Ripped to Shreds: The Mary Livingston Ripley Garden

By The Queen of Free

The dainty, charming Mary Livingston Ripley Garden was ripped asunder on January 20, 2009 by the million+ Inaugural visitors.

They smashed fences installed to keep them out and protect the grace of Mary Garden.

Compare the pictures above with that at the Mary Garden Web site.

Signs posted at the garden's two entrances announce to visitors the plight of Mary Garden which lies between the Hirshhorn Museum and the Arts and Science Building on the Mall:

"It will take time and quite a bit of replenishment to rehabilitate the Garden"

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Dotting the garden are bits of yellow and purple flowers poking their heads from the few remaining bulbs bursting from the ground and from tree buds.

Despite the bare ground, walking along the curving path through the garden is still a pleasurable exercise.

On May 25, 1988 the Smithsonian Institution's Women’s Committee laid a plaque on the Independence Avenue entrance in honor of Mary Livingston Ripley who spearheaded the creation of the garden on land originally designated for a parking lot. She was married to the Smithsonian's eighth Secretary.

Last summer on its wee 1/3 acre plot 1,260 varieties of plants grew at Mary Garden, say the signs which carry optimistic wording that the Earth can rejuvenate itself. Yes, it can.

Rush! Renwick Jewelry Show Closes July 6

By the Queen of Free

Ornament as Art: Avant-Garde Jewelry from the Helen Williams Drutt Collection organized by the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston

More than 275 pieces created by artists from around the world are included in a glittering exhibit which is delightful in every way at the Renwick Gallery

Unless the wearer is a giant, I do not believe this is jewelry made to be worn but to admire and wonder about the artists’ perspectives and creativity.

From the “Conventional Weapons Necklace” (just imagine) by Nancy Worden to the brooch, “Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil” by Judy Onofrio, which includes a tiny colorful cameo of Abraham Lincoln and the three monkeys in common crouch with serpents intertwining the pin’s borders, this is an stunning show which entertains gloriously.

Many brooches, some necklaces, a ring stand, and a few bracelets (can you guess what the “Gold Finger” bracelet looks like?) are included in this show of contemporary adornments. I did not see any earrings or body piercings.

Some of the most fascinating necklaces are: “Sneak Necklace” of beads and thread by Joyce Scott, “Square Necklace” by Robert Smit, “Air Neckpiece” by Pierre Cavalan and one made of book paper by Janna Syvanoja.

Everything is absolutely incredible.

Since the gallery is open on the 4th, take your brood (the children will be almost as captivated as you) for a peak before you head to the Mall to see the fireworks show which will almost match the color and spark inside the Renwick.

You likely know the Renwick is a few steps from either Farragut Metro Stop, sits adjacent to the Blair and Lee houses on Pennsylvania Avenue at the intersection with 17th Street, N.W. down the street from the White House and Lafayette Park, and the show is free, mind you, free!

Another Smithsonian treasure. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday – Sunday. You will love it.