Arete Warren

2016 Achievement Medal

In recognition of an inspiring visionary, whose erudition, formidable energy, and perseverance stimulate the love and knowledge of books and gardening.

Proposed by: Millbrook Garden Club, Zone III

Arete brings formidable energy, intellect and creativity to every project. She is a highly regarded architectural historian, frequently lecturing on gardens. She has served on the New York State Board for Historic Preservation, Trustee Chairman of The Preservation League of New York City and Chairman of GCA’s Library and Garden History & Design Committees. She has authored museum guides, scholarly articles and books. For The Garden Club of America’s Centennial in 2013, Arete conceived, curated and worked tirelessly to create the magnificent public exhibition of GCA’s rare books and edited the award winning accompanying book “Gardening by the Book, Celebrating 100 Years of The Garden Club of America.” She is currently writing a book about architect Guy Lowell, which she researched last year as a Visiting Scholar at the American Academy in Rome.

The Achievement Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and in tribute to creative vision and ability in the interpretation and furtherance of the aims of The Garden Club of America.

The original iteration of the Achievement Medal was named for Emily D. Renwick, president of The Short Hills Garden Club, Zone IV, and GCA founder. It was designed by Henrietta Schroeder Stout, but discontinued after 1931. The present award was given by Julia Isham Taylor (Mrs. Henry Osborn Taylor), Middletown Garden Club, Zone II, designed by Paul Manship in 1932, and first awarded the same year. In 1963 the award was endowed by a member of the Garden Club of Somerset Hills.

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