Sound of Water: Feminine Expressions of Fluidity

Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its beloved Japanese Garden with Sound of Water: Feminine Expressions of Fluidity, an art exhibition in the Sturt Haaga Gallery. The show brings together paintings, prints and sculptures by six Japanese women artists, Emiko Aida, Miya Ando, Yumiko Glover, Mineko Grimmer, Yuko Kimura and Ayomi Yoshida, all exploring water as a subject and a source of inspiration.

Curated by Japanese art historian Meher McArthur, the exhibition looks at the many sides of water, from calm and gentle to wild and powerful. Kids may spot a bright red-and-white koi swimming through a swirl of blue patterns, and the show invites visitors of all ages to think about the role water plays in Japanese culture and in our changing climate.

The gallery makes a natural pairing with a family walk through the gardens. After viewing the artwork, your family can wander over to the Japanese Garden that inspired the anniversary celebration, then keep exploring the oak forest, rose garden and camellia collection. Entry to the gallery is included with regular garden admission, so there is no extra ticket to buy.

The exhibition is a quiet, indoor stop that works well for school-age kids, curious tweens and teens interested in art, while little ones can enjoy the colors before running off to explore the paths outside. The gallery is open 10 AM to 4 PM, a little shorter than the garden's daily hours, so plan your art visit before late afternoon.

📅 Dates & Times

Now through Sunday, January 3, 2027

Sturt Haaga Gallery hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

Descanso Gardens hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Descanso Gardens is closed on December 25.

📍 Venue

Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Dr.

La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome.

The art exhibition is best appreciated by school-age kids, tweens, teens and adults, while younger children can enjoy it as part of a garden visit.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

Gallery entry is included with Descanso Gardens admission or membership.

General admission: $20

Seniors 65 and over: $14

Students with current ID: $14

Children ages 3–12: $8

Children 2 and under and Descanso members: free

Tickets can be purchased in person or online in advance.

BUY DESCANSO GARDENS ADMISSION

🍔 Food

The Market in the Descanso Courtyard offers grab-and-go meals, drinks, snacks and seasonal specials (10 AM – 7 PM daily).

Jones Coffee Roasters serves coffee and pastries (7:30 AM – 7 PM daily).

Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens offers farm-to-table dining; reservations are recommended.

🚙 Parking

Parking at Descanso Gardens is free, and valet parking is available on busy weekends.

Two bus stations are located about half a mile from the garden.

🌐 Website Link

Descanso Gardens – Sound of Water

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

Event listings are believed to be accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings in our calendar. Some events have paid us to be on our events calendar, and some events contain an affiliate link.