June 2021 - Cheekwood
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Volunteer Spotlight: Dobrila and Mirko Pintar

Volunteer Spotlight: Dobrila and Mirko Pintar

Dobrila and Mirko Pintar joined Cheekwood as volunteers in early 2020. They jumped right in, and started volunteering for a range of assignments right away, and continued on during our year of COVID challenges. Dobrila’s engaging energy when she greets guests is infectious….she really takes an interest in them, and you can see they appreciate her welcoming smile! Mirko’s ongoing interest and enthusiasm for learning more about our history, the gardens and Cheekwood provides for an enhanced experience as he shares with visitors. They both perform a vital role working with our registrar and historic curator team to help maintain our exhibits and historic artifacts in the Historic Mansion & Museum as Collections Tech volunteers. And Mirko attended our TRAINS! Exhibit training so he’s now certified to serve there. Dobrila also creates art and jewelry using glass as a medium. The Pintars are always flexible and willing to pivot if needed, fun to be with and are devoted to service. We are grateful they volunteer with us!

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Tell us a little about yourself.

(Mirko) In October 2019 I retired from active flying as an airline pilot. My first flight as a student happened in March 1972. I was lucky to do something I love to do for 47 years and to call it my career. First 19 years I was based in Europe and besides having opportunity to visit almost all countries in Europe, I spent time in the Middle East and East Africa. The rest I flew mostly in the US and for the last 23 years I flew for Southwest Airlines. I enjoyed the creativity of flying. Every flight is different because the weather conditions are unique at the time you fly. That ultimately gives you an opportunity for creativity. Of course, there are FAA regulations, airplane limitations and company procedures that every pilot has to follow, but there is still that window that as a pilot gives you a challenge to show your skills.

(Dobrila) We moved from Chicago two years ago. Chicago was my home for 17 years where I worked, retired and had done a lot of volunteering work. I also had a studio where I was melting glass and teaching other students how to do that. I fell in love with Nashville and I was looking how to integrate with the community and how I can become more helpful with my volunteering skills. I was lucky enough when I got the opportunity to work at Cheekwood as a volunteer along with my husband.

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What are your favorite hobbies, activities, or interests?

(Dobrila) I have quite a few hobbies and interests – golf, gardening and volunteering at Cheekwood.

(Mirko) I have many different activities mostly outdoor sports. I am a life-long tennis player and fan. For many years we traveled around the world to watch tennis tournaments. That love fit very well with our love to travel and learn to understand different cultures all over the world. Tennis runs in our blood and what more to say that Dobrila and I met on the tennis court 41 years ago, raised two children, both tennis players, one successful Division 1 player. Lately, we discovered a game of golf that we play frequently together. Again, this mutual love for golf gives us a chance to travel around the U.S. and discover the beauty of our country. No, we don’t share all activities. My interest in World History, especially European history is an interest that I’m passionate about.

What is your favorite garden or area at Cheekwood and Why?

(Dobrila) I love every single garden at Cheekwood, it is so difficult to exclude one from the other because they are so well taken care of and absolutely beautiful.

(Mirko) It has to be the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. It was my first assignment as a Cheekwood Volunteer and it was, I believe, the first event after the garden opening to the public. The garden is so well designed to utilize the natural slope of the land using serpentine walkways. It is so relaxing either to sit and enjoy the beauty of turtle pond or simply to walk around.

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What is your favorite room or area in the Historic Mansion & Museum, Frist Learning Center, or Botanic Hall? Why?

(Dobrila) My favorite room in the Historic Mansion & Museum  is the Drawing Room. Every time when I volunteer in that room I try to imagine how they use to spend their time and entertain friends. Also I love the entrance door and windows in that room, and the magnificent view to the gardens. I also admire the art left on the walls from the family. The Mansion had quite a few beautiful exhibits and one of my favorites is Chihuly at CheekwoodOrchids in the Mansion, and In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870-1940. These three are my favorite because I blow glass, I garden, orchids are my favorite flowers, and I also paint so  I can relate to all those fields.

(MirkoThe answer to this question will most likely surprise you. It’s the Frist Learning Center. Although, I never had a chance to take a workshop, I’m a lifetime learner and education is top priority in my life. Having a learning environment at Cheekwood is a good tool to promote the estate and gardens and recruit new volunteers.

Do you have a favorite art piece at Cheekwood, or, if not, a favorite exhibition that Cheekwood has hosted? Is there a reason you like it?

(Mirko) I like the concept of Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail. The fact that I enjoy walking and observing surroundings to create my personal visual art dialogue which one is constantly changing through seasonal nature changing. Also, I believe that this trail gives the best opportunity for additional sculptural art work.

Why did you become a volunteer?

(Dobrila) I became a volunteer at Cheekwood because I volunteered in Chicago in several places such as Slovenian Catholic center, Lillstreet Art center, Bridgeport Art Center, etc.

(Mirko) I had a lot of lows in my life when good people helped me or helped my family. Yes, I was the one who initiated and put a hard work, but I will never forget the support I received. Now is time to give back, help and support others and makes our society a better place. I volunteered a lot in the past and will continue to do so.

Is there a funny or inspirational story you can briefly tell about your volunteer experience?

(Mirko)I think it is funny what happened to me on my first shift as a volunteer at TRAINS! After a training session I stayed as a greeter. Not long after one car derailed. I stepped over the fence, put a car back on rail and somebody offered a hand to help me step back. Turns out that gentleman was Jim Crossman who made the TRAINS exhibit and new depot features possible in honor of his grandchildren.

Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with Cheekwood?

(Mirko) It is a great place to meet, socialize, extend your knowledge to others and more important to learn from others. You will be surprised how many visitors know about the history of the Cheek family, art, specific exhibits, plants, and flowers.

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Are you interested in volunteering at Cheekwood? Click here to learn more!

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Thirsty Third Thursdays Special Summer Cocktail

Published: June 14, 2021

It’s summertime at Cheekwood, and the first of five Thirsty Third Thursdays is right around the corner. From June to October, Cheekwood hosts cocktail crawls every third Thursday evening featuring samples of specialty cocktails from our favorite spirit providers. To kick off this festive ticketed event on June 17th, we will be creating specialty concoctions with the use of Cathead liquors.

Cathead distillery, located in Jackson, Mississippi, was founded by Austin Evans and Richard Patrick in 2010. The term “Cathead” is an old-time compliment in Mississippi originally used by blues musicians to pay respect to fellow artists. Cathead Distillery currently produces six products in small batches: Cathead Original Vodka, Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, Cathead Bitter Orange Vodka, Bristow Gin, Hoodoo Chicory Liquor, and Old Soul Bourbon Whiskey.

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One of featured cocktails, the Ruby Red Rabbit, ties in with Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! art exhibit on display throughout the gardens. Kenney’s red rabbit is one of many LEGO® sculptures found throughout our gardens this summer. The Ruby Red Rabbit cocktail consists of Cathead Original Vodka, citrus tones of grapefruit, and a slight herbal hint of rosemary infused simple syrup – all coming together to create a refreshing summer beverage. This cocktail is easy to make at home, but even better enjoyed while strolling through our lush gardens on a summer evening.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces Cathead Original Vodka
  • 2 ounces grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 ounce of rosemary infused simple syrup
  • Sprig of Rosemary, for garnish

Pour vodka and grapefruit juice into an old fashioned glass over ice cubes. Splash simple syrup into the glass and give it a swirl with a straw. For a festive finish, garnish the cocktail a rosemary spruce.


Thirsty Third Thursdays will take place June 17th, July 15th, August 19th, September 16th, & October 21st.

Learn More

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Docent Spotlight: Barbara Martin

Docent Spotlight: Barbara Martin

Published:  June 7, 2021

The docent program at Cheekwood offers behind-the-scenes information and training on Cheekwood’s 55 acres of gardens, historical mansion, and art exhibitions. We offer the opportunity for our volunteers to train as a Garden Docent, House and History Docent, and Exhibition Docent. As important members of our team, docents act as volunteer teachers and tour guides while sharing their passion for Cheekwood’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, gardens, and historical residence with visitors of all ages.

We (virtually) sat down with one of our docents, Barbara Martin, to ask her some questions about her experience as a docent, and what she loves most.

Barbara has been an active Cheekwood volunteer for 5 years, educating groups as a docent on guided tours and assisting in numerous volunteer roles that serve our youth and family programs. Barbara works with visitors of all ages, from our youngest tots to adult tour groups, though her most beloved experiences at Cheekwood have been with our school-aged visitors. While in the gardens, Barbara can be found leading group tours, admiring new plantings, or interacting with walk-up visitors, always with a smile on her face!

Read on to learn more about Barbara’s experience as a Cheekwood Docent.

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What made you decide you wanted to volunteer?

The reason I wanted to volunteer at Cheekwood was that I had recently retired, and had always loved Cheekwood, so I got on the website to look for opportunities. I am a Master Gardener,  so volunteering at Cheekwood looked like a great fit. Introducing  people of all ages to the gardens, seemed a perfect fit.

How did you hear about Cheekwood’s Docent program?

I actually found out about the docent program, while on the Cheekwood website.

What experience, background, circumstance, etc. led you to become a Cheekwood docent?

My experience of working in my own gardens, gardens in my neighborhood and being a lover of all plants and animals, led me in the direction of sharing my knowledge as a Cheekwood docent.

What sort of training is required to become a Cheekwood Docent?

The 6-week training prepared me well for being a docent. But it’s the additional opportunities that really expand your knowledge. We are encouraged to attend other trainings with garden and mansion staff to further educate us. We can even attend docent trainings again, especially if they are on gardens we would like to brush up on.

When did you begin volunteering at Cheekwood?

I started volunteering at Cheekwood in September of 2016.

Describe a typical tour:

There is no such thing as a typical tour. Our tours are rarely the same, we have different age groups and different levels of knowledge. We frequently tour multiple different gardens, and sometimes you might have 2 people or 12 people! You might also have a group of kindergarteners or a slower moving elderly group! It is challenging and fun to make every tour unique and engage your audience.

What is the funniest thing a visitor (young or grown!) has said to you on a tour?

One of my funnier moments while touring a group of 6th graders was….we had a science curriculum one fall with Davidson County schools. We had groups of 6th and 1st graders all fall. The 6th graders were studying the Emerald Ash Borer insect. On every tour I carried with me a colorful brochure of the insect an enlarged picture of it was on the front ( the picture showed an 8” insect). While I was sharing the picture, a student spoke up and said “ is he really that big?” Everyone got a good laugh and we continued on.

What are you most excited for at Cheekwood in the coming year?

I am always excited for Cheekwood Harvest in the fall , and the careful, slow reopening of some of our monthly events. Cheekwood is always evolving, and new art and new garden displays are always something to look forward to. The Nature POP! exhibition looks adorable and love the American Impressionists in the Mansion.  The new Wellness 360 is great new program to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit!


Are you an avid gardener, an admirer of the arts, or intrigued by Nashville’s rich history? Do you enjoy sharing your interests and knowledge with your community? If so, you may be interested in Cheekwood’s Docent Program! Join us for our Summer docent training beginning the week of June 14th. Click here to learn more!

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Top Plant Picks June 2021

Top Plant Picks June 2021

Published: June 1, 2021

Say hello to summer by taking a stroll through our gardens! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her top plant picks for June.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)

Bloom Time: April

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Tolerates: Rabbit

Native to North America: No

Zones: 5 – 8

Other:  Small tree, growing to 15 – 20′. Vibrant, red-purple summer foliage.

Location: Blevins Japanese Garden

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Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & drought

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Nice rounded habit, adds great shape and texture to the perennial border.

Zones: 3 – 9

Location: Wills Perennial Garden

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Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions in Purple’)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees, moths, butterflies

Tolerates: Heavy shade, deer & rabbit

Native to North America: No

Other:  Foliage is fern-like. The color of blooms is almost electric. Looks best when planted in groups.

Zones: 4 – 8

Location: Weaver Walk

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Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata ‘Soulmate’)

Bloom Time: June – July

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Butterflies

Tolerates: Deer & wet soil

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Provides nectar for butterflies and is a vital food source for Monarch butterfly larvae.

Zones: 3 – 6

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

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Red False Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Bloom Time: May – June

Sun Requirement: Full sun

Water Requirement: Dry

Wildlife: Butterflies & Hummingbirds

Tolerates: Drought & heat

Native to North America: Yes

Other: A desert plant with a long bloom period.

Zones: 5 – 10

Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

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Big Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Twist-n-Shout’)

Bloom Time: May – August

Sun Requirement: Part shade

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & butterflies – however only the smaller florets are fertile

Tolerates: Shade

Native to North America: No

Other:  Showy blooms which vary in color from blue to pink depending on the soil pH. ‘Twist-n-Shout’ is the first reblooming cultivar.

Zones: 6 – 9

Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden

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Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana ‘Green Shadow’)

Bloom Time: June

Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade

Water Requirement: Medium – wet

Wildlife: Bees

Tolerates: Clay, wet soil & deer

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Fragrant flowers. Oval, tight growth habit.

Zones: 5 – 10

Location: Weaver Walk

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Miniature Rose (Rosa ‘Minnie Pearl’)

Bloom Time: May – August

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Water Requirement: Medium

Wildlife: Bees & Butterflies

Tolerates: Alkaline soils

Native to North America: Yes

Other:  Spicy fragrance emits from an elegant, light peach tone.

Zones: 4 – 11

Location: Rose Study Garden

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