Gardens at Vernon Court to be Open for Public Viewing as The National Museum of American Illustration hosts “Nature Perfected”- First-Ever Garden Event

The National Museum of American Illustration announces a special weekend event, June 23rd, 24th & 25th, 2006. “Nature Perfected- A Garden Tour”, is a three-day event during which the Museum will be open each day for self-guided tours, including the opportunity to tour the Gardens at Vernon Court. A Garden talk, incorporating questions and answers, will be offered each day at Noon. Noted arborist Clem des Jardins will be a speaker on Saturday and Sunday. This three-day event will be the only opportunity this season for visitors to tour the gardens. Additionally, while the Museum is typically open for guided tours only, this event will offer general admissions for self-guided tours; an opportunity to tour the Museum at the visitor’s own pace. Generous corporate support for “Nature Perfected” is provided by Sam Kinder & Brother, Inc.

The Rose Garden at Vernon Court, 2006

This is the only opportunity this season for visitors to tour the gardens at Vernon Court.

“Nature Perfected- a Garden Tour” runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2006. The National Museum of American Illustration, including the Gardens at Vernon Court and the Frederick Law Olmsted Park, will be open each day from 10:00-3:00. Tickets are available at the door; Admissions fee $25, seniors or military, $22, children 12 and under not admitted. For more information please visit www.americanillustration.org or telephone 401-851-8949 ext. 18.

"A Florentine Fete: Buds Beneath the Roses" by MAXFIELD PARRISH

Generous Corporate Support Provided by Samuel Kinder & Brother, Inc.

Arborists - Landscapers - Nurserymen

315 Hope Street, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809- (401) 253-7700

Molly Dickinson, Director of Institutional Development, The National Museum of American Illustration- 492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. T: 401-851-8949 ext.18- F: 401-851-8974- mdickinson@americanillustration.org- www.americanillustration.org

The National Museum of American Illustration is a nonprofit independent, educational, and aesthetic organization. It is located in Newport, RI on Bellevue Avenue at Vernon Court (1898), a Beaux-Arts adaptation of an 18th century French chateau. It is the first national museum devoted exclusively to American illustration art. Illustration consists of original artwork created to be reproduced in books, magazines, newspapers and advertisements. ‘Golden Age’ paintings by such luminaries as Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, NC Wyeth, and 75 others are displayed in ‘Gilded Age’ architecture, creating a unique union of art and architecture- a national treasure. The Museum is administered by the American Civilization Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the goal to present the best possible venue for appreciating the greatest collection of illustration art; the most American of American art.

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