This past September, Vista Gardens hosted its first “Art in the Gardens” fundraising event, with proceeds supporting the organization’s educational program. Art pieces by local artists expressed nature-inspired subjects, painted with watercolors, and were offered for sale to event attendees. Six artists featured their creative works, and four were available during the afternoon and evening to meet attendees and discuss their pieces. The sale was the culmination of the “Art in the Gardens” program initiated earlier this year.
The weather was ideal for late summer, pleasant and warm. Guests were encouraged to leave their vehicles at Lions Park, where a shuttle provided transportation to and from Vista Gardens. Wine and other beverages were offered along with light snacks. Visitors were encouraged to engage with the artists, stroll the paths throughout the site and relax to music on the patio. Raffle tickets sold at the entrance offered prizes that all garden lovers would desire, including membership at Bloedel Reserve and Vista Gardens, plus a copy of one of the founder John Albers’ books.
The Art Circle
Local artist Amber Lane was familiar with Vista Gardens, and imagined gathering with other artists to sketch, draw, paint and create together. Vista Gardens seemed the place for inspiration and creativity to flourish, so the Vista Gardens Art Circle was born. During the past year, the group has included 12 artists, gathering for creative expression and community.
The Artists
Lane has a background in fiber arts, but the pieces she presented for sale were all watercolor paintings. Her style is loose and natural, using blending methods to present landscapes effectively. She uses a wonderful “wet-on-wet” technique to depict the blended colors of the sky.
Sisters Christine Chesney and Nancy Valentine both paint in watercolors. Their background as landscape designers in Los Angeles and Palm Springs is evident in their art. Despite the extra business brought during the pandemic, they relocated to Port Orchard four years ago to be near family members.
Both artists express subjects with careful botanical and realistic detail. Chesney often chooses flowers as her subject, and Valentine excels in portraying birds. Their love of gardening is evident in other pursuits as well. The sisters are co-presidents of different garden clubs, one in Port Orchard and the other in Gig Harbor. It was on a field trip with one of the clubs that they discovered Vista Gardens and joined the Art Circle. They choose to paint independently using photographs, with watercolor to depict flowers, butterflies, herbs and mushrooms. Completing a piece often takes up to 10 hours.
Distance is not a problem for Christina Looney. Her commitment to the Art Circle is evident, as she travels from Arlington to attend and paint, outfitting her vehicle each time for a short camping trip in Kitsap County. Looney is a Snohomish County Master Gardener, as well as a Facebook and gardening friend with Lane. Lane shared the idea of the Art Circle, and Looney joined. Her style is abstract and ethereal, as well as detailed and precise. She paints in watercolor and enjoys portraying landscapes and specific nature-inspired subjects.
A Brief History of Vista Gardens
John Albers and his wife, Santica Marcovia, founded Vista Gardens in 1998. Since that time, the garden has developed into a “must-see” destination in Kitsap County. Located in Bremerton on a steep hillside above Port Washington Narrows, the site overlooks Phinney Bay and Rocky Point. Across the narrows sit Bremerton High School and the Olympic College Bremerton campus. Toward the east, Mount Rainier is visible over the Seattle skyline. The garden is thoughtfully designed in a challenging location with sloping terrain and offers many viewpoints, as well as wisely placed benches for resting spots.
Peaceful and inspiring, Vista Gardens presents a beautiful, enjoyable and sometimes whimsical experience. While plants are the featured items here, creatively situated rocks, planters, statuary and other art enhance the experience. Long, colorful blown-glass pieces hang from a tree, emulating some exotic flower or fruit.
The Educational Programs
Vista Gardens is not merely a fabulous collection of plants and thoughtful landscape design. The garden also serves as an educational resource for the public. Sustainable gardening practices are gaining importance as gardeners strive to meet the evolving needs of the environment. Vista Gardens is committed to this goal.
Open Garden Days occur throughout the week. On these days, visitors are on their own, exploring and enjoying the gardens at an individually determined pace. Reservations are recommended, and there is a suggested donation of $10.
For a more instructional time, consider a guided tour with Albers. These unique tours provide an opportunity to gain insight from a skilled and gifted master. The November calendar lists tours focusing on fall foliage and the process by which plants transition into winter. These educational opportunities help participants learn and implement sustainable gardening practices. The guided tours have a small fee, and reservations are needed. See the website calendar for additional topics and dates.
Workshops focusing on specific topics are frequently scheduled. Topics range from native plants and photography in the garden to creating a habitat for local wildlife. Knowledgeable teachers guide and direct these sessions. Reserve a spot for these opportunities, and a donation is appreciated.
The Vista Gardens Art Circle continues to meet in the foundation library, scheduled for the third Thursday of each month. The gardens inspire artistic exploration. During the afternoon, an “art ambassador” will assist if guidance is desired, and no prior experience is necessary. Vista Gardens membership offers participation at no additional fee. Registration is recommended.
Albers is dedicated to educating the public, both gardeners and non-gardeners. His desire to influence how people garden and think about gardens is reflected in his book titles, “Gardening for Sustainability,” “The Northwest Garden Manifesto” and “Growing Conifers.”
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