David Gorden (left) and Mark Zelonis. Photo courtesy IMA Horticultural Society
We all know there have been a lot of changes at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, but one has likely been under the radar, except among members and avid gardeners. And, that’s the retirement of Mark Zelonis, who is leaving his post as the Ruth Lilly Deputy Director of Environmental & Historic Preservation, after 18 years.
I first met Zelonis shortly after he arrived at the IMA. We slipped and slid among the stepping stones in the Ravine Garden and he enthused about plans to turn this dilapidated landscape into the showplace it is today.
The Ravine Garden, an integral part of the American Country Place Era’s Oldfields Lilly House and Gardens, was the first to be restored or renovated at the IMA, under Zelonis’ guidance. Ruth Lilly took a liking to Zelonis and endowed his position, another legacy that will continue beyond his retirements. He also oversaw restoration of Tanner Orchard and the Dickinson Four-Seasons Garden. The largest addition under his watch is 100 Acres, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, which opened in 2009.
Never one to make decisions quickly, he first broached retirement with the IMA’s higher ups about a year ago. He’s most proud of his work to get Oldfields, and the Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana, designated as National Historic Landmarks, the country’s highest recognition for historically significant properties.
“I always counted it my great fortune to be his colleague, and I really couldn’t imagine working there without him,” said Bradley C. Brooks, former director of Lilly House programs and operations and assistant curator of American decorative arts. Zelonis and Brooks, who earlier this year was named curator of the Bayou Bend Collection in Houston, worked together for 15 years. Their collaboration is what led to the two National Historic Landmarks designations.
“The professional career of Mark Zelonis has been dedicated to managing, preserving, enhancing and promoting historic landscapes,” said David Gorden, a landscape architect and former president of the IMA Horticultural Society.
“He is a strong proponent of the work of landscape architects and works tirelessly to increase recognition of their design achievements,” wrote Gorden in nominating Zelonis as an honorary member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Zelonis received the honor at a ceremony in Chicago in November.
“I don’t know what I’ll do next,” Zelonis said as his retirement party early this month. “I could lecture, teach, consult, volunteer and lead tours.” He is sure his wife, Sally Zelonis, has a honey-do list.
In the end, though, “we are only stewards of this magnificent property. We have a responsibility and duty to the history and integrity of these special places,” he said.