The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is interesting place to visit and to work. Karen Hollywood is GFS’ director of corporate and foundation engagement. This role has a goal of sustaining a thriving regional park dedicated to sculpture and enjoyed by thousands.
Hollywood works on securing funding to keep the park vital and participates in community outreach to make sure that residents of this area come to visit the art park that is in their midst. Karen’s walks between the art and business world and makes sure there is interest, involvement and that both sides appreciate each other.
When did your interest in the arts begin?
I’ve worked in museums through most of my career and got to experience art through them. To be honest I see art in more than specific mediums, even though I worked at a site that had a large collection by famous artist, Thomas Nast, we also had furniture and historic features in the building that made for an experience encompassing all kinds of art. A career counsellor early on noted that I was very interested in nature and my surroundings to be colorful and interesting and so I have been lucky to find that opportunity in most of my roles.
What brought you to the U.S.?
I grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland and during college had a summer job in Mercer County, and then came back for college. I was studying Scottish and American history, and my masters’ thesis was on the migration of Scots to Kearny. After graduation I began working in museums, including a living history museum, historic house museum and now GFS.
How does working at the Grounds For Sculpture influence your artistic outlook?
I find the combination of the historic buildings that remain from the State Fairgrounds, with Trenton tile, and the history of the park’s evolution really inspiring. For me the landscape that was created in the park taking it from an industrial waste land to the 42 acre stunning park with so many different kinds of spaces within is inspiring. Whether viewing the artwork or finding a quiet space to escape from busy everyday life, the park inspires creativity. I love the water garden, it has rare Camperdown Elms, from Scotland, and soothing water features. It’s a very quiet and relaxing space.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding the art and getting the word out to the local population?
I always hope when I meet someone who came to GFS before and thinks they’ve seen it all already after we speak, they are inspired to come back. It’s an ever-changing place, between the seasons in the park, the exhibitions being shown and a range of programs year-round. For those who have never been here, I am always so excited to tell them a little about GFS, but not too much, to encourage them to visit. It’s also fun to learn someone has seen sculpture in and around Hamilton and throughout Mercer County to learn how large the park is and how much more there is so much to see.
It’s always a satisfying moment to hear from a guest how much they discovered and enjoyed the experience.
Do you make any sculpture yourself?
I have played in our clay maker space in the museum building, where anyone can try their hand at sculpture. That has been fun, to see everyone from groups that come in, to guests to the park who discover it during their visit check out the space and create I hope to take advantage of one of the upcoming ceramics classes, that we are holding this winter and will continue next year.
Do you attend workshops at GFS?
I’m a huge fan of our wellness programs. We have everything from Tai Chi, to Wellness Walks, slow to fast pace! Sound Baths, Guided Meditation and more. These workshops are so inspiring in themselves, but set them in the park, in amongst the sculpture or in one of our spacious galleries and it adds another level.
Tell us about Night Forms, the current show at Grounds for Sculpture.
It’s magical! Last year when we had the first iteration of Night Forms it was hard to describe until you saw it. Not just lights, but computer projections onto landscape and sculpture that transformed the park into a totally different place. It’s a self-guided experience and you can determine your own pace It’s not crowded as the installations are spaced out so there is plenty of room for everyone to spend time with each. This year is a new exhibition with a new route with some of the same sculptures but with updates and additions to the experience. I’m excited for guests to discover the interactive elements added this year too.
We see large groups of extended families coming out, and while toddlers, and sometimes grandparents, danced and engaged with the installations, teenagers were posting to social media, and we see lots of date nights bundled up with an adult hot chocolate as they stroll the park.
Night Forms: Infinite Wave is open through April 2, Thursday through Sunday evenings, and the week between Christmas and New Year.
What is a dream project of yours?
The history geek in me would love to see us share more on the story of the history of our site at GFS. The State Fairgrounds, the transformation and history of the space from where it began to where it is. This would include the creation of the park and the history of it as it grew and evolved. It’s a fascinating story, and I’d love to see that come to life for guests Sometimes in our area transport can be challenging so a bus that loops through Trenton and Hamilton to the park would be a dream!
What is on the horizon?
I’ve excited that we’re installing signage for our extensive horticulture collection. Our gardens are both the setting for sculpture through the park, but also house an amazing collection of specimens, some incredibly rare. The very careful and thoughtful way our team have created the park over the last 30 years from scrub land to what it is today has made for an incredibly intersection of art and nature is important.
Wellness programming is also something that we have found incredible interest in, and I’m hoping we continue to find funding to support expanding this opportunity for more and more individuals, nonprofits and corporations to come out and experience. I’m looking forward to seeing us become event better known for our art, our gardens and our ability to be a place of rejuvenation.
Karen Hollywood.,
