Just Blown Away
Propagation
Molly Gambardella's dandelion captures the spirit of the 23rd Leonardo Challenge completely. It's cluster of delicate seeds wants to be loosed to launch new growth. Yours is the breath that will give them flight.
Thank you.
The only difference between a weed and a flower is judgement. We encountered a virtue of flowers that was unforeseen when last September we chose them as the object of the Challenge. Flowers transcend borders and walls. their free exchange reminds us of the essential power of migration.
The record number of artists (140) and submissions (175) and record support Thursday night will dissolve boundaries. It will fund, in part or fully, workshops for 320 children - children from Iris (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services) and the Fresh Air Fund; children from our partner programs like Music Haven; children from the many Title 1 schools we serve, children from families whose resources are too stretched to cover adventurous summer programs. It will underwrite experiments to expand enrollments in domains that may have lingering gender identities.
Ephermal?
The Challenge works because it is intricately a part of our year. It's not an accident that 1000 daffodils blossomed to accent the occasion. They are part of a plan to enrich the diversity of the site underwritten by the Carte family. The invitations were constructed here. The design was Sally's. More than a dozen Apprentices contributed the intricate handwork. The tents have moved to the spaces in which they will shelter the summer's programs. The small lights have been cut up to illuminate 4000 ElectriCity kits for schools.
The event is an apex of our Apprentices' year. They contribute artistically and practically. Over 500 guests become an opportunity for them to test their resourceful teamwork. Each artist who contributes work becomes a teacher who stretches the Apprentices' imaginations.
Nourishment.
Fertile soils nurture beautiful flowers. Generous artisanship created the resplendent feast. Doug Coffin's glorious Big Green Pizza Trucks and Catering, Caseus' exquisite cheese flowers and Black Hog Beer, Koffee's delightful cocktails, Small Kitchen, Big Taste's elegant salads, Whole G's fabulous breads and desserts, wine from 14 Hands Winery and Beaulieu Vinyards, and Edible Arrangements contributed the evening's most delectable bouquet. Bun Lai and Miya's provides a post-Challenge sustainable opportunity to the artists and volunteers.
Serendipity
Some gardeners need blooms in neatly pruned rows - some surrender to the unpredictable richness of serendipity. We revel on and in the ample crowd that supports the Challenge...but regret that we cannot connect meaningfully with each and every guest and contributor. Thank you for being a part of the gathering and the Museum. Trust that without your presence and generosity our garden would not be complete.
And finally, we hope to see you again next year.
4.26.18 - The 24th Leonardo Challenge
Bill and Sally
