November 2025 Happenings
In Case You Missed It: Spotlight on Elaine Stein
Besides being the co-chair of the Tea, Scones & Gardens Book Club, Executive Board Member and Vice-President Elaine Stein co-chaired Garden Tour for four years. Please revisit her Spotlight and her bio.
Each month we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) — those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you know about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and to the community, and what they do that is so impactful.
This month, we spotlight Elaine Stein, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens Executive Board Member.… Read More
Fascinating Lecture by Thomas Callaway: “Gone West…From East Coast to West, My 80 Year Pursuit of an Artistic Life”
The Friends were delighted to host celebrated interior designer Thomas Callaway for a talk on October 3rd at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. This lecture was the fourth installment of the 2025 Architectural Lecture Series curated by Superintendent Diane Sipos. Thomas began his presentation by recounting his early childhood influences and sharing some of his very early childhood works as a budding artist. He left for Paris to study art as a young adult, an experience which would prove to be life-changing. This period of exploration and travel in Europe eventually led him to New York where he discovered an art school in Harlem that took him in as a student. He shared some of his earlier artworks that were exhibited in a show from this period. … Read More
A Delightful Day at the Annual FRG Membership Luncheon
On a lovely, sunny day on October 10, 2025, at The Virginia Robinson Gardens, the Friends enjoyed a beautiful Membership Appreciation Luncheon arranged by co-chairs Lori Greene Gordon and Natalie Gordon Beiser. Seventeen new members, a great addition to our organization, have joined this year! Nine of the new members were in attendance and warmly welcomed by all.… Read More
Our Garden Tour Star Anne Mansour
From time to time, we highlight “Our Garden Tour Stars” — landscape architects, florists, and interior designers who have participated at our annual Garden Tour and Showcase Estate fundraiser at The Virginia Robinson Gardens. We want to let you know about these very talented designers, their inspirations, and their creations.
This month, we are honored to feature interior designer and painter Anne Mansour of Anne M. Design, Inc. Anne decorated the poolside railings by the Pool Pavilion of the VRG home in our Floral Fantasia Garden Tour and Showcase Estate on May 17, 2025. She supplemented her flower arrangements with delicate handmade paper flowers that she watercolored to great effect! Anne was also a vendor at the Marketplace where she displayed her beautiful paintings.… Read More