APRIL 2018 36 | GIVING IN STYLE {fashion in the philanthropy lane} As guests enter the Desert Botanical Garden gates, they find a welcome new addition. A large, glazed, blue and pink Raku head from famed artist Jun Kaneko is there to greet them. Phoenix, a competitive philanthropic market, is becoming a magnet for such special displays, because nomadic residents and visitors seek new desert experiences during the mild winter and spring weather. The Desert Botanical Garden is one of only a few botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. As such, it has a unique opportunity to host a fusion of experiences. Previous exhibits such as Chihuly in the Garden by artist Dale Chihuly have elevated the status of this outdoor wonderland. Today, four years after this exhibit, visitors can still see the large green cactus sculptures, which are now a permanent staple of the garden. DANGO IN THE DESERT Tyler Butler | FASHION WRITER

APRIL 2018 | 37 Today, the Jun Kaneko showcase — another bold, monumental exhibit — is driving people to indulge in the desert. Best known for his groundbreaking work in ceramics, Kaneko boasts a career that has included painting, leading projects in both design and architecture, and teaching at universities throughout the United States. This Jun Kaneko exhibit is unique as it is thoughtfully mixed with the landscape. The soothing shapes sport colorful stripes, dots, spirals and squares. Most notable is perhaps the Head sculptures, or Dango, a Japanese term for “rounded form,” which stand as high as 11 feet. It is one of these that greets guests as they enter the garden. “Kaneko’s sculptures challenge the physical limitations of the ceramic firing process and are meant to spark interaction with the natural environments,” said Elaine McGinn, director of planning and exhibits at the Desert Botanical Garden. The exhibit’s bold forms and dynamic colors look stunning juxtaposed with the landscape, so don’t miss this daring demonstration that promotes our desert environment. It will be on display until May 13. More details available at dbg.org .