La Canada Flintridge’s First Green Gallery

Descanso Gardens

Something other than flowers is blooming in the Descanso Gardens, the Sturt Haaga Gallery of Art.

Lots of excitement surrounds the 2,800 square foot “green” gallery’s opening, set for later this summer, because it will be the city’s first museum-type art exhibition open to the public. Visitors will see state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly features of the gallery, in addition to the works of art it houses.

The new Sturt Haaga Gallery of Art is being changed from a garage into a two-part gallery where artists from all over the world can exhibit their work. The designers, Frederick Fisher and Partners, hope to achieve a green theme with pathways leading to multiple gardens, such as a rock-work stairway leading to the Hope’s Garden, access to the roof garden, and vertical gardens. The gallery will be made from sustainable design materials and technologies in hopes to educate the public on nature appreciation.

Visitors will enjoy the gallery’s modern amenities that have minimum impact on the environment. Examples are formaldehyde-free drywall, recycled linen insulation, low-VOC paints, tankless water system, low-flow toilets/waterless urinals, permeable surface hardscaping instead of asphalt, end-block flooring, and low-voltage lighting with auto-dimmers. These elements are not only better for the environment, but also allow natural light and settings to complement the artworks.

If you have already experienced the wonderful Descanso gardens, you can vote for them in the “America’s Best Rose Garden” Competition.

Price: General Admission is $8 for Adults, $6 for Seniors/Students, and $3 for Children (5-12 years old)

Location: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge (map)

Photo courtesy of Luna, Ink.