a quirky word for Q Day

There at the very top it is: the quoin, or more familiarly the keystone, allowing this couple to walk by with complete confidence that nothing will fall down on them.  He is truly unconcerned, but she is gazing at the top of the arch just to be sure.
This quoin is part of the Grand Rapids Arch by British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy at the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
For more explorations of the quirkiness of Q, visit ABC Wednesday.

More Chihuly

These red reeds are marching up the grassy hill just beyond the DaVinci Horse at the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.  For the story of how DaVinci's horse was never completed in his time, but now stands tall not only in Milan, Italy but also in Grand Rapids, Michigan, please visit the homepage of the modern artist who made it happen, Nina Akamu (ninaakamu.com).

Chihuly in Grand Rapids

This unusual blossom is one of many in the Tropical Conservatory at the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The exhibit of glass works by Chihuly closes at the end of this month and we found a perfect sunny fall day to visit the many splendors of the gardens and this exhibit, called  A New Eden.  If you visit the home page of the Meijer Gardens you will see more Chihuly glass indoors and outdoors.  And you will also learn more about this 132 acre marriage of the Michigan Horticultural Society and the sculpture collection of Fred and Lena Meijer.   If you live anywhere near enough to make the trip, I urge you to do so. 

Those of you who live in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky or Ohio, you may have a Meijer store in your town.  Fred Meijer began in the grocery business in the 1930's with the aim of providing good food at thrifty prices (see the Meijer website for more information), and in the 1960's the stores were called Meijer Thrifty Acres.  Still based in Michigan, Meijer has provided its founder with the money and time to give us a most wonderful experience of nature and art.