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Cain said the exhibit includes iconic photos of Kahlo and her home and garden, which were located at Casa Azul (Blue House) in Mexico City; reproductions of several of her paintings; information about native Mexican plants that were grown in her garden; a dress from the Mexican state of Oaxaca; examples of folk art collected by Kahlo and her husband, painter Diego Rivera; and information on Mexican culture: traditional festivities, food and drink, and agricultural practices, Cain also said in the email. In an email interview with Herald-News Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland, Tina Riley, facility supervisor at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, provides insight into this exhibit. Baran-Unland: What makes this exhibit perfect for display at the Forest Preserve District of Will County? Riley: Four Rivers has offered a variety of nature-inspired arts programs and exhibits since it opened in 2009. The opportunity to host this nationally touring exhibition seemed like a great fit for us since we have established that art programming theme and a large part of the exhibit is based on the diversity and beauty of plants found in Kahlo’s native Mexico. Frida Kahlo had a deep appreciation for nature that was reflected in her art and in her personal surroundings at her home. An appreciation for nature is something that the District strives to develop in everyone who visits our preserves and attends our programs. We hope that the exhibit will teach visitors something new about Kahlo’s artistic influences and also encourage them to see their own surroundings, especially our own local landscapes, with new eyes. My staff and I have enjoyed learning about Frida as we prepared to host the exhibition. Her collections of botanical field guides, interest in medicinal plants, and attention to detail are things that we, as naturalists, can relate to and really appreciate about Frida. (Above: This photo of artist Frida Kahlo sitting next to an agave plant is an example of the types of items that will be on display during the “Friday Kahlo’s Garden” exhibition from Jan. 29 to March 16 at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon).
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Baran-Unland: What factors did you consider when creating the programming? Riley: We wanted to provide complementary programming that would appeal to different age groups and those with varied interests. That’s why you’ll see programs that focus on botanical aspects, creativity and art, and Frida herself. Baran-Unland: Is this exhibit for all ages? Riley: The exhibition is open to all ages, though it might be most appreciated by those ages 10 or older. There is a small section of the exhibit geared to younger children, and we will have a variety of fun activities for all ages in “Frida’s Garden Studio.” All of our program listings indicate the age of the intended audience. Baran-Unland: What is the one thought you hope attendees remember about Frida? Riley: I hope that visitors will be reminded that local landscapes and cultures have been, and continue to be, a source of inspiration for artists from all over the world. Frida had a unique perspective and a wonderful gift for communicating her thoughts, beliefs and values through the home environment she built with her husband, artist Diego Rivera, and the paintings and drawings she created throughout her lifetime. “Frida Kahlo’s Garden” helps us to understand the influences and messages reflected in her art, home and garden. Baran-Unland: For devotees of Frida's work, what's one thing they might be surprised to know? Riley: Much has been written about Frida’s personal pain and suffering, her iconic fashion styles, and her relationships throughout her lifetime. This exhibit zooms in on something just as intimate, yet maybe not as well examined. Frida’s home and garden served as places of refuge and respite for her. Frida’s collections of plants, folk art, books, photographs, clothing and jewelry were extensions of her personality and reflected interests, friendships, and important elements of the Mexican culture she embraced. Understanding those influences may shed a different light on Frida, the woman, and her artwork. (Above Frida with Picasso earrings, 1939. Photo by Nickolas Muray, Nickolas Muray Photo Archives)
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KNOW MORE According to the book “Frida Kahlo’s Garden,” which accompanied the 2015 “FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life” exhibit at The New York Botanical Garden, Kahlo is “revered as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century and celebrated as an international symbol of Mexican and feminist identity.” Tufts University associate professor Adriana Zavala, who guest curated the New York exhibit (which led to the smaller traveling exhibit), explains Kahlo’s allure: “She was deeply inspired by Mexican culture and the revolutionary politics of her day but she interpreted these, along with drawing inspiration from her own life, to create a truly unique artistic style and vision. Her works often spring from personal experience, although they are much more complex than mere biography, and it is her frank and creative portrayal of her own struggles that continues to resonate with new audiences. She also celebrated Mexican culture, which is beautiful, complex, and vibrant, and audiences connect with that passion as well.” (Information supplied by the Forest Preserve District of Will County). WHAT: "Frida Kahlo’s Garden" WHEN: Jan. 29 through March 16. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. WHERE: Four Rivers Environmental Center, 25055 W. Walnut Lane in Channahon INFORMATION: Visit reconnectwithnature.org.or bit.ly/fridakahlogarden. (Above: Frida sitting to one side of a sculpture by Mardonio Magana, 1948. Photo by Nickolas Muray, Nickolas Muray Photo Archives).