On View: Bruce Beasley - Remembering Seward Johnson Reflecting on Programs and Community
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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
MEMBER EVENTS
SPRING/SUMMER 2021 MEMBERS-ONLY HOURS ARTISTS IN ACTION - COMING THIS SUMMER
MEMBER MORNINGS HAVE EXPANDED! Stay tuned for Artists In Action returning to GFS with online programs
As a new season begins there is hope in the air. Trees and flowers are We continue our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work, Every Saturday and Sunday, 8AM
springing to life, sun is sparkling and radiating off our sculptures, and across all areas of our institution. We are thinking carefully about how we, as showcasing artists with studios in the Motor Exhibits Building, as well as local
the grass is lush and green. As I walk the park I am reminded of renewal, an organization, can respond to and be responsible in the face of centuries of Every Saturday and Sunday, members are granted exclusive early access to the artists from Hamilton and Trenton. Formats will include online studio visits,
regeneration, and I feel the resiliency of spirit ref lected in every square inch. economic and racial injustice in our country. We believe there is a positive role grounds at 8 AM and may stay as long as they wish. Enjoy a quiet start to your artists in conversation and demonstrations of techniques.
You may have noticed that we just updated GFS’s website for the Spring, and for art to play in imagining and building a better world and that GFS can provide day and catch the morning light at GFS before the general public is admitted.
the headline we selected is “FLOURISHING.” I am struck by this choice because a space for a more profound sense of compassion, empathy, and humanity. Our At GFS, we believe visiting an oasis of beauty, where art and imaginatively
it goes beyond “blossoming”, or “growth”, and truly underscores that GFS is team is working on exciting new exhibitions to premier in 2022, a workforce landscaped gardens awaken the senses, enhances well-being, and stimulates
not just surviving, we are thriving. After a dark year, we emerge stronger. development program, equitable access, and more. reflection. To ensure capacity is safely managed at GFS, Members and Guest FROM OUR GROUNDS TO YOURS:
Passes require a free reservation to visit. Reserve: GFS PLANT SALE
GFS relies on the support of members and volunteers. Simply put, Grounds In the coming year, we will also increase the focus on our Wellness Initiatives as
Saturday and Sunday, May 1 – 2, 10 am – 4 pm
For Sculpture would not be possible without you. And as you are here for we tap the restorative power of art in nature. Now more than ever, we recognize groundsforsculpture.org/timed-admission-tickets
us, I want you to know that GFS is here for you. We remain a vital hub for the need to be outside in the fresh air. Combined with art, it can reduce stress, Now in its second year, GFS’s annual plant sale features a unique selection
the community and region, offering a safe, inspiring environment that is lower rates of anxiety and depression, and promote higher satisfaction with of annuals, perennials and shrubs, as well as a variety of GFS propagated
approachable and accessible to a diverse public year-round. As vaccines are one’s life. Our Education team is actively planning new experiences. terrariums, trees and succulents. Our Horticulturist, Janis Napoli, GFS gardeners
delivered, restrictions loosen, and we are able to open up to more and more and volunteers are on hand to answer questions and share garden-planning
guests, we celebrate these milestones with you. I hope that whether you I look forward to the time when we are all together. For now, please know
advice. Check out the full array of plants available for purchase, as well as a
visit the grounds or explore our programs and resources from home, you take how grateful I am, as is the entire staff and Board of Directors, for your support
small selection of thrown pottery to take your plant home in! All proceeds from
advantage of all we have to offer you. and partnership.
the Plant Sale support GFS’s horticulture and education programs.
Looking ahead further, I want to share just a few of the priorities we are With gratitude,
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. Gary Garrido Schneider
It will be f illed with art, dance, poetry, and music. All the things that he loved. Executive Director
MEMBER PREVIEW DAY
VIEW CURRENT VIEW OUR LATEST MAKE YOUR FREE SIGN UP FOR VIEW EXPLORER'S Saturday, May 1
HOURS: SAFETY GUIDELINES: MEMBER RESERVATION: GFS E-NEWS: GUIDES:
Member Preview Day is an exclusive opportunity for GFS Members to enjoy
bit.ly/3964HR3 bit.ly/2NNUHD1 bit.ly/2OJoptx bit.ly/2Qhyen2 bit.ly/kids-families
special access and explore the artistic season. Join us and participate in a
variety of unique programming specifically designed to engage and inspire
GFS is committed to the safety To ensure capacity is managed safely,
of guests, staff, volunteers. all visitors including Members and Guest
you! Member Preview Day highlights include: REMEMBERING SEWARD JOHNSON
Passes require a timed reservation to visit. • Members-only access starting at 8am Saturday and Sunday, June 5 – 6
• Exciting new self-guided and digital materials to explore socially Explore programs celebrating Seward Johnson and all he created at Grounds For
distanced onsite or from home! Sculpture and The Seward Johnson Atelier. Offerings include new self-guided
• Exclusive access to indoor exhibition spaces and Q&A with Curatorial staff tours and materials to explore the grounds and artworks, Demos and Q&A’s with
• First access to GFS Plant Sale artists and staff, and pop-up performances. To ensure capacity is safely managed
Members may use their Guest Passes to bring additional guests. at GFS, Members and Guest Passes require a free reservation. Learn more:
USE OUR INTERACTIVE MAP View full program schedule:
CONNECT WITH GFS! groundsforsculpture.org/events/remembering-seward-johnson/
Explore our collection of 400+ works on groundsforsculpture.org/events/member-preview-day/
our website www.groundsforsculpture.org
and our interactive map gfsmap.org, which
features sculpture and horticulture throughout GFS FAMILY BREAKFAST
the grounds, as well as Audio Tours. Discover
something new or learn more about a long-
DIGITAL MEMBER LOUNGE Saturday, July 24, 10 am – 12 pm
@GROUNDSFORSCULPTURE
time favorite! Challenge yourself with member puzzles, view artist talks and videos from Calling all members at membership levels Family, Family Plus, Contributor,
the archives, and more! Stop by the Digital Member Lounge: Sustainer, and Benefactor! Grab breakfast bites and explore new family-focused
activities connected to artwork currently on view. Program registration required
groundsforsculpture.org/digital-member-lounge
at groundsforsculpture.org starting in June. Onsite, outdoors.
Water Garden at Grounds For Sculpture, Sharon Loper, Interior #5: Isolation, 2000, cast bronze, 35 x 24 x 24 inches, 3/3,
2 NEWS CASTI N G Cover Photo: Bruce Beasley, Torqueri IX, 2017, stainless steel, 217 x 136 x 130 inches, 1/9, Courtesy of the Artist, photo: Bruce White Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, photo: David Michael Howarth Photography groundsforsculpture.org 3
m e mbe r
REFLECTIONS EDUCATION
EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The past year of the pandemic has forced GFS to adjust our educational programming
EDUCATION NEWS
Julio Enrique Badel | Manager of Experiential Programs
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 Libby Vieira da Cunha | Manager of Group Visit and School Programs
solutions and gratitude. Our goal for workshops, whether online or in person, was Spring programs have arrived with a continued mix of online and in-person
to produce each experience safely and with intent. We started small and gradually workshops. With the warmer weather we look forward to safely hosting
increased our capacity to produce onsite and online workshops, online guides for self- Horticulture Tours, Meditation Workshops for adults and families, Tai Chi,
exploration and strengthened our relationships with community partners. Storytelling in the Garden for families, and Bird Basics with the Mercer
County Park Commission featuring a naturalist-led walk at GFS. Online
Our ArtBox program has provided over 400 art making kits to the public, members
programs include a six-week Botanical Drawing workshop and the Simply
and community partners. Our Mindfulness and Meditation sessions led by Katie
Delicious: Nutrition series with recipe demonstrations.
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 This spring we are thrilled to safely welcome groups back to GFS at a
guests across all ages to practice skills for stress relief together. Workshops including limited capacity. For more information or to request a group visit please visit
Creating Connections, Nature Journaling for Beginners, and Feathered Friends groundsforsculpture.org/visit/group-visits/. K-12 school groups remain
with the Mercer County Park Commission were filled with wonderful moments of temporarily suspended as we continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 and
conversation, sharing and laughter. The creative growth and mutual support of all prioritize the health and wellbeing of our community.
the participants was very evident over the course of these sessions.
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
MEMBERS' MUSINGS – In February, over 100 members and volunteers gathered for a
grounds narrated by GFS volunteers D.J. Haslett and Evelyn Wood. Please
GFS'S FIRST VIRTUAL EXHIBITION visit gfsmap.org/audio-tour to explore this new feature.
virtual talk “The Making of Viral Art” with Claire Brown, Atelier
Director at The Seward Johnson Atelier. Explore GFS’s self-guided resources connected to wellness, nature and deepening
In December 2020, GFS launched its first online exhibition for the 11th annual Members’ True to Grounds For Sculpture’s founder Seward Johnson’s vision on the Joy engagement with the collection: groundsforsculpture.org/kids-families
Musings exhibition. Curated by Áine Mickey, a Trenton-based independent curator and In March, Faith McClellan, Director of Collections & Exhibitions of Discovery and self-exploration, this audio tour does not have a particular
artist, the exhibition touched upon the recent cultural shifts taking place in our society at GFS, presented a virtual talk discussing behind the scenes route. As you self-guide through the grounds or explore the map from In conjunction with Member Preview Day and in celebration of the exhibition
that affect us so deeply. The online Artists’ Talk on December 19th was also a first for GFS conservation of Beverly Pepper sculptures, a project supported home, simply play the audio on artworks that indicate they have an audio Bruce Beasley: Sixty Year Retrospective, 1960-2020, we look forward to sharing
and provided an opportunity for the public to meet and engage with all nineteen artists by American Express. component for a closer look from the unique perspective of one of GFS’s our guide specifically focused on sculptor Bruce Beasley.
chosen for the exhibition. This format paved the way for future online programing and a docents. We hope you enjoy exploring this new feature!
big thank you for all who were involved and made the exhibition engaging and reflective. To view the recordings, visit:
Stay tuned for the next Members' Musings announcement in August. groundsforsculpture.org/digital-member-lounge
HORTICULTURE
Horticulture programs this past winter were fulfilling and enjoyable
WHAT GFS VOLUNTEERS
for everyone. The sold-out Rose Pruning workshop had a beautiful day
ARE READING:
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 Around the World in 80 Trees by Jonathan Drori
Gardening On Poppied Hill workshop taught participants how to cut back Claude and Camille: A Novel of Monet by
grasses in preparation for spring. View video: www.youtube.com/ Stephanie Cowell
watch?v=p9H4ChTroAY Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find
Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li
Working with Wisteria: Prune to Bloom was also a full workshop, open to Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
gardeners of all levels of experience, and it officially welcomed springtime!
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
The extra care will show as the wisteria vines produce aromatic cascades
Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing
of blooms all spring.
by Yoshifumi Miyazaki
In addition to classes, the horticulture team has been busy planting tulip The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro
bulbs, removing invasive grasses, and of course, planning and preparing The Overstory by Richard Powers
for the GFS Plant Sale in May. Keep an eye out for homemade pottery, and The Wild Trees by Richard Preston
hanging air plants and terrariums made and grown by the Horticulture team!
4 NEWS CASTI N G groundsforsculpture.org 5
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 Tree House Icarus
sculptures, without a preconceived idea of
where he is headed from the start. "
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
Quest III and Intersections II thorough understanding of how the work needs to be constructed.
COLLECTION NEWS “I realized very quickly that I do not pre-visualize the artwork. At first, I thought
Bruce Beasley: Sixty Year Retrospective
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
1960-2020 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
Faith McClellan | Director of Collections & Exhibitions
Despite the aid of technology in achieving his ideas, as this quote points to,
In January 2020, the curatorial team at GFS was busy preparing for the his priority lies squarely on achieving an emotional response in the viewer.
installation of a new exhibition featuring the works of Bruce Beasley. The Even as Beasley continues to expand his sculptural vocabulary to new forms,
scale of this project was massive, requiring a fleet of trucks to transport this remains Beasley’s guiding principle. And whether it is the scale and the
these works, some oversized, safely across the entire country during the brilliant presence of Torqueri XIII located at the end of the River Birch Allee
harsh winter season, dodging blizzards in the Mid-West along the way. GFS or the marvelous way he can make light dance through his transparent cast
staff made the trip to the artist’s studio in Oakland, CA towards the end of acrylic forms, he is a master at creating a visceral response through his work.
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 Bruce Beasley: Sixty Year Retrospective, 1960-2020 is supported by lead
virus that was going to mean an extra-long check in process for our return sponsor Bank of America, the Brooke Barrie Art Fund, and the following
flights home from CA. And then before we knew it, scarcely days from when Exhibition Supporters: the Birney Family Foundation, the Gordon and Llura
we finished the installation in New Jersey, everything changed. Finally, one Gund Foundation; Barbara Lawrence and Allen Laskin.
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 Torqueri XIII, at the end
home. Work is also underway on a comprehensive exhibition catalogue which of the River Birch Allée
will be available in January 2022. 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; 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,
6 NEWS CASTI N G Bottom: Bruce Beasley, Scalar Gyration, 1972, cast acrylic, 3/4, 18 x 23 x 17 inches, Courtesy of the Artist, photo: Bruce White 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
Celebrating a Groundbreaking and Truly Creative Life
in the garden?
May-June July
Many trees and shrubs in bloom Many hydrangea
Peak rose time (late May/early June)
August
Early June Helenium SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Cacti display at the end of the SJCA Oxydendron
Vitex
JUNE 5-6 | 8 AM– 3PM
Mid-Late June into July
Waterlilies
Lotus Last year Grounds For Sculpture lost our visionary founder,
Seward Johnson. Now that we can again gather, we have planned
Our horticulture team has replaced some of the invasive Miscanthus sinensis a memorial weekend to celebrate and honor his extraordinary life
grasses around the Van Gogh pond with several beautiful, fun shrubs. In May, and gifts to the community. Please join us for a variety of special
you will see the beautiful, fragrant blooms of our new Syringa pubescens daytime events all weekend. You’ll have the opportunity to meet
‘Miss Kim’ (Miss Kim lilac). In early summer, our new Diervilla ‘Kodiak Orange’ artists in our collection and the staff of The Seward Johnson Atelier,
will be covered in yellow flowers. Its bright orange-to-red fall color makes plus a chance to record your stories, tributes, and remembrances.
it a great eco-friendly alternative to the invasive Euonymus alatus (burning Other experiences to include:
bush). We also planted a favorite wetland plant, Cephalanthus occidentalis
(buttonbush), which gets adorable white, ball-shaped blooms in June. This • Live music • Atelier demos
shrub is also a favorite of many species of birds and butterflies. • Poetry readings • New self-guided tours
• Dance performances • Sing Along
Also, be on the lookout for the reblooming of our wildflower berm in the • Drum Circle • And more
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! Full program schedule and event registration available in May.
GFS Member reservations to attend open May 3. Learn more: Seward Johnson in Times Square
groundsforsculpture.org/remembering-seward-johnson
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.
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,
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; 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,
8 NEWS CASTI N G Carlos Dorrien, The Nine Muses, 1990-1997, granite, 132 x 240 x 360 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier 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
Afternoon Peace
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
CECELIA JOYCE AND SEWARD JOHNSON GALLERY
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 The Bond of Inspiration: India Blake Johnson and Seward Johnson
remember talking with Mr. Johnson and be happy about it. Mr. Johnson was warm and
genuine, and I will always miss him. An exhibition of India Blake Johnson and Seward Johnson coming early
Summer 2021.
– Brenda Williams
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.
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. Magic Harbor
– Olga Dytyniak
Seward Johnson, Midnight Snack Art, acrylic painted on trays, ©Seward Johnson; Top Photo: Afternoon Peace, 2017, Vibrachrome print on white aluminum, 20 x 30 inches, Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, ©India Blake;
10 NEWS CASTI N G Seward Johnson, Study for Keep Life in Balance, plastilene, 24 x 19.5 x 31 inches, ©2013 The Seward Johnson Atelier, Inc. Bottom: Magic Harbor, 2018, acrylic on tray, 19.5 x 20 inches, ©2018 Seward Johnson groundsforsculpture.org 11
SUPPORT COMMUNITY
MEET THE STAFF HAMILTON TOWNSHIP CARES ACT STORYTELLING AND
Grounds For Sculpture was honored to be among the 140 organizations COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MARISSA in Hamilton Township, Mercer County to receive grants funded through During the fall and winter, GFS continued to work with community partners in
the CARES Act. Mayor Jeff Martin and his administration have worked providing meaningful experiences connected to art making, nature and wellness.
throughout this last year to share opportunities for support with ArtBoxes and family passes were distributed to Arc Mercer, Trenton HomeFront, The
businesses in the township and provide assistance to our community. 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.
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. RIDDER’S CUSTOM WOODWORK
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 We are pleased to have welcomed a new Business Member to GFS.
as the Director of Development, Board Engagement and Special Events. Her Philip Ridder recently relocated his business Ridder’s Custom Woodwork,
previous experience also includes fundraising roles at the American Cancer ridderworks.com, and quickly took advantage of joining the program.
Society and Facing History and Ourselves. Marissa holds a BA in English “Being a woodworker, I consider myself an artist of sorts. When I chose GFS PARTNERS WITH ROBERT GFS EXHIBITION AT
and Minor in Art History from Wellesley College, and spent a year abroad at to move my shop to the Hamilton Arts District, having been a fan of GFS WOOD JOHNSON HOSPITAL CAPITAL HEALTH
Bristol University in England. Originally from New Hope, PA, Marissa was for years, I knew that I wanted to support as a Member and that I would
This spring, GFS partners with the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton Capital Health System will host an onsite exhibition showcasing
always familiar with GFS and has enthusiastically relocated from Brooklyn to appreciate the benefits they offer. I’m looking forward to sharing the park
and their complimentary Better Health Program for adults 65+. Artists Léni photography and botanical samples of GFS from April 24 -
NJ to join the team. She says, “I feel that GFS is an incredible place that truly with my clients for years to come. Any way I can help promote and support
Paquet Morante and Erin Ellis will lead online workshops on Painting from Life September 17th, 2021. This exhibition will share highlights of
elevates humanity, through the connections we make with art, nature, one the arts... count me in!”
and Botanical Drawing respectively. GFS will also offer a private Wellness Walk for the GFS experience with hospital guests and will be located at
another, and ultimately with ourselves. I am thrilled and honored to be part To learn more about our Business Membership program participants of the program. More details on the Better Health Program here: Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell located at 1 Capital
of this community and look forward to scaling our development efforts so and the organizations who participate, visit: bit.ly/3vdWWmN Way, Pennington, NJ.
that GFS is accessible to all, for generations to come.” When she isn’t thinking groundsforsculpture.org/business-membership
about fundraising, Marissa is likely considering what wine to pair with the Capital Health System is a Corporate Sustainer supporter of
dinner she’s prepared for the evening. She is formally trained as a sommelier GFS and employees can reserve free general admission for one
and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others (over a glass of FAMILIES FIRST DISCOVERY PASS employee plus one guest and two students. Employees can visit
wine, of course). Don’t hesitate to ask her anything! nj.gov/state/njsca/discoverypass/index.shtml the Capital Health Intranet for Employee Discount Information.
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
GIFT MEMBERSHIP BECOME A GFS VOLUNTEER participants, highlighting our shared commitment to serving all New Jersey
GFS membership is the gift that lasts all year, Spend more time at Ground For Sculpture surrounded by beautiful scenery and inspiring residents. Residents who receive benefits through SNAP, WFNJ, Child Care Subsidy
sparking the imagination and encouraging sculptures as a volunteer! GFS seeks enthusiastic volunteers to assist with workshops and tours, and/or WIC are eligible for free or deeply discounted cultural programs throughout
wellness through art and nature. To give a gift act as park guides, work in the gardens and help in a variety of other roles. Learn more: the State. Learn More: nj.gov/state/njsca/discoverypass/index.shtml
of GFS membership, visit: bit.ly/join-gfs groundsforsculpture.org/join-support/volunteer View guidelines: groundsforsculpture.org/hours-admission-directions/
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 groundsforsculpture.org 13
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
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