The
ancient link between poetry and nature is on display at Matthaei Botanical
Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in the exhibit “Letters & Leaves – Nature as Inspiration for Poetry.” The exhibit, which takes place in the conservatory and
throughout Matthaei and outdoors in Nichols Arboretum, highlights poems by
established writers and by U-M students. Also featured is an installation of
nature-inspired photography by U-M students and staff, and community members. Exhibit runs Nov. 29-Jan. 4.
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| The Tunnel, by Hilda Havlik, retired occupational therapist |
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| Giants, by Jochen Schacht Professor of Biological Chemistry, UM Medical School |
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| Misty Sunrise, by John Wirth, MAtthaei-Nichols member |
Poetry’s
deep ties to nature made for plentiful connections to the Arb and Gardens, says
Catriona Mortell-Windecker, education program manager at Matthaei-Nichols. While
initial plans encompassed the larger field of nature-inspired writing, poetry
offers a concise response to our interaction with nature in a moment or a place,
she adds. “And with poetry we could narrow a wide field and still offer the
intensity of the physical experience of the conservatory and the Arboretum
together with some great verse.”
Even if poetry might
not be regular reading material for some visitors, Mortell-Windecker says the
exhibit aims for an experience that “begins in delight and ends in wisdom,” as
poet Robert Frost wrote. “Our hope is that through the broad sampling of poems
on display and the botanical environment visitors will find something that
speaks to them.”
The exhibit has evolved
into a rewarding collaboration between the Arb and Gardens and faculty and
students in the university’s English department, says Mortell-Windecker. And
it’s also in part the product of an 8-month internship for English major Andrew
Miller. The LSA senior and budding writer has been a decision-maker on the
exhibit planning committee, researching and selecting the published poets on
display, soliciting poetry from the larger student body, and consulting with
faculty throughout the process. Partnerships with faculty have been key as
well. Larry Goldstein, Professor of English and editor of The Michigan Quarterly, offered advice and guidance, as did
Residential College lecturer Virginia Murphy.
The exhibit culminates
in a poetry reading on December 10 by U-M faculty Keith Taylor and Lorna
Goodison. Taylor, a longtime friend of the Arboretum and Gardens and an adjunct
professor in the MFA program at Michigan, will read a selection of work
including a poem he wrote for the opening of the Great Lakes Gardens last year
at Matthaei. Given her upcoming retirement from the English department, Goodison’s
appearance at the reading offers the rare opportunity to hear one of the
Caribbean’s most distinguished contemporary poets.
Letters
& Leaves also offers attractions beyond poetry and photography. An Open House
on November 29 kicks off the exhibit with greens and seasonal items in the gift
shop and the annual Spinner’s Flock fiber arts sale. On December 6 from 10
am-noon children and their parents are invited to “Wonders of Winter,” a craft
and wreath-making workshop. Father Christmas visits on December 20 from noon
until 2 (free); Plus, throughout the exhibit run there will be a seasonal flower
display in the conservatory, a series of trees decorated with hand-crafted
ornaments relating to the Letters & Leaves theme, a display of faerie
houses; and spontaneous poetry-writing opportunities for all visitors. Call or
visit the Matthaei-Nichols website for details.
Exhibit: Letters &
Leaves – Nature as Inspiration for Poetry
Matthaei Botanical
Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Nov. 29 through Jan. 4
Open daily, 10 am-4:30
pm; Wednesdays until 8 pm. Closed Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve.
Open New Year’s day 10 am-4:30 pm. Free admission.
1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
(Matthaei)
1610 Washington Hts.
(Arboretum)
734-647-7600
mbgna.umich.edu
