Like most of my friends, I am struggling with the reality of the Pandemic—increased cases and deaths and the need to flatten the curve at a time when winter is settling in where I live. Michigan.  It’s grim. 

The winter feels long and dark. 

Needing  to do something creative and to “go someplace”  I took recently took myself  to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to play with my camera. 

I love the annual Holiday Exhibit. This year it is a welcome space to visit because the area is large and the crowds controlled.  In fact, there were very few people there on a Friday morning at opening time.  Everyone wore masks. 

I love holiday decorations.  When I was a little girl my Mother would drive my older brother, younger sister and me from our small town home in Western Michigan to what we perceived as the Big City—Grand Rapids—to visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum to see its annual exhibition of Christmas trees.   It was a big deal. The hour ride felt very “far away.”  

I was too little to understand that the trees represented different countries.  Actually I don’t think I understood the concept of different countries.  But, oh, how I loved the trees, the lights, the special ornaments and the escape from the routine of a comfortable small town childhood. 

Now, decades later,  I still love looking at holiday decorations. I think this year especially, we all need something to lift our spirits    The exhibit at the  Meijer Gardens does that for me while not only encompassing traditions from the Christian world, but also Buddhist, Muslim and other religions.

 I have an Olympus Mirrorless camera with an “art” function.  I’ve never paid much attention to this item on the menu as I have struggled to understand the exposure triangle, depth of field, and all those things true photographers need to know.  

But last week was different.  Might be goofy.  Might be pretty.  Might inspire.  And maybe bore.  But for what it is worth, here are some examples of my escape from the pandemic, economy and other issues that keep me awake at night.  

In some cases I’ve included images showing different takes on the same subject.  

Along with the Holiday Decorations, the Railroad Garden appeals to all ages.  Carefully monitored to control the crowd, this part of the Meijer Gardens features replicas of local and distant buildings along with a working train.  

Here is the Japanese display of bamboo and greenery done four ways. Which do you like best? 

And lastly, here’s a traditional Korean garment.  It’s the only garment in the exhibit.  I wish there were more. Adding traditional costumes would be a terrific enhancement.      If you’d like to see more of these lovely dresses, check out this link on DesignDestinations.

Costume Rental Flourishes in Japan and Korea