Content created by our sponsor, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

When Grand Rapids Civic Theatre unveiled their lineup for the upcoming 2018/2019 season, there was a notable absence in the ensemble. One of their shows was deemed a “surprise musical” due to the production’s licensing agreement with Civic Theatre. Several suspenseful months later, our guessing games can, at last, be put to rest…

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre proudly invites you to save the date for “Mamma Mia!,” coming February 23, 2019.

Over 54 million people all around the world have fallen in in love with the characters, the story and the music that make “Mamma Mia!” the ultimate feel-good show. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget.

The musical features Abba favorites, like “Dancing Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance On Me,” and the title hit “Mamma Mia.”

“We were very fortunate to secure the rights to this show,” Executive and Artistic Director Bruce Tinker notes. “But only if we agreed to withhold revealing the title until a later date this season. The chance to produce one of the most successful and entertaining musicals of recent history was too important to pass up.”

Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The timeless songs and storytelling of Swedish pop group ABBA propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast with non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make “Mamma Mia!” a guaranteed smash hit.

For information on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or to purchase tickets, call 616–222–6650 or visit www.GRCT.org.

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre reveals 2018/19 surprise musical was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Content created by our sponsor, Fountain Street Church.

Fountain Street Church has a long-standing history in Grand Rapids. 149 years of history, to be exact. Since 1869, the multi-faith, non-denominational church has been a pillar of progressive thought, social justice, and free choice in West Michigan. They have hosted influential speakers, politicians, musicians, comedians, authors, activists, artists, and spiritual leaders from around the world in their historic, stained-glass filled sanctuary.

Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joseph Campbell, Gloria Steinem, Michael Moore, Tiffany Haddish, Amelia Earhart, Anita Hill, Richard Dawkins, and so many others have brought their talents to Fountain Street Church in support of FSC’s mission “to be a vibrant church community that challenges individuals to craft their own spiritual journeys, and to engage in creative and responsible action in the world.”

In addition to great speakers, Fountain Street Church has hosted a slew of iconic musical acts over the years. In anticipation of their 150th Anniversary in 2019, FSC has released a limited edition series of poster reprints from memorable concerts of Fountain Street Church past.

The first series includes five posters, all from actual Fountain Street Church events, each featuring a hand-numbered, 150th Anniversary limited-edition sticker. Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, Frank Zappa, Duke Ellington, and Dave Brubeck are featured in the inaugural memorial series, with plans for a second series in late 2018/early 2019. There are only 100 of each poster available. All proceeds support Fountain Street Church.

Posters can be purchased online at the Fountain Street Church website store, or in person at the FSC office M-F from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Fountain Street Church is home to The Keeler Gallery, which holds an annual slate of exhibits each year, including during ArtPrize in partnership with the ACLU of Michigan.

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

Fountain Street Church celebrates forthcoming 150th anniversary with limited edition posters was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience new and ongoing exhibitions and events all around the city. Catch up on the week’s conversations in the arts + get a full run-down of your opportunities to get cultured in the upcoming week.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Local Jewish temple filled with art honors creation, preservation

The first of a series on religious art in Grand Rapids, writer John Kissane and photographer Eric Tank explore the art of Temple Emanuel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the city, including a highly regarded three-dimensional Tiffany window.

“The mural is a series of painted panels: crowns, suns, Hebrew lettering, swirls. Gold, white, and brown dominate. The overall impression is of warmth and peace; if art is that which allows us to put down the ephemeral and contemplate the eternal, it is inarguably art.” -John Kissane

Read the full article + see all of the photos here.

LaFontsee Galleries prepares for second chance to see artist demonstrations

This July 28, head to their Douglas location to see sculptors Cara O’Brien and David Huang at work during a special free event.

We love these artist demonstration events—meet the artists, get to know the gallerists, and watch incredible art being made before your eyes. And right at the lakeshore, where you can get dinner and see the sunset over Lake Michigan to top off your night? It’s pretty much a perfect summer day in Michigan.

Get all the information about next Saturday’s event here.

Outdoor symphony series pops with three dynamic maestros

A casual outdoor experience of familiar favorites at the Classical Fireworks concert kicked off the Picnic Pops season with Grand Rapids Symphony.

“The Cannonsburg Ski Area hill bustled with people young and old who had set up chairs, laid out blankets, and brought their own food and beverages. Musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony, while the audience settled in, warmed up inside the large band shell in which they would perform.” -Tasman Mattox

Read the full article about the experience here.

Art classes cultivate appreciation for outdoors, creativity

Blandford Nature Center’s new painting, drawing, and children’s workshops are aimed at those hoping to experiment with art and spend time outside. The next workshop is this Thursday, July 26.

“I just wanted to educate, share, and show people that being outside is exciting,” Morgan Denison, the instructor for the workshops at Blandford says. “In a day of technology and fast paces, we just need to stop, be outside, observe our environment, and be still.”

Read the full story + get a rundown of workshops coming up here.

WHAT NOT TO MISS THIS WEEK

UICA: Last week to see Pantone Color of the Year, through July 29. Read our article about the exhibition here, and our interview with Insta-famous painter Heather Day, whose 95-foot-long mural can be seen from the street, here.

Grand Rapids Symphony’s Picnic Pops series continues, with “Beethoven v Colplay” this weekend. Read what the experience is like and get a full rundown of events here.

Grand Valley State University galleries now have four new art exhibitions, showcasing everything from global travels to plastination. Details on all four shows here. Also at GVSU: two separate concerts as part of their free International Carillon Concert Series.

“Fool for Love” opens at Heritage Theatre this Thursday, and runs through August 4. Get your tickets here, and watch for our review of the play by Sam Shepherd next weekend.

“School of Rock” and “Little Women” both open at Civic Theatre this weekend. Running through August 5, so don’t delay in planning your visit—with kids in tow!—to Civic. Learn all about it here.

“Fun Home” at Circle Theatre runs through July 28. This Tony Award-winning musical is making its Michigan community theatre debut right here in GR. Read the glowing review on culturedGR right here. Tickets here.

Circle Theatre’s series of summer concerts on Monday nights continues with “Silver Screen” this Monday, a celebration of Academy Award-winning songs. Learn all about it here, and then get your tickets here.

This Wednesday, join Solstice Handmade to learn the basics of block printing at Lions & Rabbits.

Light Gallery’s workshops provide a variety of ways to get creative again, whether you’re a novice or an experienced artist. This week: Kokeama (Moss Ball) Workshop on Tuesday, Modern Calligraphy + Sign Workshop on Wednesday, and Wall Tapestry Weaving Workshop on Thursday. Read what the experience is like with this article by our editor.

Your Monday nights should be picnicking on the lawn of Ah Nab Awen with the West Michigan Jazz society for Jazz in the Park, free every Monday night through August. This week: Micheal Doyle — Evidence. Next week: John Proulx Trio.

“Christmas in July” BOGO tickets are still on sale with the Grand Rapids Ballet for their seasonal favorite, the “Nutcracker.” This special deal is just for one mroe week— it runs through July 29. All the details right here.

Stellar exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum include Oswaldo Vigas, Anila Quayyum Agha, and Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, through August.

Also! While the Grand Rapids Art Museum is open for free this Thursday night, you can enjoy their GRAM on the Green free outdoor concert series, complete with food trucks and a cash bar. This week: Fauxgrass.

The incredible Masayuki Koorida exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is up in the galleries (along with a temporary sculpture & his permanent sculptures outside) through August 19.

Finding this “Sunday Paper” on the socials but wish you could get it directly in your inbox as soon as you’ve got that coffee made in the morning?
Sign up to get culturedGR news sent to you with four easy steps, right here.

Sunday Paper: Preserving art in sacred spaces, bringing symphony to casual places, slowing down to… was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Content created by our sponsor, LaFontsee Galleries.

July 28, join LaFontsee Galleries at their Douglas location for their second round of artist demonstrations. Observe the fascinating techniques of two different sculptors.

Cara O’Brien specializes in organic objects hand-formed out of porcelain and found objects, Inspired by microscopic designs in nature, O’Brien creates life-like elements in clay. She emphasizes texture and shape over color, bringing out the essential qualities of her materials and transforming them into pieces bursting with life.

David Huang hammers metals such as copper and gold to create luminous vessels. Hammering and molding, Huang is sensitive to the nature of the materials he uses. They maintain their specific identity, lending their original properties and innate knowledge to his ideas. Huang’s work is a demonstration of the beauty and brilliance that can result from a sensitive collaboration between the human and material worlds.

Artists will personally show their hands-on approach as they answer questions and discuss their ideas.

This event is free and open to the public from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 28.

The Douglas Gallery is located at 410 W center Street, Douglas, MI 49406. Everyone is Welcome, Dress is Casual, Admission is Free. For more information contact the gallery at 616–451–3850, or visit their website at www.lafontsee.us.

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

LaFontsee Galleries prepares for second chance to see artist demonstrations was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

That, and plenty of opportunities to experience new and ongoing exhibitions all around the city. Plus, a full run-down of your opportunities to get cultured in the upcoming week.

Editor’s note: We’re bringing you the Sunday Paper just a little bit early this week, thanks to summer adventures taking us away from our computers. Catch up on the arts, plan your cultured week, and then get out there yourself!

WEEK IN REVIEW

“Fun Home” brings powerful theatre experience to Circle Theatre stage

The Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel, a memoir detailing a young lesbian woman’s memories of her coming out story and her dysfunctional family upbringing, is the Michigan community premiere.

“In the Michigan community premiere of “Fun Home,” Circle Theatre brings this story to the stage in a moving production that will command the audience’s emotional attention and provide a powerful experience in the theatre.” -Gordon Bolar, culturedGR theatre critic

Read the full review + learn more about the story behind this play here.

Civic Theatre finishes out season with family favorites School of Rock, Little Women

The productions, opening July 27 and 28, are brought to you by the multi-talented students of the Summer Repertory Theatre Intensive (SRTI).

Get all the information about these upcoming productions here.

Grand Rapids Symphony takes music to zoo with free Neighborhood Series

The Symphony is expanding its efforts in diversity, inclusion, and equity with a Wege Foundation grant. These efforts include free neighborhood concerts for all.

“We want to make the music available for everyone. It’s not as simple as saying, ‘We’re doing our concerts of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, and you’re invited.’ We’ve been doing that that for years,” Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk, Grand Rapids’ Symphony’s Senior Manager of Communications and Media Relations explains. “We’re trying to step our game up more, and approach it more from the standpoint of, ‘What are you interested in? What do you like to hear? And what can we do?’”

Learn more about this new programming here.

New art exhibits feature global travels, the art of preservation, and idealizing common objects

Beginning July 13, Grand Valley’s Art Gallery will offer four free exhibitions displayed in its multiple galleries on both the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids campuses.

Get all the details about all four exhibits here.

WHAT NOT TO MISS THIS WEEK

While the Grand Rapids Art Museum is open for free this Thursday night, you can also enjoy their GRAM on the Green free outdoor concert series, complete with food trucks and a cash bar. This week: Grand Rapids Soul Club and Yolonda Lavender.

Grand Valley State University galleries now have four new art exhibitions, showcasing everything from global travels to plastination. Details on all four shows here. Also at GVSU: two separate concerts as part of their free International Carillon Concert Series.

“Fun Home” at Circle Theatre runs through July 28. This Tony Award-winning musical is making its Michigan community theatre debut right here in GR. Read the glowing review on culturedGR right here. Tickets here.

“The Cherry Orchard” with Heritage Theatre runs through July 22. Tickets start at just $10.

Grand Rapids Symphony kicks off its series of free neighborhood concerts this Saturday at John Ball Park. Tickets are now extremely limited, so get the story + info on tickets here.

Textile artist + vintage maven Lisa Price is having a rare pop-up shop sale this Thursday through Friday, including studio seconds and vintage clearance. Hours, location, and more info on Facebook.

“Christmas in July” BOGO tickets for the Grand Rapids Ballet’s seasonal favorite “Nutcracker performances start Monday and run through July 29. All the details right here.

Stellar exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum include Oswaldo Vigas, Anila Quayyum Agha, and Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, through August.

UICA: Pantone Color of the Year, through July 29.

The incredible Masayuki Koorida exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is up in the galleries (along with a temporary sculpture & his permanent sculptures outside) through August 19.

Finding this “Sunday Paper” on the socials but wish you could get it directly in your inbox as soon as you’ve got that coffee made in the morning?
Sign up to get culturedGR news sent to you with four easy steps, right here.

Sunday Paper: Dysfunctional families, free symphony concerts, and aspiring young actors was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Content created by our sponsor, Grand Rapids Ballet.

Michigan’s only professional ballet company — Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB)—is bringing back “Christmas in July.” The promotion, which was a huge success when first offered in 2017, will extend a 50% discount to its holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” through a buy-one-get-one offer July 16–29, 2018 only.

“It’s not the holidays in West Michigan without The Nutcracker,” said Michael Erickson, GRB marketing director. “That’s why we want to make sure everyone gets a chance to see it; at this price, it’s like Santa bringing you everything you asked for — six months early! This is the perfect opportunity to start a new family tradition.”

These half-priced tickets are only available online on the Grand Rapids Ballet website using the Ticketmaster offer code XMASINJULY. The discount is valid on Price Levels 2 and 3 Orchestra only and cannot be combined with any other offer. The discount applies to new ticket purchases and cannot be applied to tickets purchased prior to July 16, 2018. Quantities are limited. The discount applies to every two tickets purchased only online. The offer does not apply to Clara’s Nutcracker Party tickets on December 16, 2018.

Grand Rapids Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” is sponsored by Meijer.

About Grand Rapids Ballet

Celebrating its 47th anniversary this season, Grand Rapids Ballet is committed to lifting the human spirit through the art of dance under the current leadership of James Sofranko as artistic director, Glenn Del Vecchio as executive director, and Attila Mosolygo as director of Grand Rapids Ballet School and its Junior Company.

A proud recipient of the ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Arts Award for Outstanding Cultural Organization, Michigan’s only professional ballet company has a rich history marked by steady growth, a commitment to excellence, and strong community support.

Keep up with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and visit grballet.com today.

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

Grand Rapids Ballet announces half-price sale on Nutcracker tickets was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Content created by our sponsor, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

Join the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum for a special day celebrating what makes Grand Rapids playful with a party in the park on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This free event is hosted by the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and will include family-fun activity stations from local organizations including:

John Ball Zoo
GRAM
ArtPrize
Grand Rapids Ballet
Friends of GR Parks
GR Drive
SMG
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Downtown GR Inc. (DGRI)
and more

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

Celebrate Day of Play with Children’s Museum at Ah-Nab-Awen Park was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Content created by our sponsor, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s 2018/19 season is just around the corner, but their current calendar still has a few tricks up its sleeve…are you ready for some more summer magic?

Whether you’re a soon-to-be rock star or a free-spirited romantic, Civic Theatre has just the right show for you, brought to you by the multi-talented students of their Summer Repertory Theatre Intensive (SRTI).

SRTI provides young theatre-lovers with the opportunity to not only perform in, but produce their own play or musical. Coaching them are a variety of local and national theatre professionals, guaranteed to deliver unforgettable experiences for the students not to mention their lucky audiences.

This year’s musical is sure to “bring the house down.” Strap in for “School of Rock,” playing July 27-August 4. Based on the Paramount cult comedy starring Jack Black, and featuring original music by hit-maker Andrew Lloyd Webber, this wild ride follows rocker Dewey Finn through heartbreak, self-discovery, and occasional chaos as he trains a class of fifth graders for an upcoming Battle of the Bands contest. Rock and roll has never looked this good!

Also on stage this summer is the timeless adventure of four sisters in “Little Women,” based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Journey with Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth through the trials of youth and womanhood, as they fight societal pressures with the undying bonds of sisterhood. It’s a tale of family values that transcends generations; young and old will delight in this play, running July 28-August 5.

Don’t delay. Reserve your tickets for both productions and let these aspiring stars of the stage sweep you off your feet.

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

Civic Theatre finishes out season with family favorites School of Rock, Little Women was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Content created by our sponsor, Grand Valley State University.

Written by Matthew Makowski, GVSU University Communications

Grand Valley State University’s permanent art collection currently consist of more than 16,000 works by various artists from around the world who have explored numerous mediums through varying inspirations.

Rounding out the summer months and transitioning into the fall semester, Grand Valley’s Art Gallery will offer four free exhibitions displayed in its multiple galleries on both the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids campuses.

“These four exhibitions exemplify the Art Gallery’s commitment to encourage art appreciation and interdisciplinary learning,” said Joel Zwart, Art Gallery Curator of Exhibitions. “Some of these exhibitions allow viewers to discover a variety of art objects highlighting the university’s diverse collection of art while others tell the story of unique Grand Valley programs or provide insights into student and faculty experiences abroad.”

“Plastination — The Art of Preservation”
Exhibition dates: July 13-December 14
Blue Wall Gallery, DeVos Center, Building B, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Plastination is the process of infusing animal, human or plant tissues with a variety of plastic or silicone products to render the tissues odor-free, dry and permanently preserved for educational purposes. The process was invented by Gunther von Hagens in 1977 at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and became popular through his many “Body Worlds” exhibitions around the world. Beginning in 2007, a handful of Grand Valley faculty members began studying plastination and investigating the opportunity to create a lab at the university. That idea became a reality in 2013 — making Grand Valley home to the only plastination lab in Michigan. Since then, more than 300 specimens have been plastinated for use in a variety of teaching roles and biomedical, biology and even art courses. This exhibition tells the story of plastination at Grand Valley and walks visitors through the process and uses of plastinates. The exhibit brings together more than 20 animal specimens from the lab.

“Common Balance: Still Life Paintings by Mike McDonnell”
Exhibition dates: July 13-October 26
Kirkhof Center Gallery, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
In the early 1980s, Michigan-based artist Mike McDonnell became enamored with still life arrangements of common household objects. He began by drawing each object individually, then patiently applied multiple glazes of watercolor paint to achieve rich color and the illusion of realism. This exhibit features a selection of the late artist’s work from 1982–2009 that spotlights his desire to idealize common objects in balanced and unique groupings. More than 800 works by McDonnell reside in Grand Valley’s permanent collection — the most works by any artist represented in the collection.

“PIC Pics — 2018 Padnos International Center Photo Contest Finalists”
Exhibition dates: July 13-October 26
West Wall Gallery, Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Every year, hundreds of Grand Valley students travel around the globe during study abroad programs through the Padnos International Center. Students and alumni were invited to share their worldly adventures by entering pictures into the 2017 Study Abroad Photo Contest. Winning photographs, which are now a part of Grand Valley’s permanent art collection, will be on display during this exhibition in the Eberhard Center.

“Wandering Seeds: Experiencing and Engaging Haiti Through Study Abroad”
Exhibition dates: July 20-December 14
Red Wall Gallery, Lake Ontario Hall, Allendale Campus
“The tall tree says it sees far, the wandering seed says it sees more.” This translation from a Haitian proverb served as the theme for a recent service-learning expedition to Haiti by a group of a dozen Grand Valley faculty and students. The trip, led by Peter Wampler, professor of geology and Frederik Meijer Honors College Faculty-in-Residence, was designed to allow students from various academic backgrounds the opportunity to experience Haitian culture and gain an understanding of daily life in rural Haiti. Students also participated in a variety of service learning and community-based teaching experiences, allowing them to apply their energy and knowledge toward real-world problems in Haiti. During the first part of the trip, Ellen Adams, Meijer Honors College assistant professor and Grand Valley Art Gallery staff member, also assisted in mediating experiences with Haitian artists and art collectives at various sites. Included in this exhibition will be narratives and reflections by both faculty members and students, photographs documenting their encounters and a variety of original Haitian paintings, voodoo flags, metal art and masks representing the vibrant and diverse artistic culture in Haiti.

For more information about upcoming Art Gallery exhibits, visit gvsu.edu/artgallery or call (616) 331–2563.

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

New art exhibits feature global travels, the art of preservation, and idealizing common objects was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Content created by our sponsor, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is excited to announce the bloom of a rare Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as a corpse flower. Lovingly named “Putricia” by the Meijer Gardens horticulture staff, peak bloom is expected between Thursday, July 12 and Saturday, July 14, 2018 inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Guests can experience the sights and smells of this rare event during Meijer Gardens’ normal hours of operation.

The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) — also called titan arum — is one of the largest and rarest flowering plants in the world. It can take up to a decade to produce a flowering structure and when it blooms is open for only 24 to 36 hours.

The name corpse flower comes from the nauseating smell that the plant emits when it opens. This feature attracts carrion beetles and flies that are the natural pollinators of Amorphophallus titanum. The plant was first reported in Sumatra, Indonesia, in 1878. Its distinctive odor attracts pollinators that feed on dead animals and is at its most pungent during peak bloom. Amorphophallus titanum is the largest unbranched inflorescence (a cluster of flowers on a spike) in the plant kingdom, growing up to 12 feet tall in its natural habitat and about six to eight feet tall in cultivation. Although the enormous plant in bloom resembles one giant flower, it actually comprises a fleshy central spike called a spadix that holds two rings of male and female flowers, wrapped by the frilly spathe, a modified leaf that resembles a petal.

“As a professional horticulturist, this is incredibly exciting,” says Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “Many people go through their entire careers never seeing an example like this in person. We are thrilled that something that we started as a seedling here at Meijer Gardens 18 years ago is coming to fruition and that the public is showing such great interest.”

This content is brought to you by one of our sponsors, an important part of making cultured.GR possible. All content here is original to the sponsor and was shared on cultured.GR with their permission.

Corpse flower set to bloom at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was originally published in culturedGR on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.