| Summary: | "Nature and the arts inspire us, bringing peace, joy, and solace to our lives. Brookgreen Gardens is a unique blending of nature, art and history that brings these in full measure and more. As a national historic landmark, Brookgreen is an important part of the history of South Carolina and tells the story of a special couple, Anna and Archer Huntington. In 1931 the Huntingtons created America's first sculpture garden at Brookgreen, almost immediately after purchasing the property as a winter retreat. Their love for the landscape inspired them to share it with the world. As Brookgreen's founders, the Huntingtons created a culture of preservation as well as a "society for southeastern flora and fauna." They protected its 9,127 acres as a wildlife sanctuary while providing the public access to connect with natural resources. This also preserved historical resources and helped to sustain Gullah Geechee culture on Sandy Island. The national landmark designation highlights the number of women sculptors whose work is presented in the collection, as well as the significance of the work of Anna Hyatt Huntington, one of the great American sculptors. Brookgreen displays more than a hundred sculptures and other works by Anna Huntington, many placed in the gardens she designed. The Garden's collection of American figurative sculpture now comprises more than 2,000 works by 425 artists. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Brookgreen continues to grow its collection, and its place in American art history. This book, through the work and vision of many talents, shares Brookgreen Gardens through photographs that represent its four mission areas: history, art, botanical gardens, and wildlife. Generous photographers donated their work. Kathy Waldie and Lauren Joseph provided editing along with our wonderful friends at University of South Carolina Press. Brookgreen is especially fortunate to have Robin Salmon, our Vice President of Art and Historical Collections, contribute her writing. It would be hard to imagine a book about Brookgreen that did not include her original research and historical perspective. Our Chairman Dick Rosen points out in his preface, that the special culture of Brookgreen is possible only with the talented volunteers and staff who support our mission every day. In addition to the Huntington's leadership and generosity, we have benefitted from the contributions the Board of Trustees, former Trustees and staff have made to shape and grow the organization, and on at least one occasion, save it during difficult times. When former President and CEO Bob Jewell created Brookgreen's trademark "ever changing, simply amazing" he captured the essence of this special place. One of my favorite events at Brookgreen is orientation, when staff and volunteers introduce themselves and are asked what drew them to Brookgreen. Almost universally, our answer is the way, driving down the long drive of oaks and azalea, that we are transported to a place where our cares and worries are forgotten. We are enveloped in Lowcountry history, in the beauty of the surroundings and we have time to reflect on the importance of art and nature in our lives and in society. For me, it is the honor of a lifetime to lead Brookgreen as we celebrate the 90th anniversary. I am most grateful for the ways that Brookgreen and its people have enriched my life. This book is a tribute to the Gardens and its multiple treasures"--
"An oasis of art and nature, Brookgreen Gardens is America's first public sculpture garden and largest collection of American figurative sculpture. Founded in 1931 by Archer Milton Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington, its lush South Carolina coastal location is an exquisite setting for the more than two thousand works by four hundred twenty-five artists-including more than one hundred sculptures and other works by Anna Huntington, many placed in the gardens she designed. In 1984, Brookgreen was designated as a National Historic Landmark, highlighting the number of women sculptors whose work is presented in the collection, as well as the significance of the work of Anna Huntington. Today, Brookgreen has become a cultural institution unlike any other, blending sculpture, historic sites, botanical gardens, and the Lowcountry Zoo. As Brookgreen begins its ninetieth year, this volume celebrates the art, nature, and history ensconced in its 9,127 acres. More than one hundred color photographs; an introduction by president and CEO, Page Hayhurst Kiniry; and a foreword by its chairman of the board, Dick Rosen, bring Brookgreen Gardens to life on the page"--
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