ANN NORTON AL FRESCO SERVES UP LUNCH FAVORITES AT THE GARDENS
Luncheon by Christina’s Catering open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during regular ANSG hours
(West Palm Beach, Fla) – As South Florida enters the time of year when its weather is the envy of the rest of the country, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is giving its guests another reason to exhale a little longer in a magnificent outdoor setting.
Shaded by surrounding rare palms and cycads, Ann Norton Al Fresco by Christina’s Catering is offering dining in Norton’s own beautiful courtyard, adjacent to her Historically Registered house and studio. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the luncheon service features soups, salads, grilled panini and desserts, alongside refreshments and assorted libations – complete with musical entertainment by the garden’s protected residents – chirping tropical birds.
“Ann Norton lived and worked at 2051 S. Flagler Dr. at Barcelona Rd. for 34 years until her death in 1982,” said Roger Ward, President and CEO of ANSG. “We want our luncheon guests to feel as if they are coming to a garden party that she might have hosted in her own home.” Typical of Mrs. Norton’s Southern hospitality, white table linens, beautiful china and carefully arranged place settings will create the perfect tableau for a delicious meal service by Christina’s Catering. We hope it will encourage our guests to really linger and fully experience all that the Gardens has to offer, both inside and out-of-doors.”
With menu pricing from $6 for a variety of soups and desserts to $12 for an assortment of salads and grilled panini, guests can also have wine or beer with their lunch. The menu is available on those days the house and gardens are open to the public, Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting.
“I was thrilled to work with the Gardens on turning this idea into a reality,” said Christina Hollbrook of Christina’s Catering. “I have worked with private clients in this area for more than 20 years and have catered many events at the Gardens. This new partnership is the perfect way for me to give back to an organization that gives so much to our community. I hope you will join us for lunch!”
The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc., is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, established in 1977 by Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982) to preserve the Historically Registered house and surrounding gardens in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the artist lived from 1948 until 1982. The rare palm and cycad gardens, Norton’s monumental sculptures, exhibition galleries and studio offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the sculptor’s holistic vision in its original setting.Located in West Palm Beach’s historic El Cid neighborhood, ANSG is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While visiting the Gardens, guests can visit the Nortons’ historic house to see the current exhibition, Gordon Cheung: New Order Vanitas, on view through February 4, 2018. Cheung has created a remarkable body of prints known collectively as Breaking Tulips. These visually stunning works were inspired by the exuberant floral masterpieces of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish still-life painters.
Coming in January, Celebrating Boaz Vaadia (1951 – 2017) debuts at the ANSG. The stacked-stone and bronze sculptures by the Israeli-American artist—who died earlier this year—will be displayed throughout Norton’s house and on the east lawn from January 11 through April 29, 2018, in the second exhibition which represents a partnership between the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art fair (January 11-15, 2018) at the “Tent Site” in downtown West Palm Beach. This exhibition of classic works by Vaadia has been generously provided by the Sponder Gallery of Boca Raton (and other venues in South Florida), the artist’s representative in this region for several decades. All but three of the works displayed at the ANSG will be offered for sale.
Admission to ANSG is free for members, $15 for non-member adults, $10 for seniors (age 65 and older), $7 for students, and children under five are free. Gallery and garden exhibition talks are available on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Gardens are also available for private events and are closed on major holidays. For more information, please visit www.ansg.org or call 561-832-5328.