Grounds for Sculpture

Where You Invited? by Seward Johnson

The US is so large and diverse that it must have hundreds of fascinating places that (probably thankfully) never make it to the list of "tourist attractions".  On my last trip, my friends in Bethlehem took me to New Jersey to visit Grounds for Sculpture.  Although they have lived in Pennsylvania for many years, they only discovered it themselves a few years ago.

It’s the brainchild of Seward Johnson, renowned and successful American sculptor.  He wanted an environment where the public could interact with, and – in his words – become more comfortable with modern sculpture.  In 1987 he started the project on a vacant site which had been part of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds in the past.  The site also contained three buildings which were later used as museums.  The inaugural exhibition took place in 1992 with fifteen outdoor works.  There are now more than 250 outdoor sculptures set in wonderful gardens.  And an odd peacock wonders around for contrast.

Johnson’s work is one of the themes.  Around any corner you may find:

A Renoir painting come to life -

Déjeuner déja vu 

 or a period celebration - 

Were You Invited?

or a girl taking a shower with real water -

or an unnamed collection of ghouls preparing a feast -

  But there is tremendous variety and many styles to appreciate. 

Like -

and -

and -

and -

Or George Segal's moving Depression Bread Line -

Too much for one visit.

I’d like to go back.

Every time any one of us posts a blog on Murderiseverywhere, we do, and always will, think of Leighton. Tsamaya sentle,  my friend.

Michael – Thursday.