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2019 11:38 AM
From: Suzanne McGarraugh
Subject: Japanese-style garden preservation and programs
Hi Lara,
I don't have any direct experience with this myself, but there are two Japanese gardens in San Antonio that you can look into. The Japanese gardens at the SA Botanical Garden are currently undergoing renovation right now as part of the expansion & renovation of the gardens. It has always been one of the favorite areas of the botanical garden and it will be interesting to see what they've done when it is completed. It was originally a donation from our sister city, Kumamoto, in 1989.
Also, there is the Japanese Tea Garden at the city's Brackenridge Park. It is a beautiful setting inside an old quarry and has a very interesting history as well. It was renovated a few years ago. I can't recall if there was a Japanese garden expert involved in that design, but it is definitely an interesting blend of cultures and techniques in construction.
Best,
Suzanne McGarraugh
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Suzanne McGarraugh
Exhibit Design Specialist
Mountmaking & Installation
San Antonio, TX
Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2019 08:09 PM
From: Lara Netting
Subject: Japanese-style garden preservation and programs
I recently joined the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem, NY as a consultant, with the goal of promoting garden appreciation and preservation. I find this an interesting problem, as the garden was designed in 1957 by Natalie Hays Hammond, apparently without the assistance of a Japanese expert. I am interested in hearing about possible funding sources for an American Japanese-style garden, or successful programs that have raised a garden's profile and helped to preserve its original plantings. Thank you for any suggestions you may have!
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Lara Netting, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Asian Studies
The City College of New York
lnetting@gmail.com
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