Charles Gillette: Genius by Nature & Habitat Stewardship

On View March 6th - June 8th, 2025

The Branch Museum of Design proudly presents the return of the Re-Think Design series with a new installation:  Re-Think Landscape Design.  The Main Gallery explores the legacy of landscape architect Charles Gillette with Genius by Nature, featuring a selection of local projects.  The Long Gallery showcases Habitat Stewardship, focusing on the future of garden design and eco-conscious gardening.

Charles Gillette:  Genius by Nature

Charles Gillette (American, 1886-1969) Milburne, 1935 Pencil, red pencil, and green pencil on tracing paper 46 x 32-½ inches, Library of Virginia

A master of landscape architecture, Charles Gillette (1886-1969) shaped the distinctive ‘Virginia Garden’ style, seamlessly blending classical European influences with the Southern landscape.  Curators Amie Rennolds and Mimi Sadler, both accomplished architects, have meticulously assembled a compelling exploration of Gillette’s legacy.  Fourteen projects – spanning educational, commercial, and residential landscapes – are presented through stunning photography and detailed architectural renderings, offering uniques insights into a visionary approach.

Habitat Stewardship

Deborah Davis (Richmond, VA b. 1951) Rosy Maple Moth (detail), Dryocampa rubicunda Acrylic on canvas, Image: 2024, Deborah Davis

This immersive exhibit connects fine art representations of the natural world with modern design principles that promote ecological sustainability.  It aims to inspire and provide valuable insights for responsible, eco-conscious gardening.  Curated by Anna Aquino, with Tracy Harris Bernabo, and Donata Kraskauskaite, it highlights the vital role of landscape design in conservation.  This part of the exhibit also connects designers to local resources in the movement, including Xerces Society, Bee City and Dark Skies.

Throughout the exhibition, discover sustainably produced original works from various local designers. Featured designers include McKinnon & Harris, a Richmond-based design group who create original, enduring, handmade estate and garden furniture. 

Charles Gillette (American, 1886-1969) Governor’s Mansion, 2024 photo by Richard Foley, Rieley & Associates, Charlottesville, VA
Robert Llewellyn (Roanoke, VA, b. 1945) Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), 2011 Color ACM, printed from the artist’s original digital file 16 x 20 inches Courtesy of Robert Llewellyn / Collection of Anna and Charles Aquino
Laure Stevens-Lubin (Methuen, MA, b. 1963) Trumpeter Swan “Refuge”, 2022 Acrylic on Arches paper 22 x 30 inches, from After Audubon: Abiding in the Anthropocene
Charles Gillette (American, 1886-1969) 1530 Park Avenue Rennolds residence, 1938 Diazoprint with colored pencil 35 x 34 inches, Library of Virginia
Monika Bierschenk (Bethesda, MD, b. 1998) Reflection Bowl, 2023 Brown stoneware, oxides, fired to cone 9 Diameter: 18 inches, Courtesy of Monika Bierschenk, Coneflower Clay, Image © 2023, Corrie Bain International Ceramics School
Charles Gillette (American, 1886-1969) St. Catherine’s School, 2024 photo credit Leila Sallie, Homes.com
Deborah Davis (Richmond, VA b. 1951) Imperial Moth (male) Eacles imperials, 2023 Acrylic on canvas 30 x 40 inches
Charles Gillette (American, 1886-1969) Governor’s Mansion, 2024 photo by Richard Foley, Rieley & Associates, Charlottesville, VA
Robert Llewellyn (Roanoke, VA, b. 1945) Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), 2011 Color ACM, printed from the artist’s original digital file 16 x 20 inches Courtesy of Robert Llewellyn / Collection of Anna and Charles Aquino
Laure Stevens-Lubin (Methuen, MA, b. 1963) Trumpeter Swan “Refuge”, 2022 Acrylic on Arches paper 22 x 30 inches, from After Audubon: Abiding in the Anthropocene
Charles Gillette (American, 1886-1969) 1530 Park Avenue Rennolds residence, 1938 Diazoprint with colored pencil 35 x 34 inches, Library of Virginia
Monika Bierschenk (Bethesda, MD, b. 1998) Reflection Bowl, 2023 Brown stoneware, oxides, fired to cone 9 Diameter: 18 inches, Courtesy of Monika Bierschenk, Coneflower Clay, Image © 2023, Corrie Bain International Ceramics School
Charles Gillette (American, 1886-1969) St. Catherine’s School, 2024 photo credit Leila Sallie, Homes.com
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Sponsored By:

3North
Anna and Charles Aquino
Fan District Association
Beverly E. Pflugrath
Terra Forma Landscaping
Bucci and John Zeugner

With additional support from Amie Rennolds, Caroline Rennolds Milbank, Margaret Rennolds Chace, and Mimi Sadler

Charles Gillette:  Genius by Nature curated by Amie Rennolds and Mimi Sadler, with graphic design by Erin Nelligan, Lucy Dog Design Co.

Habitat Stewardship curated by Anna Aquino, with Tracy Harris Bernabo, and Donata Kraskauskaite.

With Special Thanks To:

Sally Acors
Monika Bierschenk, Coneflower Clay
Nancy Blum
Bond Millen Gallery
Rhea Calpeno, Photosynthesis Floral Design
Anne Chazal, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Deborah Davis
Joan Elliott
Gary P. Fleming
Tommy Fox
Lara Call Gastinger
Glave & Holmes
Laura Greenleaf
Joyce Harman
Quatro Hubbard – Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Nancy Ross Hugo
Jimmy Keith, Keith Fabry
Raven Larcom
Rachel Lilly
Robert Llewellyn
Calder Loth
J. Christopher Ludwig
Sally Mann
McKinnon and Harris
Dan Miller
Dale Neighbors, Library of Virginia
Ben Nichols
Rubin Peacock
James Prosek
Bryan Puckett
Reynolds Gallery
Rieley & Associates
Pamela Kiecker Royall, Collection of Pamela K. and William A. Royall, Jr.
Shockoe Bottom Clay
Sneed’s Nursery
Molly Spell
Gordon Stettinius, Candela Gallery
Laure Stevens-Lubin
Ivy Tan, Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Kendra Taylor, Kendra Taylor Landscape Design, LLC
Camden Whitehead
Meredith Wheeler, Secret Flowers
Sally Wittkofski
Woody Woodroof
Anne Wright
Willie Anne Wright