Grounds For Sculpture and Johnson Atelier will officially operate as a single entity, creating a center for contemporary sculpture production, conservation, and exhibition.
The merger, which was announced by the Hamilton Township-based organizations on May 26, unites Grounds For Sculpture with Johnson Atelier’s state-of-the-art fabrication and finishing facilities.
This includes its seven-acre Meadow, the physical plant housing the Atelier, and the Motor Exhibits Building, which currently hosts studios for 25 artists and apartments for guest artists.
This move is in line with the vision of artist and founder Seward Johnson, who envisioned the institutions working together to foster large-scale, high-caliber sculpture and public art experiences.
“Seward Johnson desired to make the impossible possible while working outside of the confines of traditional art systems and structures,” said Eric B. Ryan, president of the Grounds For Sculpture Board of Trustees.
“What Seward built in his lifetime was meant to be flexible and responsive to changing needs and cultural shifts in the world at large,” Ryan said. “This forward-looking spirit has allowed his contributions to evolve over time, remaining relevant to contemporary audiences and creators; and it has led us to where we are today with this merger.”
Founded in 1974, Johnson Atelier has given artists access to innovative production techniques, allowing them to create monumental works. Over the decades, apprentices have learned alongside artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, George Segal, Michele Oka Doner, and others.
The Atelier’s resources have contributed to significant works for institutions like Madison Square Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum’s Biennial.
The merger allows Grounds For Sculpture to integrate the Atelier’s fabrication business into its nonprofit model, expanding its capacity to produce and exhibit contemporary sculpture both on-site and globally.
Since its founding in 1992, Grounds For Sculpture has showcased more than 700 artists on its 42-acre campus, including works by Seward Johnson and other renowned sculptors. Over 40% of the artwork on display was produced at Johnson Atelier.
Gary Garrido Schneider, executive director of Grounds For Sculpture, said the merger enables the atelier to build stronger connections with artists who could contribute to Grounds For Sculpture’s permanent collection.
At the same time, he added, it allows Grounds For Sculpture to better support Johnson Atelier’s project pipeline through artist residencies and off-site programs that help both the artists and Grounds For Sculpture expand their global reach.
“This unification of Grounds For Sculpture and Johnson Atelier is just as much a win for artists and the contemporary arts industry as it is for the members and visitors who will benefit from an enhanced cultural experience, with more opportunities to engage with internationally renowned artists and their process,” said Kathleen Greene, chief audience officer at Grounds For Sculpture.
The merger was facilitated by The Seward Johnson Atelier, the nonprofit that manages Johnson’s artistic legacy and copyright.
For more information see groundsforsculpture.org and johnsonatelier.com.
Dina Wind's Harp of David #1, (1985/2018). The mild steel 26' x 24' x 22' work at Grounds For Sculpture was a Gift of the Dina Wind Art Foundation. (Photo by Ken Ek.),
