For Mercer students looking to unwind, Grounds for Sculpture is a place that will surround them with serenity and creativity. Located at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton Township, this 42 acre sculpture garden is an 11-minute drive from Mercer’s West Windsor Campus.
The museum includes modern and contemporary art sculptures placed around the beautifully maintained landscape, six indoor galleries, a museum shop, two cafes and Rat’s restaurant, serving French cuisine for hungry guests.
In addition, the sculpture garden offers a variety of activities for all ages including ceramic classes, Tai Chi for veterans, night forums, and open studios for family use.
According to Sam Hwang, director of guest services at Grounds for Sculpture, “the museum attracts 250,000 visitors annually.”
Grounds for Sculpture displays 300 works of art from local and international artists year round, giving each guest a chance for a new experience.
Along with the artwork, the museum provides the opportunity for activists to share their views on societal concerns through the outlet of art.
Spiral Q, a Philadelphia-based non-profit arts organization, has an exhibit featured at Grounds for Sculpture. The exhibition, Spiral Q: The Parade, highlights social and political issues.
One exhibit advocates for the defunding of the police system and highlights the names of those killed by law enforcement. It includes individual art pieces placed together to create one unanimous piece of artwork. In this exhibit there are references to the Black Lives Matter movement, using paintings of fists that read “No Justice, No Peace” and another sign reads “Defy and Dismantle.”
Along with the reference to the BLM movement, several portions of this exhibit push for immigration laws to change in America, with one sign reading, “Dismantle ICE and Defund the POLICE.” ICE stands for U.S Immigrations and Custom Enforcement, an establishment that has the power to remove immigrants from the United States.
Other parts of Spiral Q’s piece promotes LGBTQ empowerment by using several signs and posters. One banner in the artwork reads “Queerness is Infinite.”
Faith McClellan, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the museum, explained what distinguishes the sculpture garden from others in the vicinity.
McClellan says, “The founder’s vision makes Grounds for Sculpture unique. The late Seward Johnson wanted the museum to feel acceptable to everyone by creating an experience for those who do not understand art. He thought this goal could be achieved by allowing them to engage and touch the pieces—something other museums prohibit.”
Several MCCC students visited the museum during Grounds for Sculpture’s College Fest. Martina Pressede, a second year digital arts major at Mercer, participated in one of their painting classes.
Pressede says, “Grounds for Sculpture allows me to tap into my creative side as there are so many activities to engage in.”
Brian Fox, a second year Automotive Technology major at Mercer, says he has always known about the place.
Fox said, “My parents used to take me when I was little, and it is nice to be back here as a young adult.”
He continues, “It is the kind of place you want to see every season just by the different attractions here.”
With beautiful gardens, breathtaking landscapes and hidden pathways leading you to new art exhibits at every turn, Grounds for Sculpture brings imagination and creativity to life.
Hwang says, “I hope that more people will see Grounds for Sculpture as a spot to remember that has something to add to their lives.”
