Jens Jensen was a pioneer of the Prairie School of landscape architecture; his life and legacy continue to inspire and influence landscape designers and lovers of nature. He was an early advocate for using native plants in park and garden design.  He promoted green spaces in urban areas as a priority in city planning.  He organized efforts to preserve places of natural beauty for human enjoyment, rather than commercial development. 

Born in 1860, immigrated to the United States in 1884, Jensen enjoyed a full career based in the Midwest, particularly in the Chicago area.  His last great project, the creation of The Clearing as a folk school in Door County, Wisconsin, synthesized his belief that art and culture are rooted in the landscape; by celebrating the natural world, people create conditions for the human spirit to flourish. 

This exhibition was supported by a grant from Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities.