newscasting - GFS Members Newsletter - January 2015

newscasting January 2015

THE PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

A Focus on Wellness

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Volunteers Education

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Seward Johnson, Sharing the Headlines ©1991 The Sculpture Foundation, Inc. • Photo: David w. Steele, 2014

Proud Contractors for the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts & Welcome Center

Recent Awards:

2014 Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC New Jersey Chapter) Excellence in Construction Grounds for Sculpture East Gallery & Visitors Center

2014 American Council of Engineering Companies New Jersey Distinguished Award Grounds for Sculpture East Gallery

Building a legacy, one project at a time.

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12/11/14 9:00 AM

Seward Johnson, Sharing the Headlines ©1991 The Sculpture Foundation, Inc. • Photo: David w. Steele, 2014

welcome 1.15

features

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culpture has always been a central feature of Grounds For Sculpture, but as many who have been visiting the park over the years know, this is only part of the story. A visit to GFS is not about viewing art in a sterile setting. It is an opportunity to employ all the senses in an enhanced artistic experience. This happens regularly through participation in hands-on workshops, through dance or music performances, or by having a fine meal in a omantic setting. However, it also happens when taking a walk on a tree-lined path, running your fingers ver a chiseled surface, watching the sun sparkle off reflective metal breathing in the aromas of a flowering t ee, and being surprised by a sudden cloud of cool mist surrounding a larger-than-life portrait. All of these experiences and more create transformative moments that according to our visitors inspire wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. Ask any of our staff and they will have a story to share about a member, volunteer, or visitor who has told them of the ways the park has brought comfort when confronting personal challenges, provided stress relief from busy lives, been an outdoor sanctuary of green space, or provided a new lease on life as they embrace learning all that they can about the art on view. That is why we have dedicated this issue of newscasting to the theme of “wellness” and some of the many forms that it is realized here at Grounds For Sculpture.

Aylin Green Director of Membership Tel 609.689.1089 agreen@groundsforsculpture.org

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VOLUNTEERS Wellness & Volunteering

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GARDEN Considerations for Environmental Wellness

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EDUCATION Enhancing Mental Wellness

> initiatives Wellness Walks/Wellness Talks upporting the Holistic Wellness S Experience at GFS

By Bonnie Brown, Director of Operations

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our years ago, through a series of happy coincidences, Grounds For Sculpture formed a partnership with the Stoneking Wellness Centers and the Springpoint Foundation for Senior Living to create a new program that would address the wonderful opportunities presented by the sculpture park for increasing physical engagement through walking and exercise. The idea was to marry these goals with interesting, engaging, and FUN programs about lifelong health and wellness. The result – Wellness Walks/Wellness Talks, coordinated with the assistance and expertise of Stoneking and funded by Springpoint, focuses on lifelong wellness strategies with a mind/body/spirit approach as its center.

Each session begins with a 45-minute walk through Grounds For Sculpture led by one of our trained docents. Three groups walk at the same time – one doing a brisk walk, one taking a medium

Cover photo by Matt Yu Yao. GROUNDSFORSCULPTURE.ORG

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Wellness walk participants in the water garden.

pace, and one strolling. By offering three levels of ability, everyone can find the group that fits their exercise needs and abilities.

Many walkers have started with the slowest group and built up

Above: Sharon Loper, Interior #5: Isolation, 2000, cast bronze, 35 x 24 x 24 inches, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.; Pat Musick, Grupo, 2002-03, stone, steel, wood, 17 x 60 x 40 inches, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

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Keep the Books Alive Donating to the Arianne Kassof Library in the Member Lounge The Arianne Kassof Library was made possible through generous donations by the family and friends of longtime volunteer, Arianne Kassof. If you would like to help grow this collection, there are a couple of ways you can help.

Donations of gently used books with the subject of fine art may be brought to the lounge for review by staff. To purchase a new book for the lounge, just go to Amazon.com, click “Wish List” and type Grounds For Sculpture into the “Find a Wish List” field. You can choose a book to purchase, and it will be sent to GFS. Thank you for helping to grow this resource for all!

“I consistently leave GFS feeling more centered, more peaceful, and more alive.”

Seward Johnson, The Awakening (detail), 2014, cast aluminum 4/8, 204 x 840 x 360 inches, ©1980 The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

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After the walks are completed they are followed by a light breakfast and a demonstration, participatory workshop, or lecture on a variety of wellness oriented topics. These topics have included: Aroma Therapy,Yoga stretches to combat stress, Balance and Endurance testing, Explaining the BMI index, How to guard against falls as we age, Combating high blood pressure, Eating well to feel well, Dance your way to health, Tai Chi to help arthritis, Meditation for a calmer you – and many more!

A spring session takes place May – July, and a fall session takes place September – November.

Upcoming topics in spring 2015 will include: Dance for Fun and Health, Laugh for the Health of It!, More Yoga Moves that won’t Hurt – Promise!, Head to Toe Balance Testing – setting your Personal Baseline, and Looking through Healthy Eyes, just to name a few! Pre-registration is required, please check GFS’ event guides and website calendar for more registration details.

This is a program designed for adults of any age – those who want to get back into an exercise pattern or those who want to augment their current regime.

Live, learn, make friends and keep moving!

> initiatives Wellness at Grounds For Sculpture Through the Eyes of a Life Coach, an Artist, a Member By Judi Turkheimer

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h, the Grounds, my happy place. What is it about Grounds For Sculpture that soothes the soul and excites the spirit, bringing a sense of

Judi Turkheimer and friend explore the Meadow during the Opening Reception for Seward Johnson: The Retrospective.

wellness without fail? For me, wellness is a feeling of peace and well-being that resonates physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. One can achieve this state of wellness when immersed in joy, inspired by beauty, excited by thoughts, or motivated by action.

I visit GFS frequently, and for varied reasons.

Sometimes I am with family or friends, sometimes alone. I have sat peacefully by the lake and studied for graduate school exams, spread out by the lily pond to work on my coaching business, and walked the grounds from corner to corner. I’ve chatted with visitors, staff, and other artists. I’ve learned about art and landscape, and a bit about the history of this state I grew up in. Regardless of the activity, I find that I consistently leave GFS feeling more centered, more peaceful, and more alive.

What I find at GFS is what I guide clients to fin in their lives – that meditative and/or creative space that opens the gate to inspiration and joy. It is in that space that we clearly hear our intuition, connect to our highest wisdom, and find balance and motivation.

Studies are showing that spending time in nature can lower your blood pressure, combat depression, reduce stress, and even prevent cancer.

Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

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their stamina throughout the course of the program to “graduate” to the faster groups as the sessions progress. The group has a core of 20 dedicated walkers and depending on the topic of the week, has been known to expand to as many as 45 participants.

In addition to the physical benefits of the exercise, a wonderful camaraderie has developed as the social aspects of the program have helped to forge new friendships, create an active support group, and offer opportunities for sharing personal life stories and experiences as well.

Here is what Jeffrey Bisk, a GFS member since 2012 has to say about this program: “I have participated in the Wellness Walks a few times, and I have never been disappointed. You are fully engaged on all cylinders during this unique program. On a physical level, you are walking outdoors admiring beautiful art and nature on an elevated scale. On an intellectual level, not only are you learning about art, but also learning how to improve your health. The lectures are spot-on and the food is healthy and delicious. On an emotional/ spiritual level, you experience happiness and a sense of fulfillment “

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The moment I connect to the nature at GFS, I am at ease. Meticulously landscaped and full of life, the grounds provide many opportunities for meditative moments and creative inspiration. From the lily pond, where I’ve spotted bullfrogs, hummingbirds, and kingfishers to the meadow where a raccoon lumbered up a tree as I admired a nearby sculpture, there are always joyful surprises. The resident peacocks and peahens strut proudly about, greeting visitors and inviting wonder. With their vibrant color and unassuming demeanor, they seem to embody the magic that is Grounds For Sculpture.

The artwork has a language of its own. Evoking a full range of emotions and responses, the sculptures tickle my imagination and inspire my inner child to play. Whether connecting to my inner artist or admiring creative possibility, my mind delights in the adventure as I move from one installation to the next. Special programming compliments the sculptures, bringing music, dance, theater, photography and more to the Grounds. Through my senses, life is experienced, joy is discovered, and wellness ensues.

As the seasons change, elements of the park change, and as the park changes, the mood changes.

In spring plants snap to life, fervently growing and flowering The peacocks, in full glory, fan their tail feathers and dance for a mate… and us. The weather warms and excitement fills the air. There is much to

learn and experience. In summer the lotus reach their full potential and beckon to me to get lost in their splendor. GFS is alive with visitors from near and far. I bask in the overflowing enthusiasm around me. Autumn’s explosion of colorful foliage and cooler weather invigorates. The sun lowers in the sky casting different shadows that shift my perspective.

As leaves rustle and blow, my mood becomes more contemplative. Snowfall transforms the artwork and quiets the Grounds. Winter’s chill limits my time outdoors and forces me to visit warmer spaces. Indoors, I find a new landscape to discover.

Sometimes whimsical, other times mysterious, each season holds the gift of wellness in the sights, sounds, and moods it creates.

For me, Grounds For Sculpture has been a personal oasis: a place to be mindful and introspective, a place to be social and playful, a place for inspiration and enthusiasm, and a place for study and contemplation.

At Grounds For Sculpture it is easy to be consumed with awe, to lose oneself, to breathe deeply filling with all that is good. It is a place where one’s spirit is tickled and sense of well-being restored. I lose myself and find yself at Grounds For Sculpture.

Judi Turkheimer is a personal life coach specializing in discovering authentic joy by connecting to your truth.

She has exhibited her artwork in Member Musings and has been a member of GFS since 2002.

THE MEMBER LOUNGE

Winter Hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Welcoming GFS Members at the Individual level and above, the Member Lounge is a quiet place to relax, learn, and socialize with friends. Located in a bright corner room of the SJCA building and overlooking the pond and gardens, we have created an inviting space for members to take a break with a complimentary cup of coffee or tea. Come and read the latest museum publications, learn about upcoming programs for members, or connect with a Membership representative.

Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

members only events calendar

New Members Day

Member Adventures Trip to Palm Springs and Laguna Beach, CA March 17 – 22, 2015 Photo by David W. Steele

Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

Sunday February 8, 2 – 4 pm

Beat the winter blues and nurture your artistic and healthy lifestyle! Join us for a special journey to sunny California with Pravassa Wellness Travel and experience a balanced and active itinerary offering yoga, massage, artist studio tours, hiking, museum and gallery hopping, organic meals, and sunshine. Please contact the Membership Office at (609) 586-0616 ext. 234 for more information.

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Welcome to GFS Membership!

Featuring light refreshments, membership orientation, and docent tours, this event is open to new Members who joined between July 1 and December 31, 2014.

RSVP by February 3 by calling (609) 586-0616 ext. 243.

If you love Grounds For Sculpture, there’s lots of ways to get involved.

And as a not-for-profit organization, each one is incredibly important to our sustainability.

CONNECT WITH US

VOLUNTEER:

Our volunteer program is an enriching and fun way to spend free time.

We cherish—and rely on—the invaluable time our volunteers contribute. To volunteer at GFS or for more information about how you can donate your time, contact our Manager of Volunteer Services at (609) 586-0616, x. 247.

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member news

MARCH IS MEMBERS MONTH

Photo by Alex Silagyi

Our Members are vital to GFS, and we want to show it.

This month, all GFS MEMBERS ENJOY 20% DISCOUNTS on eligible items at the gift shop (does not include consignment items). We will also be offering free GFS gear giveaways as a way to say thank you for your support!

Member’s Musings Exhibition Member’s Musings is an annual juried exhibition of art by Grounds For Sculpture members in the Education Gallery, located adjacent to the Welcome Center of the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts. In addition to supporting the arts, many GFS members are gifted artists themselves and work in a variety of media. This exhibition provides an opportunity to share contributions to the dialogue of art and furthers the Education Gallery’s commitment to exhibiting artwork created by members of the community. This year’s exhibition will be juried by Dejáy B. Duckett, Associate Director and Curator of the Arthur Ross Gallery at the University of Pennsylvania. If you are an artist and a member, we welcome your participation in this exhibition opportunity!

The Warehouse, Princeton, NJ

Member Exclusive!

Visit The Warehouse – the home and studio of Michael Graves Friday March 27, 4:30 – 7 pm

Say hello to spring with a trip to one of the premier horticultural display gardens of our region. We will explore highlights of Longwood’s diverse gardens while learning about its history.

We will start by taking a guided tour followed by lunch at the Café and time to explore on our own. $90/person includes bus, admission, tour, and lunch. Register by April 1 by calling (609) 586-0616 ext. 243.

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Early April: April 27-May 15, 2015 June 2, 2015 July 11 – August 23, 2015

prospectus emailed to current members digital submissions accepted notification of acceptance exhibition dates

Join or upgrade your Membership and be entered to win TASTE! When you join or upgrade your GFS Membership to an upper level of membership (Contributor or higher) through December 31, 2015, you will be entered into a drawing to be one of 10 members invited to our TASTE event at Rat’s Restaurant. You and a guest will be treated to a tasting of the new spring 2016 menu, and a visit by the executive chef to hear about the dishes and the menu development process. Entry to win is automatic; all you have to do is join or upgrade today!

Photo by Marie Labbancz

Day Trip to Longwood Gardens Tuesday April 21 - Bus departs GFS at 9 am, returns at 5 pm

Dates to remember:

Photo by L. Albee, courtesy of Longwood Gardens

A rare opportunity to get an insider’s look at the personal and professional spaces of Michael Graves. Join us for special tours of the architectural and product design offices as well as “The Warehouse” with Michael Graves and his team. Located in Princeton and built by Italian craftsmen in the 1920s for storing the belongings of Princeton University students, for the past 40 years The Warehouse has been the repository for Graves’ own cherished collections, a laboratory for his design ideas, and above all the place he calls home. Afterwards, enjoy a special catered reception. Tickets are $395/person. Limited to he first 38 GFS Members. RSVP by March 20 by calling (609) 586-0616 ext. 243.

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1/14/15 10:42 AM

member news Changes to Membership 2015

Photo by Marie Labbancz

Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

Photo by Alex Silagyi

Over the past few years Grounds For Sculpture has experienced an incredible outpouring of support from the community in the form of increased membership. From 2013 to 2014, Membership has grown by 40%! Your investment in the sculpture park is absolutely vital to the future of Grounds For Sculpture. With the long-term sustainability of both the sculpture park and the membership program in mind, we introduce the following modifications to your membership options and benefits

Steve Tobin, Untitled Steelroot (detail), 2005, steel, white paint, 16 x 13 x 24 feet, Courtesy of the Artist

Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

Adjustments to Membership Levels After careful analysis of all levels of membership and their use, we find that only slight adjustments are needed in order to sustain Grounds For Sculpture.

Beginning March 1, 2015, the Individual Plus membership price will increase to $120. To further enhance the upper levels, Sustainer and Benefactor levels will not change price, and will now include 4 adults rather than 2. Tax deductibility of most levels will reflect changes in GFS admission prices , which are already in effect.

Walter Dusenbery, Tempio Bretton, 1981, yellow travertine, 120 x 40 x 40 inches, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

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Photo by John Robson

Add-On Members Through your feedback, we have found that many members would like to include more than 2 adults on their membership. Beginning January 1, 2015, members will now have the option to add on adults to an existing membership for $60 each and children ages 6 - 17 for $40 each. This means that the membership benefits that ou enjoy for two will extend to each Add-On, including free admission for the year, discounts in the shop and restaurants, event and workshop discounts, and admission to special member only events. With Add-Ons, it’s like adding an Indie member to your membership.

Other benefits ou enjoy such as your number of guest passes remain the same depending on the level of membership.

Brower Hatcher, Fan, 1999, stainless steel, glass, iron, 72 x 144 x 40 inches, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

Member Preview Days When new exhibitions open, Members will have the opportunity to preview the shows and enjoy special programming with this revision of our opening receptions.

Beginning on May 8, 2015, the Friday before the exhibition opens to the public will be“Member Preview Day,”an exclusive opportunity for members only to visit any time between 10 am and 8 pm to explore, experience performances, meet the artists, or hear a lecture. A reception for members at the Contributor level and above, Business Partners, special guests, artists, sponsors and funders will be held in the evening. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements regarding the schedule of events for the next Member Preview day!

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volunteers Wellness and Volunteering

By Nancy Schomburg, Manager of Volunteer Services

GFS is just a click away and there’s lots of ways to stay in touch. Check out our website groundsforsculpture.org.

There, you can sign up for our e-newsletter and get regular updates about what’s new and happening at the park. You can also “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

CONNECT WITH US

DONATE:

GFS is a not-for-profit selfsustaining organization that relies on the generosity of those who believe, as we do, that art belongs in the lives of everyone. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift. Whether you make a one-time donation, provide steady and reliable support through a monthly pledge, or are including GFS in your estate planning, your contribution will help us keep the park thriving for years to come. To make a gift or for more information, contact our Director of Development at (609) 586-0616, x. 233. Corporate sponsorship and memorial opportunities are also available by calling (609) 586-0616 x. 248.

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Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

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chose to enter the world of volunteer management because of the impact a lifetime of volunteering has meant to me. In these 10 years, at three different organizations, I have also witnessed the effects of volunteering on other people.

When potential volunteers contact an organization, although they often say they are looking to give, whether they realize it or not, they are also looking to fulfill something in their own lives They may be seeking: • a community connection • a social network • a sense of belonging • an opportunity to learn more about something they care about • to give of their skills and talents • to add purpose to their lives • to develop skills and experience For a Volunteer Manager, it is all about the fit In the course of the interview, it is important to try to get to the root of what the person is seeking so it can be determined if our organization and what we have available is a fit for what this applicant is seeking.

What are they looking to gain from a volunteer experience and can we give that to them? No matter how great the organization’s volunteer program, or how wonderful the applicant may be, if it isn’t a fit it isn’t going to work for either one.

What happens when it is a fit? Both entities benefit The organization gains a dedicated volunteer who is reliable, committed and supportive. The best volunteer is one who is open to learning, speaks positively of the organization to guests and the community, and gives generously of their time and talents.

But what does the volunteer gain? When the fit is right, they find what they were seeking. The potential is there to gain a network of like-minded people, a

sense of worth, and an opportunity to learn and share.

Recent research has shown that there are additional benefits to volunteering. “The Health Benefits of Volunteering” published by the Corporation for National and Community Service states that, “there is a significant relationship between volunteering and good health; when individuals volunteer, they not only help their community but also experience better health in later years, whether in terms of greater longevity, higher functional ability, or lower rates of depression.”

Volunteer Match, in a report they conducted with UnitedHealthCare in 2010 revealed that: • More than 68% of those who volunteered in the past year report that volunteering made them feel physically healthier.

• 29% of volunteers who suffer from a chronic condition say that volunteering has helped them manage their chronic illness.

• 89% of volunteers agree that volunteering improved their sense of well-being.

• 73% of volunteers feel that volunteering lowered their stress levels.

• 92% of volunteers agree that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life.

More than three-quarters of volunteers who participate in service activities through work report that they feel better about their employer because of the employer’s involvement in their volunteer activities.”

Wellness and Volunteering are inexorably linked.

To read the full reports referenced in this article go to: http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdf http://blogs.volunteermatch.org/engaging volunteers/2010/04/16/service-rx-the-health-benefits-of-volunteering

If you feel that the volunteer program at Grounds For Sculpture is a fit for you, please go to our website at http://www.groundsforsculpture.org/Get-Involved/Volunteer or contact Nancy Schomburg at nschomburg@groundsforsculpture.org.

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12/11/14 9:08 AM

twitter.com/gfsnj Elaine Jacob leads the fast walkers during a Wellness Walk at GFS.

My Experience of Grounds For Sculpture, Healing, and Recovery

By Elaine Jacob, GFS volunteer

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have always enjoyed the time I spend at Grounds For Sculpture doing a multitude of things including leading tours and Wellness Walks, helping at special events, and greeting visitors, but I never realized until recently how much I would miss it if I wasn’t there.

On Thanksgiving Day 2013, I celebrated a “big” birthday (I consider all birthdays that end in zero big birthdays) with family, friends, traditional food AND for dessert an ice cream turkey just like the ice cream turkeys I had at my childhood birthday parties.I decided I was going to celebrate this special birthday all year doing special things including a trip to Cambodia. However, things didn’t work out as I planned.

In early December I was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, a tumor just behind and above the knee. This led to 5 weeks of radiation to shrink the tumor, 4 weeks of rest and then surgery to remove the tumor and move a muscle from the shin to the thigh. The surgery was done on April 15 and I spent 3 days in the hospital and then 4 weeks at rehab learning to walk again.

Three days after I left rehab, I was back again volunteering at GFS. Nancy Schomberg, Volunteer Services Manager, found the perfect job for me Seward Johnson’s exhibition Midnight Snack Art where I could sit if I needed to (I didn’t) and I could speak to visitors and share my love and knowledge of the sculpture park. One week later I was back to the Wellness Walks but I rode in the cart with those who could not walk the grounds. Two weeks later, I walked slowly with the group and kept at it. Then, during the June 12 Wellness Walk program, I led the International Folk dance session teaching the participants village dances from countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, and Macedonia and I felt great. The music is varied and haunting, gets you to move, and

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“My philosophy has always been to enjoy every moment; you never know what the future will bring.” brings a smile to your face. Now I am again leading the fast walkers as I had done before my surgery and expect to lead another International Folk Dance session for the group in the spring!

Has my involvement at Grounds For Sculpture helped me recover? ABSOLUTELY! After I finis leading a docent tour, spend time in the Midnight Snack Art, or lead a Wellness Walk, there is an added lift in my step, a larger smile on my face, and a wonderful warm feeling inside. Not only are the grounds beautiful and invigorating, but the visitors are happy to be here and their happiness and joy is contagious.

My philosophy has always been to enjoy every moment; you never know what the future will bring.

instagram.com/ groundsforsculpture

youtube.com/user/ groundsforsculpture If you love Grounds For Sculpture, there’s lots of ways to get involved.

And as a not-for-profit organization, each one is incredibly important to our sustainability.

Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

Photo by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

facebook.com/ groundsforsculpture

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12/11/14 9:20 AM

gardens

Autin Wright’s Carmelita graces the recycled rain water pond outside of the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts.

Photo by David W. Steele.

Autin Wright, Carmelita, 2008, fiberglass, LED light; 120 x 60 x 144 inches. Courtesy of the Sculpture Foundation.

Considerations for Environmental Wellness at Grounds For Sculpture

by Caroline Cleaves, Manager, Institutional Giving The Rain Gardens The dramatic beauty of Grounds For Sculpture’s landscaping, plant choices, the variety of trees and water features suggest the many conscious decisions made to create a place of wonder, quiet awe, and delight. What might not be as apparent are the many environmental considerations and “green” design features which have been integrated in the on-going evolution of GFS. Next time you’re at GFS take a look at the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts building. A sloped rubber roof catches all the rain that falls on the 75,000 square foot building (that’s almost two acres). The rainwater is collected and channeled through a network of large pipes that weave through the building (ever wonder what those enormous pipes in the Members Lounge are for?) and deposit the water into the neighboring lotus pond.

Rain Gardens are one of our favorite ways to conserve water while mitigating the impact of excess runoff which causes erosion, water pollution, and flooding By collecting and channeling the rain that falls at GFS and incorporating it into our landscape design, less water reaches the storm sewer system and that means less water dumped into the Delaware and ultimately into the ocean.

Take a stroll to the new parking lot to the left of the Welcome Center and take a closer look at the texture of the paving. We’ve 10

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used both a porous surface and a more traditional material to maximize the use of runoff water. Underneath the porous paving is an intricate system of gravel beds that filter the runoff and return it to the aquifer. The rest of the parking lot is paved in a way to divert surface water to a beautiful rain garden that runs along the side of parking lot, adjacent to Confrontational Vulnerability by Seward Johnson. Take a close look at the 200 foot long granite wall below the statue. See the ditch? Well, that’s actually a rain garden. The runoff water is collected at one end of the lot and feeds into a series of beds filled with Spartina, (Spartina alterniflo a) a perennial grass often found in wetlands. A small stone wall separates the Spartina from the next bed which has been planted with Iris, Carex, and assorted other deciduous grasses or sedges. You’ll also see black gum trees (Nyssa sylvatica) and Cypress.

In Good Company Indeed, as a “brownfields site,” i.e. reclaimed land that had a previous commercial use, GFS was founded with the premise that the greater Trenton area offered many opportunities to reclaim land and existing buildings. And we’re in good company. Princetel, the Fiber Technology company in our neighborhood, (and a member of GFS’ Corporate Advisory Committee) also inhabits a brownfiel GROUNDSFORSCULPTURE.ORG

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Photos by Zach Teris for dmhphotograher.com

Photo by David W. Steele.

Walter Dusenbery, Damascus Gate, 2002, travertine, 240 x 176 x 51 inches; Hans Van de Bovenkamp, Sagg Portal, 2004, stainless steel, 132 x 180 x 72 inches; Autin Wright, Carmelita, 2008, fiberglass, LED light, 120 x 60 x 144 inches; ayne Trapp, Geometry of the Cosmos, 2005, stainless steel, mild steel, 108 x 108 x 108 inches; Toshiko Takezu, Three Graces, 1994, cast bronze, 70 x 23 x 23 inches each. All sculptures Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

site. Barry Zhang, CEO and founder of Princetel, has installed a roof top cistern system that can collect up to 10,000 gallons of rain water. This harvesting system reduces the building’s potable water usage by 66%.

In November 2014, Princetel was feted as a “green leader” in the state and is New Jersey’s first and only industrial building with LEED Platinum rating.

In addition to offering employees cash incentives for walking, biking, carpooling, and using public transport, Zhang had the vision to reuse 98% of the existing structural elements in his building. Solar energy production on site reduces their energy costs by 54%.

Zhang, who joined the GFS Board of Directors last year, will bring his expertise and vision to our vision of a more sustainable GFS. “GFS is always looking for new, creative ways to create a more sustainable future for the community,” says Executive Director, Gary Schneider,“whether it’s the vegetable-based eco-ware used by the Peacock and Van Gogh Cafés, the green roof on the warming hut, or the landscaping choices we make to reduce our footprint on the environment. GFS is committed to creative use and reuse of resources, and that issue will inform much of our future plans. Neighbors like Princetel serve as our best inspiration.”

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Top photo: The sloped rubber roof of the SJCA building collects and channels rain to the Lotus Pond.

Bottom photo: Visitors experience the green roof of the Warming Hut. 11

12/11/14 9:09 AM

education Literature, Libraries and the Arts: A NJ 350th Celebration at Grounds For Sculpture by Cassandra Demski, Curator of Education

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Presenters and honorees (L to R) Dr. Gustav Friedrich, Dean Emeritus Rutgers School of Communication and Information; Dr. Betty Turock, Past President ALA, Professor and Dean Emerita, Rutgers School of Communication and Information; Renee Swartz, Chair, New Jersey Center for the Book and Board Member Emerita, National Institute of Museum and Library Services; Joyce Carol Oates, author; and Seward Johnson, artist.

Sally Gardiner Reed, Executive Director, United for Libraries presents Seward Johnson with the United for Libraries USA Award from the American Library Association.

Center for the Book, which funded programs celebrating the 350th Anniversary. Libraries that received these grants were: West Windsor Branch of the Mercer County Library, Atlantic County Library System, Monroe Township Library, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Union Public Library, Americans Plan End of War Warren County Library, Wayne at Preakness, July – October, Public Library, Bergenfiel 1780. Copyright 1975 by John T. Public Library, Bridgeton Free Cunningham. Original drawing by Bill Public Library, and Maplewood Canfield. Courtesy of Renee Swartz Memorial Library.

These libraries participated by sharing results of their events through presentations and displays.

The event was one of the largest NJ 350th celebrations to take place this year and was the result of a strong partnership (and many months of planning) between GFS and the New Jersey Center for the Book. We look forward to a continuing partnership as we highlight the literary arts and their contributions to a wellrounded artistic experience at Grounds For Sculpture.

All photos by David Steele

n October 18th, the New Jersey Center for the Book and Grounds For Sculpture presented a celebration in honor of New Jersey’s 350th Anniversary: Literature, Libraries and the Arts: A Vibrant Legacy of New Jersey’s 350 Years. This event, attracting more than 2,000 visitors, highlighted contributions to the literary and visual arts by New Jerseyans and provided opportunities for attendees to stimulate their minds and enhance their mental wellness.

The keynote speaker was none other than Grounds For Sculpture’s Founder, artist and author, Seward Johnson. During his talk, Johnson presented a signed copy of his latest book to a representative from the Library of Congress, who accepted the work into the Library’s permanent collection.

Johnson was also selected as the first recipient of the United for Libraries USA Award from the American Library Association, which is given to generous supporters of our nation’s libraries.

Johnson, of course, was thrilled to receive not one, but two, great honors! After his address, Johnson signed Guy Lamolinara accepts Seward Johnson: copies of his book and A Life in Public Art for twhe Library of chatted with a long line of Congress from Seward Johnson. art enthusiasts.

Also honored with an award during this event was noted New Jersey novelist Joyce Carol Oates. Highly regarded in the literary field Oates was awarded the Literary Lion Award, which honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to literacy, reading, and the print culture in the State of New Jersey.

A popular part of the day was the“Authors’Alley,”which featured almost 40 New Jersey authors, poets, and illustrators, available to talk to participants and sign copies of their books. This was a unique opportunity for the public to discuss literature directly with authors.

Historic milestones in New Jersey history were celebrated through the display of reproduction etchings, originally used in a book on the state’s history by author John T. Cunningham. The beautiful prints depicted exciting and lesser known moments from the Revolutionary War period, such as is seen in the image at right, showing George Washington and his officers planning their winter encampment at Jockey Hollow. History buffs and art lovers both enjoyed this exhibition!

One of the largest components of this event was an information fair featuring exhibitions from nearly 100 organizations, including NJ museums, libraries and cultural centers. Several libraries throughout the state were selected as grant recipients from the New Jersey

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Grounds for Yoga: Benefits of utdoor Practice

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By Leslie Conner of Prancing Peacock Yoga Studio

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his spring we will once again be offering an outdoor yoga series at Grounds For Sculpture.

The serene grounds are the perfect setting for beginning or deepening your yoga practice under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. Breathe in the invigorating air and fresh smells of spring as you stretch and strengthen your body.

The tradition of practicing yoga outdoors stems from the grounding benefits of connecting to the Earth. The calming energy of the grounds relieves deep stress and focuses the mind creating a feeling of being instantly revitalized and refreshed. Yoga, at its root means union, and practicing outdoors creates a union of nature, the individual, and the universe as a whole.

Practicing yoga outdoors also offers an opportunity to engage with the grounds in a new and interactive way. Students will learn to focus their awareness and embrace the moment both on and off their yoga mats. The uneven, natural surface of the grounds aids in improving balance and strengthening secondary muscles in the body.

Yoga classes at GFS flow through sun salutations and breath work with a focus on grounding your

body and mind. For students who are new to yoga, modifications and guidance are offered to ensure a safe and comfortable practice. More advanced students have the opportunity to progress their practice with more challenging adjustments and flowing sequences. Poses designed to energize and restore the body leave you feeling centered as you move into the coming season. Students may find that they experience sculptures with a new perspective and energy that they never have before.

By the end of the series, you will have a new appreciation for your body and the grounds, as well as a deeper understanding of the connection between the two.

Take a look online or in the event guide for dates and registration info for the upcoming four-week spring yoga series.

support GFS Emerging Patrons Circle Invites You to Get Involved

Photos by Zach Teris for dhmphotographer.com

All photos by David Steele

education

GFS is setting up a group of emerging art lovers committed to supporting the Grounds For Sculpture, and seek your input. If you’re interested in how an arts institution functions, eager to get more involved, and want to meet like-minded young and mid-career professionals who share

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If you love Grounds For Sculpture, there’s lots of ways to get involved.

And as a not-for-profit organization, each one is incredibly important to our sustainability.

CONNECT WITH US

JOIN:

your passion for the arts, join our Steering Committee. Through engaging social events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities, we’ll be cultivating members who will emerge as the next generation of advocates for arts and culture in the Mercer County Region. The Steering Committee will help shape this emerging program and its activities. Contact Caroline Cleaves,Manager, Institutional Giving at 609-586-0616 x237 or ccleaves@groundsforsculpture.org more information.

Please consider joining GFS’ supporters and contributing to this year’s annual appeal.

Visit GFSTomorrow.org, or call the Development Office at 609-586-0616 ext. 233.

GROUNDSFORSCULPTURE.ORG

Receive event guides electronically by sending an email to gogreen@ groundsforsculpture.org.

You’ll be helping us take a step toward sustainability and be among the first to receive this information, which means you’ll have first dibs on programs that always sell out!

Please be sure to add gogreen@ groundsforsculpture.org to your address book so you get our messages!

Our members receive special discounts on everything from shopping and dining to classes and more, exclusive invitations to exhibition openings, and free admission to the park year-round…just for starters. To become a GFS member or for more information about the many benefits of membership, contact our Director of Membership at (609) 689-1089.

We offer corporate memberships too!

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support GFS Michael Graves: Past as Prologue Notes from Tom Moran, Chief Curator and Artistic Director

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Photos by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

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or a number of years I have had the good fortune to be in touch with Michael Graves and a few of his principal staff. I always envisioned an exhibition of his work, but it was made a reality on the eve of his firm s 50th anniversary. With the invaluable support and encouragement of Eric Ryan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the enthusiasm and support of all of the trustees on the Grounds For Sculpture Board, Michael Graves: Past as Prologue is proudly on view in three of the main buildings at the sculpture park.

The exhibition, Michael Graves: Past as Prologue, runs through April 5, 2015, as we celebrate the career Color Michael Graves, Alessi Whistling Bird Tea Kettle, 1984, stainless steel, plastic, of one of the world’s great architects 9 x 9.75 x 8.75 inches, Courtesy of Michael Graves Architecture and Design and designers. Graves, a key founder of the Post Modern movement, has completed some of the most prestigious architectural projects around the world while working out of his made this extraordinary sculpture Princeton, New Jersey studio.

White His approach to architecture changed the field forever because park the unique he brought his own vision and a humanistic approach to the cultural asset it is design of his buildings, and made incorporation of artwork into today, enjoyed by hundreds of thousuch architectural projects an integral part of his methodology.

Michael Graves and his extraordinary staff deserve great thanks. sands of guests anThey, along with the equally creative curatorial, development, nually. On behalf and marketing staff of GFS and our new Executive Director Gary of the Board and Black Garrido Schneider, made this exhibition a reality. It has truly been staff of Grounds a collaboration of focused effort bringing the most important For Sculpture we works of Graves together for the first time in an historic exhibition. are very pleased to Major funding of this exhibition includes support from present this exhibiKimberly-Clark and Alessi. This support has been invaluable tion so that everyto Grounds For Sculpture in mounting an exhibition of this one can experience stature and scope. Alessi has enjoyed a long relationship with the work of this the creative work of Michael Graves resulting in many iconic 20th–21st CentuView of Michael Graves: Past as Prologue exhibition products. Kimberly-Clark shares common goals with Michael ry American masin the Museum building.

Graves resulting in the design of innovative -products intended ter who continues to transform the to reawaken an appreciation of aging.

Thanks are extended to both The Johnson Art and Education world of architecture, art, and design that we experience on all Foundation and The Atlantic Foundation for all of the support levels large and small.

Funding for the Michael Graves: Past as Prologue Exhibition given to Grounds For Sculpture on so many levels, including new facilities. Thanks to The Sculpture Foundation for assistance on is provided in part by Kimberly-Clark and Alessi. the installation of this exhibition.

Most of all, enormous appreciation goes to Seward Johnson Color and his wife Cecelia. Their support, for over two decades, has

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Photos by Zach Teris for dmhphotographer.com

Meet Grace Hsu: Member, Volunteer, Donor If you have ever strolled through the Water Garden at Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) during the blustery cold months of winter and noticed flowering trees in colors of pink and red, you can thank Grace Hsu. In memory of her parents, Grace generously donated three Meihua trees. An Asian tree species, Meihua trees flower in late winter and early spring, and are highly regarded as a seasonal symbol, and a reminder of Grace’s family and her strong connection to GFS. A volunteer, docent, donor and GFS member for ten years, Grace has made GFS a significant part of her retirement, and she feels extremely fortunate to be part of the GFS community.

In 2004, Grace visited GFS for the first time with a group of friends and took a guided tour. Amazed by the variety of sculptures and the diversity of the artists, Grace knew this was a place she wanted to know more about.

Recently retired, Grace was looking for opportunities to get involved and give back to the community. Grace joined GFS as a volunteer and participated in the docent training program in spring of 2005; giving her first tour for two people who were so impressed with her tour that they insisted on tipping her! She suggested they donate to the museum instead.

A former research chemist, Grace is particularly interested in the work of artists with science and math backgrounds such as E. Calder Powel (Schatz’s Spaceship), as well as artists that create art from everyday objects, such as recent Greenlight artist Katie Murken, and former artist in residence Eric Schultz (Sleeping Giant). In addition, while giving her first touchtour for visually impaired visitors, she was very impressed by the creativity and works of other blind artists such as Gordon Gund (Flukes and Legacy) and Michael Naranjo (Fall/Winter Season 2008).

Art and nature are what first attracted Grace to GFS, however, over GROUNDSFORSCULPTURE.ORG

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GFS Annual Appeal 2014-2015

Grace Hsu

the years she has come to see first hand what kind of impact that arts have on children and the opportunities GFS offers for individuals with disabilities and the visually impaired.

As a volunteer, she participated in GFS’ Enabling Creativity, a grant-funded program that provides hands-on art experiences for adults with disabilities.

She was overwhelmed with the reaction of the participants, their joy in making art, and the warmth she felt being part of that experience. Grace has also assisted with GFS’ Tots on Tour, a program for 3-5 year olds that involves making art and discovering the park. These experiences have been eye opening for her; she strongly feels that exposure to art is important for all, but especially children—learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics is important to the development of the next generation.

Grace supports GFS because she knows that the organization “is an excellent resource for the community and New Jersey. It is not just what you see on the outside in the art or the beautiful landscape, but it is what they do behind the scenes to bring art to everyone and make it an enjoyable experience for all.”

We are asking for your support—above and beyond what your membership donations already help us accomplish. Private donations from a large number of individuals impact our ability to successfully receive grant support by providing a “local match.” Your charitable donation plays an integral role in ensuring that GFS continues to serve as a year-round haven for lovers of contemporary art and nature.

Your contribution to the 2014-2015 Annual Appeal will allow GFS to: • Provide free arts programming for educators, individuals with disabilities and underserved audiences • Instruct over 3,500 students in sculpture, drawing, painting, and photography • Offer low cost educational arts programs including hands-on workshops for families, children and adults • Deliver over 400 tours for students and educators • Preserve and expand the park’s contemporary sculpture collection; adding new sculptures annually • Develop and present diverse solo and group exhibitions representing a dynamic variety of emerging and master sculptors with varying inspirations, materials, and creative processes.

• Present shows in the Educational Gallery that showcase nonprofessional artists, students and GFS members • Present performing arts and special event programs including music, dance, poetry, and storytelling • Introduce horticultural programming that celebrates and explores the park’s landscaping and design We hope you consider making a tax deductible gift to this year’s Annual Appeal. You can donate online at www.GFSTomorrow.org or by mail (Grounds For Sculpture, Development Department, 14 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619). If you would like to speak to a member of the Development staff, please call 609-586-0616 ext. 233 or 237. Thank you for your generosity.

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Discover the joys of winter at Grounds For Sculpture

Indoors or out there is still so much to see and do!

• Experience your favorite sculptures in a new light • Take photographs of winter scenes • Visit the warming hut • Make a snow sculpture • Explore the indoor galleries • Join a book club • Take a class • Sip hot chocolate in the Member Lounge

On view through April 5, 2015 Michael Graves: Past as Prologue in the Museum Building and Domestic Arts Building International Sculpture Center’s 20th Annual Student Award Exhibition in the Domestic Arts Building

On view February 21 through April 12, 2015 Focus on Sculpture, annual juried photography show in the Education Gallery

On view through July 2015 Seward Johsnon: The Retrospective outdoors throughout the sculpture park

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