Vacation Local - Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, New Jersey - Part 1

     The local movement isn't just about buying locally grown food or shopping in town instead of at the mall.  Why not vacation local?  Mike and I did just that, spending two days in Flemington, New Jersey.
     Since Flemington is only a ninety minute drive, we stopped along the way to visit the Grounds for Sculpture located in Hamilton, New Jersey.  We saw the sign for this attraction dozens of times when we traveled on Route 295.  Finally, we would spend a few hours there.
     John Seward Johnson II (grandson of the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson) founded the sculpture park and museum in 1992.  He wanted to create a venue where people could appreciate contemporary sculpture.  Initially, the organization hosted exhibitions, published catalogs, and offered educational programs.  In July 2000, the Grounds for Sculpture became a non-profit organization open to the public.
     Many artists' pieces are on display at the gardens.  There are many styles of work done in many mediums.  Though Johnson's painted bronzes are called kitschy by some, I loved them.  The displays invite you to join in and become part of the scene.  The best advice we received was to explore every path in the gardens.  You never know what you might find.

This welcoming committee meets you at the entrance.

Mike and "The Dancing Couple" by Seward Johnson

These "kids" dancing on the roof are a fun surprise.

We almost missed this lady scaling the building.  Actually, she's not climbing.  The piece is called "Nude Descending the Stair."  The sculptor is Frederick Morante. 

     If you like modern art, they have it.

"To Marcel Duchamp, 1887-1968, Artist, Tool and Die Maker"
Artist: William T. Wiley

"High Spirit"
Artist: Joel Perlman

"Potpourri"
Artist: Anthony Caro

     Some pieces are larger (much larger) than life.
   

"Confrontational Vurnerability"
Artisit: Seward Johnson
Inspired by Manet's "Olympia"

"The Daydream"
Artist: Seward Johnson

"Crossing Paths"
Artist: Seward Johnson

     We got into the act.

"The Hunting Party"
Artist: Seward Johnson
Inspired by Monet's "Femmes au Jardin"

Mike Cutting In

"Patient Fisherman"
Artist: Seward Johnson
I couldn't resist a little grab ass!

The Oligarchs
Artist: Michelle Post

"Chamber of Internal Dialog"
Artist: Seward Johnson
This little air conditioned room had pictures on opposite walls.  I'm facing a picture inspired by Munch's "The Scream."  There is another picture behind me, inspired by Rendon's "Silencio."  How many times have you debated whether to scream or keep quiet?

"Ex-halations"
Artist: Linda Fleming

"Seat of Sound"
Artist: Robert Cooke
If you make a giant percussion instrument, kids will bang on it.

"God Bless America"
Artist: Seward Johnson
Inspired by Grant Wood's "American Gothic"
If you install a great, big pole, they will pole dance.

La Gioconda et Moi

My Girl and Her Pearl

     Just because I liked them ...

"Mirage"
Artist: Ekaterina Harrison
"Don't step on her!" I hollered to Mike.

Artist: Seward Johnson
Inspired by Renoir's "After the Bath"

"Passage"
Artist: Kevin Lyles

This could also be titled "Rock and Roll."

"Untitled"
Artist: Nikki Rosato
This sculpture is made out of paper road maps.  The background is carefully cut away from the roads.  The lacy remains form the 3-D image. 

"Untitled"
Artist: Kiki Smith
Untitled?  How hard would it be to think up a name for this?  Nature Calls?  Relief?  Squat?

"The Awakening"
Artist: Seward Johnson
Don't wake up the sleeping giant.