newscasting - gfs members newsletter - spring 2014

1GROUNDSFORSCULPTURE.ORG

newscastingEnabling Creativity+Keeping Up With Volunteer Services

JunJulAug Gardenthe large sculpture pad

Sculpturethe visceral moment

THE PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

June 2014

G R O U N D S F O R S C U L P T U R E

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welcome features

Welcome to the summer edition of newscasting! Whether you are a longtime member, have recently joined, or are picking up this publication on a first time visit

to Grounds For Sculpture, we welcome you to our growing community of individuals who have discovered the beauty, tranquility, and engaging exhibitions and programs of this arts center. This summer we continue to bring you an array of offerings which build on the exhibition of Seward Johnson: The Retrospective, a celebration of the life’s work of the sculpture park’s visionary founder. Fitting with this theme, in these pages you will find a description of one of Seward Johnson’s

sculptural installations which illustrates a key philosophy in the creation of the sculpture park. You will also learn more about the staff as we realign our teams and our values in order to deliver the very best in artistic experiences to you. Aylin GreenDirector of MembershipTel [email protected]

05EDUCATION

Enabling Creativity.

07VOLUNTEERSKeepoing Up With

Volunteer Services.

08GARDENS

The Large Sculpture Pad.

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> initiatives

Cover photo by David W. Steele

The World’s Greatest Temp Job!By Michael Chang, Interim Executive Director

I was first introduced to Grounds For Sculpture by my cousin and his wife who had just moved from Las Vegas to Richmond, Virginia. GFS was exhibiting the works of Allan Houser, a

Chiricahua Apache sculptor and painter whose works they collected. They invited me to come see the exhibit and spend the day at GFS. It was love at first sight.

That was in 2010. Little did I realize at the time I was to become interim executive director three years hence. I won’t bore you with the details of what an interim-anything does – suffice to say, I have acquired more gray streaks in my hair than I care to acknowledge. I can honestly say that I am even more in love with GFS than when I was first introduced to the grounds. In just over a year, I’ve come to know the members of the staff who are all so insanely passionate about the work they do for GFS (and I use the words “insanely passionate” unreservedly); the board of trustees from whom the support for my work was critical to the success of my vision for the strategic realignment of the GFS function areas; and getting to know Seward Johnson through his artistic vision for Grounds For Sculpture. True to the GFS mission of discovery,

my own discovery of Grounds For Sculpture has been a discovery of a lifetime. Thank you, Seward!

We’ve come to the time we must say goodbye. I leave with mixed feelings, of course. GFS is facing a difficult time as it approaches 2015 when the transition from being a founder driven and supported arts institution to one that is self-supporting and truly of the community happens. I’m so pleased to have played a small part in choosing the new executive director, Gary Garrido Schneider. Gary has my wholehearted support and fervent best wishes. In the opera world I come from, artists are often offered the following words of encouragement just before going on stage: in bocca al lupo - “in the wolf’s mouth.” Good Luck! Fingers Crossed! Break a Leg!

Gary, in bocca al lupo!



news> initiativesGFS Welcomes Gary Garrido Schneider, Executive DirectorOn behalf of its Board of Trustees, Grounds For Sculpture is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Gary Garrido Schneider. As of

May 5, 2014, Schneider took office overseeing this 42-acre not-for-profit arts center and its operations. In order to provide a seamless change in leadership, Schneider will be guided by GFS Interim Executive Director, Michael Chang, as well as a select committee of board members established for the purpose of aiding in this transition. The executive search process was guided by Arts Consulting Group, the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement consulting, facilities & program planning, and organizational development services for the arts and culture industry.

“Gary possesses the leadership skills, creativity, vision and pragmatic strategic thinking that are necessary to assure the continued vibrancy and relevancy of arts institutions in the 21st century.” says Eric Ryan, President of the GFS board of trustees. ” He comes to GFS from the Montclair Art Museum, where he served as the organization’s Deputy Director, providing leadership in the areas of audience engagement, education, marketing, visitor services, special initiatives, and museum-wide strategic planning and assessment. He is well-positioned to take the helm for GFS’s operations including fundraising, organizational management, and strategic plan implementation,” says Mr. Ryan.

“I’m very excited about the inherent possibilities at Grounds For Sculpture,” says Schneider, “Over the last 20 years, the sculpture park has grown to a world-class institution. Now we’re approaching a very exciting time in its evolution as it transitions from a founder-driven model to one that is self-sustaining. I look forward to helping guide GFS toward long-term success and recognition.”

Grounds For Sculpture extends its gratitude to Michael Chang for his vision, innovation, and clarity. His tenure at the arts center resulted in renewed enthusiasm and participation by both board and staff, and he will forever be respected for the work he accomplished setting the stage for this exciting time.

GFS Staff Additions and PromotionsOver the last year, Grounds For Sculpture has undergone several exciting changes in staffing structure and recently made some new additions. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming these new additions to our staff.

In the newly reorganized Curatorial Department, Faith McClellan, former Registrar, (not pictured) has been promoted to Director, Collections and Exhibitions Management. Faith has been with Grounds For Sculpture since 2009 and celebrated her fifth anniversary in April. Previously, Faith was the Registrar for the Michener Museum in Doylestown, PA.

Also recently promoted, Rena Perrone, long-time Events Coordinator is now the Curator of Performing Arts for the organization. Rena has been with GFS for 7 years and is in charge of booking and managing all of the performing arts and day-long events programming at Grounds For Sculpture, in addition to assisting with the coordination of workshops, lectures and other presentations.

The Curatorial Department at Grounds For Sculpture welcomes painter, sculptor, and accessory designer, Carolyn Calhoun as Education Associate. Carolyn attended Bucks County Community College in Pennsylvania for fine art and joined the guest services staff at Grounds For Sculpture in 2006, becoming a staff supervisor in that department. Carolyn has served as a GFS workshop instructor, as well as assisting in the development of educational programming for children and adults. Her accessory designs have been featured in the GFS Museum shop and on the top wedding blog/publication, Style Me Pretty.

Joining the staff of the Marketing Communications Department as Press Officer is Michael Redmond. Michael will be coordinating all outreach and press relations with art-related media. He has written about the arts and cultural affairs for The Star-Ledger, The Princeton Packet, Opera News, Symphony Magazine, Lincoln Center Playbill and Carnegie Hall Playbill, among numerous other publications and websites. He has been recognized for “Distinguished Service to the Arts” by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and for excellence in Critical Writing by the New Jersey Press Association.

Another recent addition is Keith Pyatt , who joins the Marketing Communications team as Manager of Digital Media, responsible for developing and maintaining GFS’ website and social media presence. In addition to a strong technical background, he brings video editing expertise, having worked for many years as a video editor creating visual products for corporate and nonprofit clients including Sony, Time, Inc., Viacom, the Visiting Nurses Association, and more.

Irene Stibitz has worked at Grounds For Sculpture since July 2011. Recently promoted to Marketing Coordinator, she is responsible for media buys, traffic management, and departmental budget monitoring. Previous work experience includes Event Planning for a not-for-profit childhood education-focused organization.

Rena Perrone

Carolyn Calhoun

Michael Redmond

Keith Pyatt

Irene Stibitz



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.

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.

GFS ONLINEGFS is just a click away and there’s

lots of ways to stay in touch. Visit us online at

www.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, follow us on Twitter, and check out our

Instagram Account.

members only events calendarPlease call (609) 586-0616, ext 243 to register for any of the following Members only events.

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Seward’s Inspirations: Rodin June 4, bus departs GFS at 9:30 am, returns at 5 pmWhen asked what museums Seward Johnson loves to visit most, the Rodin Museum in Paris was at the top of his list. Lucky for us, the Rodin Museum of Philadelphia is a bit closer and just as inspiring. Join us for a special tour of the newly renovated museum and garden as we learn about the life and work of the man who is considered to be the first modern sculptor. After the museum, dine at Parc, a chic brasserie serving traditional bistro fare in a charming and comfortable setting. $95/person includes bus, admission, guided tour, and lunch. To register please call (609) 586-0616 ext. 243.

CORE VALUES

In the winter of 2013/2014, under the direction of Interim Executive Director, Michael Chang, the Grounds For Sculpture staff, with input from the Board of Trustees, developed its first ever set of core values. This initiative brought together the diverse staff to create a document that will guide our work and help us strengthen our cohesive team. We are pleased to share with you the outcome of this project.

Grounds For Sculpture is a contemporary forward-looking arts organization seeking to create experiences that are inspirational and transformative.

We…Value creativity, innovation, and excellence in the way we think and everything we do.

Members’ Musings Exhibition on view July 12 – August 24

Member’s Musings is an annual juried exhibition of art by GFS members in the Education Gallery, located adjacent to the Welcome Center of the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts. This year’s juror was Kelly Baum, the Haskell Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Princeton University Art Museum. Please be sure to visit the Education Gallery to view the variety of works created by the talented artists of our membership!

Believe that integrity is not optional and hold ourselves to a high ethical standard.

Acknowledge that teamwork is vital to success. Mutual respect is achieved by the sharing of ideas and the practice of considerate collaboration.

Practice good stewardship with respect to the art collection, exhibitions, grounds, and physical property by maintaining these resources to the highest standard.

Recognize that the passion and heart of the staff is our most valuable resource and create a work environment that provides challenge, promotes empowerment and supports professional growth.

Make responsible choices that consider both financial and environmental sustainability.

Commit to building and nourishing our community through rewarding partnerships.

Honor the founder’s vision of accessibility and discovery, maintaining traditions that have become our trademark as we continue to evolve.


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educationEnabling Creativity by Cassandra Demski, Curator of Education

This winter and spring, Grounds For Sculpture presented a series of art workshops for patrons of Enable, Inc., a nonprofit that supports adults with physical and/or cognitive

challenges. Individuals served have a range of abilities, including challenges that cause difficulty with communication.

Grounds For Sculpture believes the arts can be a powerful community-building tool and a form of creative expression from voices that may not otherwise not be heard. Since the artistic process allows participants to express themselves non-verbally, it was our hope that a sequential series of art-making workshops would encourage these participants to become more expressive of their emotions overall. This program was a natural partnership for the two organizations!

Each workshop explored a different artistic media and was taught by a professional artist with expertise in that discipline. Workshops were designed in partnership with staff of Enable, taking into consideration the abilities of the workshop participants.

Topics explored included assemblage, printmaking, mixed media, and painting. Each visit included a tour of the current exhibitions for inspiration, an art-making session, and lunch in the Peacock Café for the 20 participants. Over the course of their visits, several

participants became noticeably more comfortable and more confident in their artwork. On their most recent visit, one partici-pant was able to put her emotions into words as she spon-taneously thanked everyone for helping her to create a mixed media piece, of which she was particularly proud. It was a heartwarming moment and it demonstrated the impact of this program.

A selection of the projects completed during these workshops is on display in the Education Gallery, from June 15, 2014. The works produced in these classes are expressive, engaging, and visually interesting.

This program was generously funded by grants from The Horizon Foundation of New Jersey and The Fairleigh S. Dickinson Jr. Foundation Inc.

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members

When you join or upgrade your GFS Membership to an upper level of membership (Contributor or higher) through December 31, 2014, 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 2015 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!

Join or upgrade your Membership and be entered to win TASTE!

Here is what people are saying about Grounds For Sculpture Members Adventures Trips Trips with GFS are great ways to expand your cultural horizons, meet new people, and get an insider’s look at destinations chosen for their connections with Grounds For Sculpture’s programming. These are not your everyday tours! Join us on the next trip and find out why we have attracted such loyal followers.

The attention to detail was really impressive. The accommodations, food and list of activities were top notch. A wonderful group of people, too!

Excellent, interesting, informative, well put together. A refreshing change of pace for us.

An excellent trip. The details were well thought out so that all of our stops were interesting and hassle free. Our fellow travelers were a great bunch and were a pleasure to be with.

”

“

Artwork created by Jason during the Enabling Creativity workshop.



volunteers

CONNECT WITH US

DONATE: GFS is a not-for-profit self-

sustaining 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.

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.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer at GFS, please contact Nancy Schomburg, Manager of Volunteer Services at [email protected].

KEEPING UP WITH VOLUNTEER SERVICESWith the opening of the new Welcome Center and Seward Johnson Retrospective this spring, changes are also sweeping through the Volunteer Services Department. Volunteers are being retrained on their roles in the new Welcome Center, Members Lounge and Museum Shop. Docents will be attending a series of trainings on the themed tours they will be offering guests on Saturdays from May through September. Volunteers assisting with the Gala will receive event specific training.

It is an exciting time throughout the park as sculptures are arriving daily and many docents are making a point of walking the park before every tour, to make sure they are aware of the “new arrivals” since their last tour.

A new volunteer position that is sure to be popular with both the volunteers and guests this spring and summer is Park Guide. Volunteers in this role will be walking the grounds answering guests’ questions and giving directions. They will also be vigilant in assuring the safety of the guests and the sculptures. It is important to remind guests of the guidelines stated on the Park Etiquette card they are all given on arrival. New and colorful buttons, stating, “Questions? Ask Me!” have arrived and will distinguish these volunteers as they seek to enhance the experience of the guests and provide support as needed.

In the next few months Volunteer Services will also be changing the way volunteers become aware of volunteer opportunities, sign up and track their hours. A software program has been purchased that will give volunteers easy access to this information and allow better confirmation of how they can use their valuable time and talents for Grounds For Sculpture.

It promises to be an exciting ride and we are ready to embrace the changes!

COAT DRIVE UPDATE

GFS was awarded the “Winter Warrior

Corporate Award: Small Company” as the participating

organization who collected the most coats in

that category!Thanks to all who donated

a winter coat!

Private and Corporate EventsGrounds For Sculpture has several locations that can be rented for Corporate and Private Events. Wedding ceremonies and receptions, mitzvah and sweet sixteen parties, non-profit fundraisers, small day meetings, large corporate conferences, and team building events, are some of the hundreds of events executed each year. These events provide opportunities for volunteers to assist Grounds For Sculpture Rentals Department staff with greeting guests, providing directions to specific areas of the park, and answer questions about the grounds. Guests who attend these events appreciate being welcomed by volunteers who add warmth and a personal touch.

Many volunteers love offering their services for these events as it gives them the opportunity to be a part of someone’s special day and knowing that by assisting staff, they have contributed toward assuring that guests receive the level of hospitality expected from Grounds For Sculpture.

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THE LARGE SCULPTURE PADBy W. Bruce Daniels – Facilities Director / Project Manager

The Large Sculpture Pad is one of the most popular features at Grounds for Sculpture. On exhibit there you will find George Segal’s Depression Bread Line

(1999), Bruce Beasley’s Dorion (1986), and Carlos Dorrien’s The Nine Muses (1990-1997), along with over a dozen other sculptures. While largely hardscape, it is also home to a wide array of plant material. Midway along its eastern edge is undoubtedly our most spectacular planting, a group of six Weeping Blue Atlas Cedars (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula) reaching 12’ in height and covering over 75’ in length.

In the last issue of newscasting, I wrote an article (“Imagining a Sculpture Park”) about the origins of Grounds For Sculpture. I began by explaining that the site of Grounds For Sculpture had once been the New Jersey State Fairgrounds, going back over a hundred years. The Fairgrounds itself had started out as a horse racing track and it included an elaborate grandstand.

When the Atlantic Foundation purchased its initial 12 acre parcel (April 11, 1984 – exactly 30 years ago!) that grandstand had been demolished, and all that remained was its reinforced concrete slab foundation – 60’ wide and nearly 300’ long – more or less in the center of what would become the sculpture park. Following the architectural design competition held in 1985, the park’s chosen designer, Brian Carey of AC/BC Associates, focused in on this curved concrete foundation as a central feature of the new garden. And from that point forward, he and Seward Johnson, the sculpture park’s founder, engaged in a spirited conversation over what the grandstand’s foundation would become. The story of the development of the Large Sculpture Pad, now a unique and popular formal hardscape exhibition space is, in microcosm, the story of the creation of the sculpture park as a whole. It was the subject of many meetings and discussions. It was constructed and deconstructed. It was put together piece by piece. It evolved over a number of years.

Before the construction of Grounds For Sculpture even began, Isaac Witkin’s Linden Tree (1983) stood on the grandstand’s bare concrete foundation. In the spring of 1991 the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar hedge was installed at the mid-point of its east side. In 1992 the concrete was covered with red gravel and edged with landscape timbers. Herk Van Tongeren’s Teatro XVII was installed on it that year.

In 1993, William King’s 26’ tall figurative sculpture, Unitas (1991) was also installed on the red gravel. A poured concrete “sculpture wall” and associated wildflower berms were constructed along the pad’s west side in that same year. Then the red gravel was swept away and by May of 1994 the pad was covered with beige pea gravel and

1985 - Grandstand foundation with the sculpture by Isaac Witkin, Linden Tree, 1983; cast bronze; 120” x 65” x 65” courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

NJ State Fairgrounds Racetrack Grandstand

1991 - Brian Carey directs the installation of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar hedge is installed.

1999 - Construction of the base and pool for Carlos Dorrien’s The Nine Muses, 1990-97; granite; 132” x 240” x 360”; Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation. In background: Bruce Beasley, Dorion, 1986; stainless steel; 240” x 360” x 120”, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation.



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brick paver walkways. Ten custom-made limestone columns were added around the perimeter of the pad the following spring.

A short hiatus followed, leaving Brian and myself, as well as Brooke Barrie, former Director and Curator of Grounds For Sculpture, with the misconception that the Large Sculpture Pad was complete. Seward, of course, had other ideas. And so a three year period of intense construction began, resulting in the elaborate combination of hedges, pools, gardens, and sculpture that you see today. In 1998 the sculpture pad, which had been mostly open to the rest of the park, was enclosed by a formal 9’ tall hedge of Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja Occidentalis ‘Smaragd’). Two additional limestone columns were installed to frame the south entrance. A triangular pool for the Bruce Beasley sculpture was also constructed that year. In 1999, George Segal’s Depression Bread Line was installed against the sculpture wall, and additional hedging was planted to create an outdoor room to enclose it. The pool for Carlos Dorrien’s The Nine Muses (1990-1997) was also built that year. Tropical water lilies were planted in the water surrounding the sculpture. Gardens in the southeast [Elephant Ears (Colocasia) and Castor Beans (Ricinus communis)] and southwest [Sky Rocket Junipers (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’) and Potentilla (Potentilla fructicosa ‘Moonbeam’] corners of the pad completed the changes for 1999. As we cut through the pad to create these pools and planting beds, we encountered an average depth of 24” of reinforced concrete, with occasional 4’ X 4’ X 4’ deep grandstand column foundations reinforced with 1” diameter steel rods. Jackhammers, cutting torches, and masonry saws were our constant companions.

In 2000, a wooden door was installed in the western section of the hedge, and in a project nicknamed “Wonderbra”, new hedging was added to create two rounded rooms with sculpture and a hammock waiting for you inside.

Just to show you that it’s never really over, in 2007/2008 we converted the wildflower berms [victims of an inexorable invasion of Crownvetch (Coronilla varia)] into hillside conifer collections. And next week we will be removing the overgrown Skyrocket Junipers and replacing them with two new specimens and some associated Potentilla plants.

So next time you’re contemplating The Nine Muses, think about the evolution of this particular place. We have spent twenty five years making it what it is today. But before that, for over a hundred years, thousands of people sat here in a sweeping grandstand, watching horses run and automobiles race.

1994 - The second stage of covering for the Large Sculpture Pad with sculpture wall and sculpture by William King, Unitas, 1991, platinum, 312 x 180 x 55 inches, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

1992 - The first red gravel covering for the Large Sculpture pad and sculpture by Herk Van Tongeren, Taetro XVII, cast and plate bronze, 1991, 112 x 72 x 66 inches, Edition 2/3, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.

An aerial view of the Large Sculpture Pad circa 2000.Strong-Cuevas, Two Face Telescope, 1990, fabricated aluminum, 168 x 144 x 72 inches.Roy Wilson, Resting Place, 1990, fabricated and painted steel, 156 x 312 x 96 inches.Bruce Beasley, Dorion, 1986, stainless steel, 1/2, 240 in x 360 in x 120 inches.Francisco Leiro, Skewered, 1999, cast bronze, 2/2, 71.5 x 59 x 30 inches. All sculptures Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc.



The Visceral Moment

While walking through the sculpture park, a visitor might happen to turn the southeast corner of the SJCA building and find themselves in the midst of a sculptural

installation consisting of four figurative sculptures by Seward Johnson and an abstract sculpture by E. Calder Powel. What is the meaning of this configuration, and what significance does it hold for the sculpture park?

A businessman strolls through the park. Per-haps he is here for a conference or to meet a client. His eye is caught by a large crimson form. What is this object and why does it loom in front of him? He is un-accustomed to think-ing about sculpture, but the reaction of another viewer has caused him to take pause. Nearby, a family has also entered into this same moment in time. Caught up in their own reality, the young son on top of his father’s shoulders is suddenly struck by the same sculpture. What does he see in his mind’s eye? A spaceship? A big piece of candy? Whatever it is, his youth and lack of social conditioning allows him to react as he wishes, and this he does by pulling up on his father’s hair, much to the chagrin

of his parents. Both of these view-ers have responded to the sculpture, each in their own way.

Autin’s Advanced Artistic Awakening was created to exemplify Seward Johnson’s philosophy of the most important moment for the assessment of a work of art. When first perceived by a viewer, there is what he calls a “visceral moment.” This is a personal reaction to the work, a gut feeling that in Johnson’s view is more important than the intention of the artist or review of the critic. The individual has experienced the work and brings to this reaction their own history, associations, and background knowledge. The art has an effect on them one way or another – this can take many forms including shocking, dreamy, aesthetic, or disgusted. But, this moment when there is nothing else but the individual and his or her relationship with the art is at the heart of what Seward Johnson feels is the most important benefit of both the creation and the perception of art. It is the impetus for the variety of work and environments that are created at Grounds For Sculpture, and it is his invitation to us all to trust ourselves and our own ability to perceive and react to art and feast on those reactions to feed our souls.

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support GFS

Marriott Princeton Forrestal Becomes GFS’ First Business Partner Program Member

Amid a recent flurry of activity surrounding GFS’ new Business Partner Program, we are pleased to give the distinction of being the first to The Marriott Princeton at

Forrestal, located at 100 College Road East in Princeton, NJ. The Grounds For Sculpture Business Partner Program (BPP)

represents an exciting and significant partnership between area businesses and art in our community. The business community’s membership and participation play an invaluable part in GFS growth and success by helping to present new exhibitions, financially sustain its permanent collection and enhance its programs for children and adults.

Long time sponsors, the team at the Marriott have been supporters of several GFS events and programs. Since 2012 the Marriott has been a sponsor of the Epicurean Palette, GFS’ largest fundraising event, held in September each year. Woven throughout the grounds and featuring more than 30 of the area’s finest chefs and their culinary creations, the Epicurean Palette also features a wide selection of great wines, craft beers and exclusive spirits from regional purveyors, as well as fine art and music.

In 2013 the Marriott also came on board as the presenting sponsor of the Art Salon program. Art Salons are informal talks by professional artists along with a gourmet lunch at Rat’s Restaurant. This program has proven to be a wonderful way for sponsors

to get to know our audience while providing an educational experience. Each Art Salon features opportunities for art lovers and sponsors to come together in learning, enjoyment, and support for the arts.

According to Lori Rezendes, Marriott’s Senior Catering Sales Manager, “The Princeton Marriott is excited to become a Business Partner with Grounds for Sculpture. GFS cultivates Art and here at the Marriott we cultivate Hospitality. In today’s ever changing market, we want to be able to offer our customers a first class ‘wow experience’ and we feel that GFS is the perfect partner. We are honored to be listed as the lodging choice for the GFS members and visitors who are travelling near and far to visit. We look forward to being part of the ever changing exhibitions and scenery that GFS will have on display for the world to see.”

The Marriott is situated approximately 13 miles north of Grounds For Sculpture, tucked away on 25 wooded acres in a tranquil setting, just a few miles from downtown Princeton. On their grounds, they boast 302 guest rooms and suites along with 35,000 sq. feet of flexible event space. Other amenities include



support GFS

Please consider joining GFS’ supporters and contributing to this year’s annual appeal. Visit www.groundsforsculpture.org, or call the Development Office at 609-586-0616 ext. 233.

Introducing The Emerging Patrons Circle

Calling all vibrant, motivated allies! Grounds For Sculpture is forming the Emerging Patrons Circle (EPC), a group especially for early-to-mid-career professionals who are passionate about the positive impacts that art can have on museum

visitors and on the surrounding region. It is a unique opportunity for networking, socializing, and affiliating with an internationally renowned arts institution!

Inspired by such groups as MoMA’s Junior Associates, this initiative is an entry for emerging patrons (both young and young at heart!) to become initiated into the ways of museum benefactor circles, and more specifically, ways to become involved at GFS. By giving of your effort, expertise, or resources, you can ensure the sustainable future of this one-of-a-kind community asset!

The EPC will have the opportunity to select and implement projects that support GFS’ mission; this may include volunteer activities, member programs, fundraising events to make curatorial and educational goals possible, and more on our beautiful grounds. It is a great way to connect with fellow emerging and

established patrons while having a long-term impact on a non-profit! We are currently building a planning committee to organize the Emerging Patrons Circle projects. If you

(our wonderful members!) or someone you know would like to support urban arts access through this group, please contact the Development Office, at: (609)-586-0616 ext.233.

a full service restaurant, room service and pub, indoor pool and 24 hour fitness center, 5,000 sq. ft spa, indoor tennis courts, basketball hoop, sand volleyball courts and walking trails.

Rezendes also highlighted the benefits of yearlong admission to GFS and discounts at Rat’s Restaurant as two of the main reasons the business membership is valuable to her team.

Through this partnership a special offer has been created for GFS visitors. Throughout the length of the Seward Johnson: The Retrospective exhibition, discounted weekend hotel packages at The Marriott at Princeton Forrestal will be offered. From May 17

through September 21, 2014 visitors to GFS can take advantage of special pricing by visiting the Marriott website and using the group code SJRetro2014.

Opportunities exist for non-profit organizations too. For more information on how your business or organization can benefit from the Business Partnership Program at Grounds For Sculpture, or to craft a Business Partner Program exclusively to meet your needs, please contact Janis Martin-Hughes at 609-586-0616, ext. 248.

CONNECT WITH US

JOIN: 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!

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.

Go green 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

[email protected] to your address book so you

get our messages!

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Take theperfectday tripEscape to 42 beautifully landscaped acres with hundreds of sculptures, plus concerts, festivals, workshops, shopping, and dining at one of NJ’s most romantic restaurants.

Isaac Witkin, Eolith, 1994, Blue Mountain granite, 96” x 68” x 48”, Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc., © Estate of Isaac Witkin. Photo by David W. Steele.

TONS TO DOALL SEASON LONG!

In Hamilton, New Jersey, near Princeton and all major transportation routes. More info at groundsforsculpture.org or call (609) 586-0616.

G R O U N D S F O R S C U L P T U R E

NATUREARTDININGMUSIC

LATER SUMMER

HOURSMay 8 -

Labor Day 2014

Open until 9 pm

Thurs - Sat

NEW!


newscasting - gfs members newsletter - spring 2014

Documents

discovery of grounds

gfs mission of discovery

gardensthe large sculpture

gfs function areas

difficult time

interim executive directori

exhibition of seward

new executive director