A Day of Thanks to Our Docents
The Volunteer Docents were invited on 11/29/18 to the loveliest morning at the Oasis that is the Virginia Robinson Gardens. The Friends welcomed us warmly at the Pool Pavilion to kick off Docent Appreciation Day. Jeanne also presented us with a treasure trove of garden books as Holiday gifts for our choosing. The Billiard Room was set up for a presentation on Landscape Architecture by the brilliant Lisa Gimmy. Lisa illuminated how Landscape Architecture can amplify the most sublime elements in Art and Garden Design. Ms. Gimmy generously shared her body of decades long work that is just jaw dropping and inspiring. Lisa Gimmy’s passion and insights into her marvelous world of creation just took my breath away and brought me to tears of joy. This level of attention and dedication that Jeanne, Lisa and the Friends of the Robinson Gardens share with of us is truly a Love Supreme. …
Hutton Wilkinson and Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge
Author and designer Hutton Wilkinson presented a beautiful and entertaining lecture based on his new book, Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge, on December 8, 2018 at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. In keeping with the theme of the lecture, some of the elegant attendees were wearing stunning brooches and jewels by Tony Duquette. In introducing our speaker, Education co-chair Adrienne Horwitch commented on “the sheer force of Hutton’s fabulous personality.” With wit and exuberance, and eliciting much laughter from the audience, Hutton led us on a wondrous journey, unveiling the spectacular designs and transformations of Tony Duquette’s legendary home, Dawnridge. Hutton related that as a young man, Tony came to Los Angeles in the 1930s and was employed by Bullock’s Department Store to design interiors that reflected the change of seasons. Because his family had fallen on hard times, Tony became the head of the family and needed to provide for them. He…
Spotlight on Leslie Kavanaugh
Each month we will spotlight a volunteer, staff member, donor or sponsor of Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG)—those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you, the reader, know a little bit about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and the community, and what they do that is so impactful. This month, we spotlight Leslie Kavanaugh, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens and Board Member. We asked her these three questions: 1. How did you first learn about VRG and what inspired you to become a Friend? Laura Alpert, a longtime Friend of Robinson Gardens and friend of mine urged me and helped me to get involved. I attended the Gala and was so enchanted and met so many wonderful and warm people, and that was the beginning about 15 years ago. 2. What’s your role – How…
Firooz Zahedi and City of Angels: Houses and Gardens of Los Angeles
Thanks to Fellows Chair Jeanne Anderson, the Fellows were invited to a wonderful lecture and panel discussion on Firooz Zahedi’s new book, City of Angels: Houses and Gardens of Los Angeles on December 6, 2018. In this publication by author Jennifer Ash Rudick and photographer Firooz, homes of renowned architects, interior designers, garden designers and others are featured. The Fellows were very fortunate to have three of the talented individuals – Richard Shapiro, Art Luna and Hope Warschaw — give a slide presentation using Firooz’s extraordinarily beautiful photographs of their gardens. Founder and past President of the Friends Joan Selwyn introduced Firooz. A multi-talented man, Firooz was born in Iran and moved to England as a young man with his family in 1969. He relocated to the United States and after a brief career as a diplomat, he attended the Corcoran School of Art. He met Andy Warhol which led to…