Newscasting Spring/Summer 2021 by Grounds For Sculpture

SPRING / SUMMER 2021

On View: Bruce Beasley

Remembering Seward Johnson Reflecting on Programs and Community

M AY | J U N E | J U LY | A U G U S T

WELCOME SPRING/SUMMER 2021 As a new season begins there is hope in the air. Trees and flowers are springing to life, sun is sparkling and radiating off our sculptures, and the grass is lush and green. As I walk the park I am reminded of renewal, regeneration, and I feel the resiliency of spirit ref lected in every square inch. You may have noticed that we just updated GFS’s website for the Spring, and the headline we selected is “FLOURISHING.” I am struck by this choice because it goes beyond “blossoming”, or “growth”, and truly underscores that GFS is not just surviving, we are thriving. After a dark year, we emerge stronger.

We continue our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work, across all areas of our institution. We are thinking carefully about how we, as an organization, can respond to and be responsible in the face of centuries of economic and racial injustice in our country. We believe there is a positive role for art to play in imagining and building a better world and that GFS can provide a space for a more profound sense of compassion, empathy, and humanity. Our team is working on exciting new exhibitions to premier in 2022, a workforce development program, equitable access, and more.

GFS relies on the support of members and volunteers. Simply put, Grounds For Sculpture would not be possible without you. And as you are here for us, I want you to know that GFS is here for you. We remain a vital hub for the community and region, offering a safe, inspiring environment that is approachable and accessible to a diverse public year-round. As vaccines are delivered, restrictions loosen, and we are able to open up to more and more guests, we celebrate these milestones with you. I hope that whether you visit the grounds or explore our programs and resources from home, you take advantage of all we have to offer you.

In the coming year, we will also increase the focus on our Wellness Initiatives as we tap the restorative power of art in nature. Now more than ever, we recognize the need to be outside in the fresh air. Combined with art, it can reduce stress, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and promote higher satisfaction with one’s life. Our Education team is actively planning new experiences.

Looking ahead further, I want to share just a few of the priorities we are focused on this year. We continue to honor and celebrate the life of our visionary founder, Seward Johnson, after his passing last March. I am pleased to share that we are planning a weekend of activities and events for June 5-6. It will be f illed with art, dance, poetry, and music. All the things that he loved.

With gratitude,

VIEW CURRENT HOURS: bit.ly/3964HR3

VIEW OUR LATEST SAFETY GUIDELINES: bit.ly/2NNUHD1 GFS is committed to the safety of guests, staff, volunteers.

I look forward to the time when we are all together. For now, please know how grateful I am, as is the entire staff and Board of Directors, for your support and partnership.

Gary Garrido Schneider Executive Director

MAKE YOUR FREE MEMBER RESERVATION: bit.ly/2OJoptx

bit.ly/2Qhyen2

VIEW EXPLORER'S GUIDES: bit.ly/kids-families

To ensure capacity is managed safely, all visitors including Members and Guest Passes require a timed reservation to visit.

USE OUR INTERACTIVE MAP Explore our collection of 400+ works on our website www.groundsforsculpture.org and our interactive map gfsmap.org, which features sculpture and horticulture throughout the grounds, as well as Audio Tours. Discover something new or learn more about a longtime favorite!

2 NEWS CASTI N G

CONNECT WITH GFS!

@GROUNDSFORSCULPTURE

Cover Photo: Bruce Beasley, Torqueri IX, 2017, stainless steel, 217 x 136 x 130 inches, 1/9, Courtesy of the Artist, photo: Bruce White

MEMBER EVENTS MEMBERS-ONLY HOURS

MEMBER MORNINGS HAVE EXPANDED!

Every Saturday and Sunday, 8AM

Every Saturday and Sunday, members are granted exclusive early access to the grounds at 8 AM and may stay as long as they wish. Enjoy a quiet start to your day and catch the morning light at GFS before the general public is admitted. At GFS, we believe visiting an oasis of beauty, where art and imaginatively landscaped gardens awaken the senses, enhances well-being, and stimulates reflection. To ensure capacity is safely managed at GFS, Members and Guest Passes require a free reservation to visit. Reserve: groundsforsculpture.org/timed-admission-tickets

ARTISTS IN ACTION - COMING THIS SUMMER Stay tuned for Artists In Action returning to GFS with online programs showcasing artists with studios in the Motor Exhibits Building, as well as local artists from Hamilton and Trenton. Formats will include online studio visits, artists in conversation and demonstrations of techniques.

FROM OUR GROUNDS TO YOURS: GFS PLANT SALE

Saturday and Sunday, May 1 – 2, 10 am – 4 pm Now in its second year, GFS’s annual plant sale features a unique selection of annuals, perennials and shrubs, as well as a variety of GFS propagated terrariums, trees and succulents. Our Horticulturist, Janis Napoli, GFS gardeners and volunteers are on hand to answer questions and share garden-planning advice. Check out the full array of plants available for purchase, as well as a small selection of thrown pottery to take your plant home in! All proceeds from the Plant Sale support GFS’s horticulture and education programs.

MEMBER PREVIEW DAY

Saturday, May 1

Member Preview Day is an exclusive opportunity for GFS Members to enjoy special access and explore the artistic season. Join us and participate in a variety of unique programming specifically designed to engage and inspire you! Member Preview Day highlights include: • Members-only access starting at 8am • Exciting new self-guided and digital materials to explore socially distanced onsite or from home! • Exclusive access to indoor exhibition spaces and Q&A with Curatorial staff • First access to GFS Plant Sale Members may use their Guest Passes to bring additional guests. View full program schedule:

REMEMBERING SEWARD JOHNSON

Saturday and Sunday, June 5 – 6

Explore programs celebrating Seward Johnson and all he created at Grounds For Sculpture and The Seward Johnson Atelier. Offerings include new self-guided tours and materials to explore the grounds and artworks, Demos and Q&A’s with artists and staff, and pop-up performances. To ensure capacity is safely managed at GFS, Members and Guest Passes require a free reservation. Learn more: groundsforsculpture.org/events/remembering-seward-johnson/

groundsforsculpture.org/events/member-preview-day/

GFS FAMILY BREAKFAST

DIGITAL MEMBER LOUNGE

Saturday, July 24, 10 am – 12 pm

Challenge yourself with member puzzles, view artist talks and videos from the archives, and more! Stop by the Digital Member Lounge:

Calling all members at membership levels Family, Family Plus, Contributor, Sustainer, and Benefactor! Grab breakfast bites and explore new family-focused activities connected to artwork currently on view. Program registration required at groundsforsculpture.org starting in June. Onsite, outdoors.

groundsforsculpture.org/digital-member-lounge

Water Garden at Grounds For Sculpture, Sharon Loper, Interior #5: Isolation, 2000, cast bronze, 35 x 24 x 24 inches, 3/3, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, photo: David Michael Howarth Photography

groundsforsculpture.org 3

m e mbe r

REFLECTIONS EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS The past year of the pandemic has forced GFS to adjust our educational programming structure and content to meet the needs of our visitors and partners in these challenging times. Flexibility and patience were in abundance along with creative solutions and gratitude. Our goal for workshops, whether online or in person, was to produce each experience safely and with intent. We started small and gradually increased our capacity to produce onsite and online workshops, online guides for selfexploration and strengthened our relationships with community partners. Our ArtBox program has provided over 400 art making kits to the public, members and community partners. Our Mindfulness and Meditation sessions led by Katie O’Brien continued onsite and outdoors, sometimes in chilly weather which added another layer of experience. GFS also launched a new Family Meditation workshop for guests across all ages to practice skills for stress relief together. Workshops including Creating Connections, Nature Journaling for Beginners, and Feathered Friends with the Mercer County Park Commission were filled with wonderful moments of conversation, sharing and laughter. The creative growth and mutual support of all the participants was very evident over the course of these sessions.

MEMBERS' MUSINGS – GFS'S FIRST VIRTUAL EXHIBITION In December 2020, GFS launched its first online exhibition for the 11th annual Members’ Musings exhibition. Curated by Áine Mickey, a Trenton-based independent curator and artist, the exhibition touched upon the recent cultural shifts taking place in our society that affect us so deeply. The online Artists’ Talk on December 19th was also a first for GFS and provided an opportunity for the public to meet and engage with all nineteen artists chosen for the exhibition. This format paved the way for future online programing and a big thank you for all who were involved and made the exhibition engaging and reflective. Stay tuned for the next Members' Musings announcement in August.

In February, over 100 members and volunteers gathered for a virtual talk “The Making of Viral Art” with Claire Brown, Atelier Director at The Seward Johnson Atelier. In March, Faith McClellan, Director of Collections & Exhibitions at GFS, presented a virtual talk discussing behind the scenes conservation of Beverly Pepper sculptures, a project supported by American Express. To view the recordings, visit: groundsforsculpture.org/digital-member-lounge

HORTICULTURE Horticulture programs this past winter were fulfilling and enjoyable for everyone. The sold-out Rose Pruning workshop had a beautiful day for pruning a large section of roses in the Fairgrounds garden area of the grounds. After February’s great amount of snow melted, the Winter Gardening On Poppied Hill workshop taught participants how to cut back grasses in preparation for spring. View video: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=p9H4ChTroAY Working with Wisteria: Prune to Bloom was also a full workshop, open to gardeners of all levels of experience, and it officially welcomed springtime! The extra care will show as the wisteria vines produce aromatic cascades of blooms all spring. In addition to classes, the horticulture team has been busy planting tulip bulbs, removing invasive grasses, and of course, planning and preparing for the GFS Plant Sale in May. Keep an eye out for homemade pottery, and hanging air plants and terrariums made and grown by the Horticulture team!

4 NEWS CASTI N G

WHAT GFS VOLUNTEERS ARE READING: Around the World in 80 Trees by Jonathan Drori Claude and Camille: A Novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben Lab Girl by Hope Jahren Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing by Yoshifumi Miyazaki The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro The Overstory by Richard Powers The Wild Trees by Richard Preston

EDUCATION

EDUCATION NEWS Julio Enrique Badel | Manager of Experiential Programs Libby Vieira da Cunha | Manager of Group Visit and School Programs Spring programs have arrived with a continued mix of online and in-person workshops. With the warmer weather we look forward to safely hosting Horticulture Tours, Meditation Workshops for adults and families, Tai Chi, Storytelling in the Garden for families, and Bird Basics with the Mercer County Park Commission featuring a naturalist-led walk at GFS. Online programs include a six-week Botanical Drawing workshop and the Simply Delicious: Nutrition series with recipe demonstrations. This spring we are thrilled to safely welcome groups back to GFS at a limited capacity. For more information or to request a group visit please visit groundsforsculpture.org/visit/group-visits/. K-12 school groups remain temporarily suspended as we continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize the health and wellbeing of our community. We are pleased to announce the release of the new Audio Tour feature now available on the GFS digital map. This self-guided audio tour features Grounds For Sculpture docent commentaries on highlights throughout the grounds narrated by GFS volunteers D.J. Haslett and Evelyn Wood. Please visit gfsmap.org/audio-tour to explore this new feature. True to Grounds For Sculpture’s founder Seward Johnson’s vision on the Joy of Discovery and self-exploration, this audio tour does not have a particular route. As you self-guide through the grounds or explore the map from home, simply play the audio on artworks that indicate they have an audio component for a closer look from the unique perspective of one of GFS’s docents. We hope you enjoy exploring this new feature!

Explore GFS’s self-guided resources connected to wellness, nature and deepening engagement with the collection: groundsforsculpture.org/kids-families In conjunction with Member Preview Day and in celebration of the exhibition Bruce Beasley: Sixty Year Retrospective, 1960-2020, we look forward to sharing our guide specifically focused on sculptor Bruce Beasley.

groundsforsculpture.org 5

Quest III and Intersections II

COLLECTION NEWS

Bruce Beasley: Sixty Year Retrospective 1960-2020 Faith McClellan | Director of Collections & Exhibitions In January 2020, the curatorial team at GFS was busy preparing for the installation of a new exhibition featuring the works of Bruce Beasley. The scale of this project was massive, requiring a fleet of trucks to transport these works, some oversized, safely across the entire country during the harsh winter season, dodging blizzards in the Mid-West along the way. GFS staff made the trip to the artist’s studio in Oakland, CA towards the end of January to oversee and assist with the loading of each work. Just as we were wrapping up and about to head home, we were hearing news of a mysterious virus that was going to mean an extra-long check in process for our return flights home from CA. And then before we knew it, scarcely days from when we finished the installation in New Jersey, everything changed. Finally, one year later, we are able to plan towards reopening our indoor spaces again at GFS and portions of the Bruce Beasley exhibition will become available for visitors soon. We are looking forward to sharing the works of this prolific and pioneering sculptor. In the meantime, we are also developing new digital tools that will allow visitors to our website to explore the exhibition from home. Work is also underway on a comprehensive exhibition catalogue which will be available in January 2022.

6 NEWS CASTI N G

Scalar Gyration

Top Photo: Bruce Beasley, Intersections II, 1991, cast bronze, 102 x 140 x 50 inches; Quest III, 2004, cast bronze, 2/9, 192 x 103 x 70 inches, Courtesy of the Artist, photo: Bruce White; Bottom: Bruce Beasley, Scalar Gyration, 1972, cast acrylic, 3/4, 18 x 23 x 17 inches, Courtesy of the Artist, photo: Bruce White

Bruce Beasley: Sixty Year Retrospective, 1960-2020 spans six decades of his creativity, including works in iron, aluminum, cast acrylic, bronze, stainless steel, stone, and collages on canvas. From his very first sculptures in 1959, Beasley has developed six decades of work driven by the sheer love of exploration and process. His experimentation with cast acrylic in the 1960s and ‘70s was groundbreaking and led to applications beyond the use as an art medium. In the 1980s, Beasley was an early adapter of computer applications to fine art, using these tools to enrich his visual vocabulary, explore new approaches to shape, as well as expand the limitations of fabrication. More recently he has explored the use of virtual reality and 3-D printing to allow him more opportunity to push the boundaries of creative exploration.

" Beasley works intuitively to create his sculptures, without a preconceived idea of where he is headed from the start. "

Tree House

Icarus

Beasley works intuitively to create his sculptures, without a preconceived idea of where he is headed from the start. Playing with scale and placement of shapes through computer aided processes gives him the ability to see in three dimensions without the laborious and expensive process of creating a physical model first. He is able to add and eliminate angles and shapes with a click of the mouse until he feels intuitively that the sculpture is complete. And this enables him to immediately dive into the fabrication with a thorough understanding of how the work needs to be constructed. “I realized very quickly that I do not pre-visualize the artwork. At first, I thought this was a “lack” on my part because I assumed that the great sculptors knew or envisioned what the sculpture would be when they began. I, however, had to try lots of different possibilities to finally discover a sculpture that felt right to me. But along with realizing that I do not pre-visualize an artwork, I also found that I have an extraordinarily strong, almost physical, sense of when it is right.” – Bruce Beasley Despite the aid of technology in achieving his ideas, as this quote points to, his priority lies squarely on achieving an emotional response in the viewer. Even as Beasley continues to expand his sculptural vocabulary to new forms, this remains Beasley’s guiding principle. And whether it is the scale and the brilliant presence of Torqueri XIII located at the end of the River Birch Allee or the marvelous way he can make light dance through his transparent cast acrylic forms, he is a master at creating a visceral response through his work. Bruce Beasley: Sixty Year Retrospective, 1960-2020 is supported by lead sponsor Bank of America, the Brooke Barrie Art Fund, and the following Exhibition Supporters: the Birney Family Foundation, the Gordon and Llura Gund Foundation; Barbara Lawrence and Allen Laskin.

Torqueri XIII, at the end of the River Birch Allée

Top Photo: Bruce Beasley, Tree House, 1960, welded cast iron, 23.5 x 13.5 x 12.5 inches, Courtesy of the Artist; Top Right: Bruce Beasley, Icarus, 1963, cast aluminum, 2/9, 36 x 36 x 14 inches, Courtesy of the Artist; Bottom: Bruce Beasley, Torqueri XIII, 2018, stainless steel, 1/9, 270 x 137 x 141 inches, Courtesy of the Artist

groundsforsculpture.org 7

HORTICULTURE Janis Napoli | Horticulturist

What should we look for in the garden? May-June

July

Many trees and shrubs in bloom Peak rose time (late May/early June)

Many hydrangea

Early June

Helenium Oxydendron Vitex

Cacti display at the end of the SJCA

Mid-Late June into July

August

Waterlilies Lotus Our horticulture team has replaced some of the invasive Miscanthus sinensis grasses around the Van Gogh pond with several beautiful, fun shrubs. In May, you will see the beautiful, fragrant blooms of our new Syringa pubescens ‘Miss Kim’ (Miss Kim lilac). In early summer, our new Diervilla ‘Kodiak Orange’ will be covered in yellow flowers. Its bright orange-to-red fall color makes it a great eco-friendly alternative to the invasive Euonymus alatus (burning bush). We also planted a favorite wetland plant, Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush), which gets adorable white, ball-shaped blooms in June. This shrub is also a favorite of many species of birds and butterflies. Also, be on the lookout for the reblooming of our wildflower berm in the meadow. We are really looking forward to many of last year’s flowers resprouting from seed. The wildflowers attracted masses of hummingbirds and butterflies last season, so make sure to check it out in full bloom!

EVENTS Choose Grounds For Sculpture for weddings, business meetings, team-building retreats, baby showers or cocktail outings to create an enjoyable, memorable experience. Whether you are visiting for work or to celebrate a milestone event, Grounds For Sculpture is sure to inspire. After suspending all events for one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, GFS is incredibly excited to relaunch the 2021 event season, safely. With various outdoor event spaces such as the Nine Muses, Amphitheatre, If It Were Time, The Gazebo, and Rat’s Restaurant, there are plenty of beautiful, picturesque open-air spaces to hold an unforgettable event. GFS takes every precaution to keep guests safe by following all CDC guidelines. We allow a limited capacity, space chairs and tables, and provide sanitation stations, extra masks and signage to conduct events with utmost safety. For more information, please visit groundsforsculpture.org/plan-an-event and fill out an inquiry form. The Director of Catering will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

8 NEWS CASTI N G

Philip Grausman, Leucantha, 1993, cast aluminum, Luminore coating, 108 x 118 x 118 inches, 1/3, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier; Carlos Dorrien, The Nine Muses, 1990-1997, granite, 132 x 240 x 360 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier

Celebrating a Groundbreaking and Truly Creative Life

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JUNE 5-6 | 8 AM– 3PM Last year Grounds For Sculpture lost our visionary founder, Seward Johnson. Now that we can again gather, we have planned a memorial weekend to celebrate and honor his extraordinary life and gifts to the community. Please join us for a variety of special daytime events all weekend. You’ll have the opportunity to meet artists in our collection and the staff of The Seward Johnson Atelier, plus a chance to record your stories, tributes, and remembrances. Other experiences to include: • • • •

Live music Poetry readings Dance performances Drum Circle

• • • •

Atelier demos New self-guided tours Sing Along And more

Full program schedule and event registration available in May. GFS Member reservations to attend open May 3. Learn more: groundsforsculpture.org/remembering-seward-johnson

Seward Johnson in Times Square

GFS Sculpture Court currently Isaac Witkin, Garden State, 1997, Zimbabwe black granite, 188 x 133 x 115 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, ©Estate of Isaac Witkin; Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas, Two Face Telescope, 1990, fabricated aluminum, 168 x 144 x 72 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier; Carlos Dorrien, The Nine Muses, 1990-1997, granite, 132 x 240 x 360 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier; Bruce Beasley, Dorion, 1986, stainless steel, 240 x 360 x 120 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier

groundsforsculpture.org 9

GFS VOLUNTEERS REFLECT ON INTERACTIONS WITH SEWARD JOHNSON One May afternoon a few years ago, I was volunteering in the Cecelia Joyce and Seward Johnson Gallery. I was telling a group of grade school children all about Seward Johnson and his trays. I finished answering all the questions and as the children turned to walk away, I turned around and, low and behold, there stood Seward Johnson with a woman. I walked over to greet him and asked him if he wouldn’t mind saying hello to the children that I had just spoken to. I knew they would be very excited to see the artist. Seward being the sweet guy he was, said he would absolutely love to talk to the children. I walked over, introduced him, and I don’t know who was more excited, the children or the teachers. Before I realized what was happening, the kids gave their phones to me and the woman who was with Seward to take pictures with him. I even got into a few selfies. When the kids walked away, Seward said to me, “Let me introduce you to Edwina Sandys. She’s not only an artist, she also happens to be Winston Churchill‘s granddaughter.” Unbelievable. Not only did I get this wonderful experience with Seward Johnson, but now I get to take pictures with Winston Churchill‘s granddaughter. This is one memory I will never forget. – Marian Braverman

When we were on our trip to Key West in 2013 through Grounds For Sculpture, Mr. Johnson led a jitney tour of his sculptures around town. He sat with me and we were chatting. I asked him if he had any plans for a future sculpture and he said that he did... of Michael Jackson doing the Moonwalk. He never did it, but Mr. Johnson told me that he did give Michael Jackson sculpting lessons. He thought the young man had great potential. In return, Michael Jackson taught Seward the Moonwalk! I will always remember talking with Mr. Johnson and be happy about it. Mr. Johnson was warm and genuine, and I will always miss him. – Brenda Williams

I have a fond memory of Seward which occurred while I was leading a group as a docent at the Grounds. One day as I was entering the space adjacent to Rat’s, I saw Seward hurriedly walking with coffee in a porcelain cup and saucer in the opposite direction toward the booth between Rat’s Restaurant and GFS grounds. I very excitedly told my group, "That was Seward Johnson, that was Seward Johnson!" Everyone was thrilled to have spotted this unassuming man we had no idea was on the grounds that day. Later, as we were exiting the area after having seen several of his pieces, I asked the staff person inside Rat’s Booth if she knew Seward was here this day. She smiled at me and said, "I know, he brought me a cup of coffee." Just a glimpse of the humble, inner man. This showed me something very profound about who Seward was as a human being. – Olga Dytyniak

10 NEWS CASTI N G

Afternoon Peace

CECELIA JOYCE AND SEWARD JOHNSON GALLERY The Bond of Inspiration: India Blake Johnson and Seward Johnson An exhibition of India Blake Johnson and Seward Johnson coming early Summer 2021. Seward Johnson became emboldened to reflect on India's themes, and was inspired to paint a continuation of his Midnight Snack Art. Explore his inclinations to react to the same photograph repeatedly, to illustrate the subtle nuances of his perceptions.

Magic Harbor

Top Photo: Afternoon Peace, 2017, Vibrachrome print on white aluminum, 20 x 30 inches, Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, ©India Blake; Bottom: Magic Harbor, 2018, acrylic on tray, 19.5 x 20 inches, ©2018 Seward Johnson

groundsforsculpture.org 1 1

SUPPORT MEET THE STAFF

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP CARES ACT Grounds For Sculpture was honored to be among the 140 organizations in Hamilton Township, Mercer County to receive grants funded through the CARES Act. Mayor Jeff Martin and his administration have worked throughout this last year to share opportunities for support with businesses in the township and provide assistance to our community.

MARISSA

Marissa Reibstein joined Grounds For Sculpture in March as the new Chief Development Officer. Marissa is a member of GFS’s leadership team and oversees all functions of fundraising, including individual major and principal gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned gifts, annual fund and membership programs, special fundraising events, and prospect research. She comes to GFS after a nearly 13-year tenure at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, where she served in various development roles, most recently as the Director of Development, Board Engagement and Special Events. Her previous experience also includes fundraising roles at the American Cancer Society and Facing History and Ourselves. Marissa holds a BA in English and Minor in Art History from Wellesley College, and spent a year abroad at Bristol University in England. Originally from New Hope, PA, Marissa was always familiar with GFS and has enthusiastically relocated from Brooklyn to NJ to join the team. She says, “I feel that GFS is an incredible place that truly elevates humanity, through the connections we make with art, nature, one another, and ultimately with ourselves. I am thrilled and honored to be part of this community and look forward to scaling our development efforts so that GFS is accessible to all, for generations to come.” When she isn’t thinking about fundraising, Marissa is likely considering what wine to pair with the dinner she’s prepared for the evening. She is formally trained as a sommelier and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others (over a glass of wine, of course). Don’t hesitate to ask her anything!

RIDDER’S CUSTOM WOODWORK We are pleased to have welcomed a new Business Member to GFS. Philip Ridder recently relocated his business Ridder’s Custom Woodwork, ridderworks.com, and quickly took advantage of joining the program. “Being a woodworker, I consider myself an artist of sorts. When I chose to move my shop to the Hamilton Arts District, having been a fan of GFS for years, I knew that I wanted to support as a Member and that I would appreciate the benefits they offer. I’m looking forward to sharing the park with my clients for years to come. Any way I can help promote and support the arts... count me in!” To learn more about our Business Membership program and the organizations who participate, visit: groundsforsculpture.org/business-membership

GIFT MEMBERSHIP

BECOME A GFS VOLUNTEER

GFS membership is the gift that lasts all year, sparking the imagination and encouraging wellness through art and nature. To give a gift of GFS membership, visit: bit.ly/join-gfs

Spend more time at Ground For Sculpture surrounded by beautiful scenery and inspiring sculptures as a volunteer! GFS seeks enthusiastic volunteers to assist with workshops and tours, act as park guides, work in the gardens and help in a variety of other roles. Learn more: groundsforsculpture.org/join-support/volunteer

12 NEWS CASTI N G

Isaac Witkin, Eolith, 1994, Blue Mountain granite, 168 x 96 x 48 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, Inc, ©Estate of Isaac Witkin

COMMUNITY STORYTELLING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT During the fall and winter, GFS continued to work with community partners in providing meaningful experiences connected to art making, nature and wellness. ArtBoxes and family passes were distributed to Arc Mercer, Trenton HomeFront, The Father Center and Trenton HomeWorks. The Education team would like to thank all the volunteers who helped assemble hundreds of ArtBoxes over the months. The Education team also piloted an online Sneaker Design workshop with Trenton high school boys from The Father Center of New Jersey’s Healthy Relationships, Health Choices program. Topics covered included personal storytelling, concept design, shoe anatomy, materials and business strategies. Several inspirational designs were created, and the program will continue with other community partners, including Trenton HomeWorks.

GFS PARTNERS WITH ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON HOSPITAL

GFS EXHIBITION AT CAPITAL HEALTH

This spring, GFS partners with the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton and their complimentary Better Health Program for adults 65+. Artists Léni Paquet Morante and Erin Ellis will lead online workshops on Painting from Life and Botanical Drawing respectively. GFS will also offer a private Wellness Walk for participants of the program. More details on the Better Health Program here: bit.ly/3vdWWmN

Capital Health System will host an onsite exhibition showcasing photography and botanical samples of GFS from April 24 September 17th, 2021. This exhibition will share highlights of the GFS experience with hospital guests and will be located at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell located at 1 Capital Way, Pennington, NJ.

FAMILIES FIRST DISCOVERY PASS nj.gov/state/njsca/discoverypass/index.shtml

As a member of the Families First Discovery Pass program, GFS offers rich arts and horticulture experiences to low-income families and individuals across the state of New Jersey. New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission, DHS, and DOH facilitate access to arts and history organizations participating in the program directly to the 450,000 cardholders and program participants, highlighting our shared commitment to serving all New Jersey residents. Residents who receive benefits through SNAP, WFNJ, Child Care Subsidy and/or WIC are eligible for free or deeply discounted cultural programs throughout the State. Learn More: nj.gov/state/njsca/discoverypass/index.shtml View guidelines: groundsforsculpture.org/hours-admission-directions/

Capital Health System is a Corporate Sustainer supporter of GFS and employees can reserve free general admission for one employee plus one guest and two students. Employees can visit the Capital Health Intranet for Employee Discount Information.

groundsforsculpture.org 1 3

Grounds For Sculpture is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your Membership provides critical support for educational programs and exhibitions that enrich, surprise, and inspire so many. And after an unprecedented, challenging year, we need your support more than ever to help sustain GFS as a place for wonderful, nurturing, inspiring experiences – we cannot do it without you! To make a tax-deductible donation beyond membership: Donate by mail (Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619), by phone (609.249.0233) or at: groundsforsculpture.org/give Your gift will make it possible for GFS to remain an important place to enjoy the arts in an environment accessible to all. Thank you for your generosity! Will your Employer match your gift? Many companies participate in matching gift programs for charitable gifts made by their employees, including matching the tax-deductible portion of your membership. Check with your Human Resources Department to see if your generosity will be made even greater through a match by your employer. You may also check if your employer will match your donation on our website at: groundsforsculpture.org/matching-gifts

eMEMBERSHIP TIPS & SUGGESTIONS Allow Notifications from the eMembership app for exclusive member news, deals and special happenings. Discover ways to make the most of your GFS membership by exploring the FAQ’s in the eMembership app. (See screen examples on right)

SHARE YOUR DIGITAL GUEST PASSES WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY! When in your eMembership app account, view your guest passes under “Membership Benefits” then tap “Guest Pass”. Tap the button in the upper right-hand corner. Next, select the guest passes you’d like to share, then choose to text or email the Guest Pass(es) to your guest. Guest Passes are one-time use, and are marked as USED when redeemed at Grounds For Sculpture.

groundsforsculpture.org | 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619 TOP PHOTO: David Michael Howarth Photography .