‘The Garden Party: an Evening for the Senses’ is the premier event of the season at the Seattle Japanese Garden. From 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 29, the Japanese Garden will welcome guests inside the gate after hours to enjoy sake, fine wine and traditional Japanese cuisine.
The event, now in its sixth year, is the garden’s annual fundraiser. Proceeds support affordable public access to the garden, as well as the specialized needs of the garden, including cultural events, garden stewardship volunteer programs and community outreach.
Seattle Parks and Recreation, which manages the Seattle Japanese Garden, reached a new agreement with the Arboretum Foundation in January 2016, selecting the Foundation to be the primary support organization for the Garden. This is the first Garden Party organized and hosted by the Arboretum Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
In addition to food and drinks, Garden Party guests will have the opportunity to read artfully installed haiku as they stroll the garden. There will be a flute performance by White Swan-label recording artist Gary Strousos, traditional koto music and jazz classics performed on harp by musician Monica Schley, as well as a butoh-inspired Tiny Parade.
Prentice Bloedel Japanese Garden Arboretum Unit 86 as well as Noriko and Doug Palmer are the title sponsors of the event. Additional event support comes from JM Cellars, Prestige Sake International, and Vinum Importing.
Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at www.seattlejapanesegarden.org.
The Seattle Japanese Garden is located at 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E. For more information, please contact Rumi Tsuchihashi, Seattle Japanese Garden Support Manager, at rtsuchihashi@arboretumfoundation.org.