The San Antonio Botanical Garden was awarded the Santikos Capital & Naming Rights grant for $500,000 for the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation Fountain of the Ferns and Santikos Art in the Garden. The Garden recognizes the San Antonio Area Foundation, the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation Capital Community Advisory Committee, and Santikos Enterprises for their support of the Garden. Bob Brackman, Executive Director of the San Antonio Botanical Garden says “We are so immensely honored to be recipients of a grant from the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation, a fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation. With this support, the Garden is able to make a difference to those we serve by expanding public garden spaces that connect people to the plant world and inspire new generations of visitors to engage with nature and art.”
John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation Fountain of the Ferns
As a part of Phase II of the Garden’s GROW Capital Campaign, the Fountain of the Ferns is a feature of the central Event Lawn where new and existing garden spaces intersect. The John L. Santikos Fountain of the Ferns is a prominent water feature with an eight-foot high cascading fountain inspired by a hill country canyon seep and the Villa d’Este outside of Rome. The Fountain will flow into a water garden lined with arching jets of water and will be illuminated in the evening for special events. Visitors drawn to water will enjoy the gentle sounds of cascading water, cooling mist, and playful sprays of water.
The GROW Capital Campaign goal for Phase I & II totals $40 million. Phase I raised $22.3 million and included the opening of the major features: Garden Gateway, Welcome and Discovery Complex, Culinary Garden and Outdoor Kitchen, and Family Adventure Garden. Phase II fundraising goal is $17.7 million and includes the opening of the Education and Event Center, Event Lawn including the John L. Santikos Fountain of the Ferns, Administration Building, and major renovations to the Sullivan Carriage House with the opening of Rosella at the Garden in early 2018. Expected date of completion for Phase II is fall 2019.
Santikos Art in the Garden
Since 2004, Art in the Garden has brought together the public, artists, and art supporters for extended exhibitions by local, regional and national contemporary sculpture artists. It is one of the Garden’s best-known and most anticipated annual cultural programs. Art in the Garden promotes accessibility to the arts through several free evenings at the Garden, including the opening reception. Karen Kimbell, Director of Development of the San Antonio Botanical Garden notes, “Mr. Santikos was a long-time member of the Garden and we are excited to have the Art in the Garden program and Fountain of the Ferns carry his legacy for generations to come. As we strive to connect the community to the world of plants through our beautiful grounds and cultural programming, we’re humbled to be a part of the amazing work the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation has committed to support throughout South Texas.”
Like the Fountain of the Ferns, Art in the Garden enhances the Garden experience by introducing visitor’s to emerging and established artists. Guests learn to appreciate art in a natural environment, and begin to explore the artistry in nature itself. Past exhibiting artists for Art in the Garden include Diana Kersey, Rodrigo Garagarza, Carlos Cortez, James Surls, Alyson Shotz, and Katie Pell.
About the San Antonio Area Foundation
The San Antonio Area Foundation has served as the sole, designated community foundation for the San Antonio area for over half a century, growing to become one of the Top 20 foundations in the nation based on asset size. The Area Foundation helps donors achieve their charitable goals, managing more than 500 charitable funds approaching $1 billion in assets. Coordinating efforts with numerous area nonprofits, the Area Foundation serves as a collaborative leader, connecting donors to address key community issues and investing in our future. Since 1964, over $400 million for scholarships and grants have been awarded to enhance the quality of life in our region. Learn more about your community foundation at saafdn.org.
About the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation
The John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation, a fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, was created by John L. Santikos – entrepreneur, real estate developer and movie theatre businessman – who passed away December 30, 2014. Mr. Santikos gifted the bulk of his estate to the San Antonio Area Foundation to establish his legacy, continue the successful operation of his businesses and make significant annual donations beyond his lifetime. He directed his support for nonprofits in eight Texas counties who offer a wide range of charitable programs. Learn more at saafdn.org/santikos.
About the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Daily admission to the San Antonio Botanical Garden is $12 adults; $10 students, seniors, military; $8 children age 3-13. San Antonio Botanical Garden is located at 555 Funston Place at North New Braunfels. Parking is free. The Botanical Garden is operated under the auspices of the City of San Antonio Department of Parks & Recreation and is open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit www.sabot.org or call 210-536-1400.
