Meijer Gardens Sculpture to be explored at Library

By: Brittney Schering

Exploration of how the role of sculpture shaped the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park will be presented in a program on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Main Library.

Author and historian, Larry ten Harmsel, will speak about his book, The American Horse, as well as the evolution of Meijer Gardens. He will also discuss the role of sculpture in the earliest stages of the Gardens' life.

Ten Harmsel will describe how the sculpture collection-- and the identity of the institution-- changes dramatically as a giant equine sculpture. The sculpture is inspired by a 500-year-old dream of Leonardo da Vinci.

With the help of photos taken over the past 12 years, Ten Harmsel will describe a few of the many conflicts and controversies that create and surround The American Horse. He will also talk about how the Gardens' sculpture collection has grown and developed over the years.

Ten Harmsel served for 34 years as a professor and Dean of Western Michigan University. He is the co-author of the biography, "Fred Meijer: Stories of his Life." His newest book, "The American Horse," was published this past summer. He now serves as the historian at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

"Growing Sculpture: How the American Horse Helped Change the Face of Meijer Gardens," will be held in the Ryerson Auditorium at the Grand Rapids Public Library, located at 111 Library St. NE. A book signing will follow the presentation. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (616) 988-5400 or visit www.grpl.org.