Message from President Patti Reinstein

Dearest Friends,

These are unprecedented times in the world.  The coronavirus has stopped us in our tracks.  We have been following the guidelines set forth by the CDC, WHO as well as other national, state and local authorities.  We are sheltering in place…staying away from our jobs, our children, grandchildren, and beloved friends.   This is our new normal, and we don’t know how long this will last.

This is a” first time” event in a century.  Like any “first times,” they can be frightening and cause anxiety…first day of school, first date, first job, first time parent…but first pandemic?  It … Read More

VRG Fellows Trip to Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

On March 2-5, 2020, the Fellows members of Robinson Gardens explored the architecture and gardens of Scottsdale and Phoenix.  The Arizona Biltmore Hotel was our base for the duration of our stay. The architect of record is Arthur Chase McArthur, who with his brother Charles McArthur, opened the hotel in 1929.

Arthur had been a draftsman under Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW), and FLW was the design consultant on the project. We met in the hotel lobby. The in-house historian led us on an architectural tour of the hotel, which ended in the “Mystery Room.” We learned that this room previously … Read More

Anna Wyckoff: The Alchemy of Costume Design and Fashion – POSTPONED

There is a magical, almost alchemic formula that makes certain cinematic moments unforgettable, and part of that equation involves the costume. Think Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly grazes on her breakfast while gazing in Tiffany’s window, sheathed in an austere black column dress and opera gloves, arrayed in a collar of pearls, a tiny tiara, and dark sunglasses dressed by Edith Head and Givenchy. In The Seven Year Itch, Marilyn Monroe relishes the breeze from the subway grate in her pleated white halter designed by costume designer William Travilla. Is this Costume or Fashion?

Costume and fashion are … Read More

Spotlight on Dana Reston Lyons

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 Dana Reston Lyons, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens Board Member.

We asked her these three questions:

1.  How did you first learn about VRG, and what inspired you to become a Friend?

 My mother was … Read More

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