The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition November 2020

theconnectionsnj.com since 2000 A luxury boutique featuring Elegantly casual Effortlessly styl ish (with an edge of course) Crazily affordable clothing, jewelry and accessories Jewelry by Alexis Bittar, Sorrelli, AnneMarie-Chagnon, Zenzi, KMO, Pono and many more Clothing by AnRen, Luna luz, Luii, Liverpool, Petit Pois, Snowskins, Gracia, adore …to name a few and “that impossible gift” 35 Perry Street, Chester, NJ 07930 kansasinchester@gmail.com 908-879-8007 Thurs. - Sat. 11am-5:30pm • Sunday 12pm-5:30pm • Call for seasonal hours. Amazing Gifts For Everyone On Your List! HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 40 As the weather turns cold- er and winter approaches, I am grateful for a spot where I can spend time outside, catch some rays, and hopeful- ly enjoy lunch or a coffee too. Grounds for Sculpture, the 42- acre sculpture park, and arbo- retum in Hamilton, fits the bill perfectly. Grounds for Sculpture was founded in 1992 by Seward Johnson. Johnson, an artist, philanthropist, and member of the Johnson & Johnson family, had an atelier in the area where hundreds of artists came to study and work. He saw potential in the property of the former New Jersey Fair- grounds for a site where art- work could be situated within the landscape, and visitors could spend time outdoors among the artwork ”…for an experience that elevates the soul and heals the spirit.” His vision became a reality, and in the almost 30 years since it opened, Grounds for Sculp- ture has become one of the premier cultural destinations in the State. The opportunity to see Seward Johnson’s works alone would be reason enough for a visit to the sculpture park. His incredibly realistic sculp- tures, whether life-size or gigantically over-sized, are awe-inspiring and popular subjects for selfies and Ins- tagram posts. The Grounds for Sculpture collection also features works from many of the most important sculptors of the last 60 years, and piec- es by contemporary sculptors are continually added. Today, more than 300 sculptures and artworks are strategically placed throughout the ver- dant landscape. One of the great pleasures of walking the grounds is coming around a bend or entering a stand of trees to discover a spectac- ular piece of sculpture in just the perfect spot – and a sun- drenched bench nearby from which to appreciate it. Grounds for Sculpture is open Thursday–Mon- day (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Winter hours through March 31 are 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. regardless of the weather. Timed-entry tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors may enter up to 30 minutes after the entry start time and can stay until closing. For information and fur- ther details, visit the Grounds for Sculpture website at www.groundsforsculpture.org. WHERE TO EAT Indoor dining was not avail- able at the time of publica- tion, but the Van Gogh Café is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily with spacious out- door seating in a lovely set- ting. It offers freshly made sal- ads, sandwiches, snacks and treats, and very hot coffee. Rat’s Restaurant, a charming country-French spot with won- derful food and drink, is locat- ed adjacent to the Grounds for Sculpture and is open with lim- ited indoor and outdoor din- ing. Advance reservations are required. The walking path between the sculpture garden and the restaurant is tempo- rarily closed, but Rat’s is two minutes up the road by car with plentiful parking. Check www.ratsrestaurant.com for the latest information. Today, more than 300 sculptures and artworks are strategically placed throughout the verdant landscape. One of the great pleasures of walking the grounds is coming around a bend or entering a stand of trees to discover a spectacular piece of sculpture in just the perfect spot – and a sun-drenched bench nearby from which to appreciate it. If you are looking for a place to get away for the day, consider a trip to the Storm King Art Center. From previous articles, you know that I am a huge fan of Storm King, and given the realities of our current situation, it is hard to beat. The Art Center is operating as an outdoor-only experience with a few very sensible changes to their sta ar procedures. Located in the Hudson Valley town of Cornwall which is just north of Woodbury Commons, Storm King Art Center is con- sidered to be one of the world’s leading sculpture parks. There are more than 100 sculptures arrayed over 500 acres of fields, grasses, hills, and woods. It is a spectacular setting and one in which you can easily remain far - well more than six feet - from any ne else n the grounds. Storm King’s dramatic land- scape in ludes farmed fiel s, natural woodlands, lawns, native grasses, wetlands, and water. The inher nt beauty of the region is constantly on view in the surround- ing hills and meadows as you walk the paths viewing art installations that range in size from small to staggeringly huge in a variety of media. Every piece has been situated on the site with careful consideration given to both its im- mediate surroundings an distant views. The collection includes works by some of the world’s top art- ists such as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Sol Lewitt, R y Lichtenstein, May Lin, Hen- ry Mo re, Louise Nevelso , Bar- n tt Newman, Isamu Noguchi, and Richard Serra. Any day is a good time to visit and visit more than once as each season offers a n w and diff rent p rspective on t ese am zing artworks. St rm King Art Center is open Wednesday–Monday (closed Tuesdays), 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. regardless of the weather. Per vehicle pricing is in effect, and timed-entry tickets must be pur- chased online in advance. Entry times are available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 .m. daily, and visi- tors must arrive onsite during the hour indicated on their ticket. Upon arrival, there is contact- less ticket processing (scan ing) through closed car windows af- ter which you are directed to the parking area. Regardless of entry time, visitors can choose to re- main onsite until closing. Further information is available on the Storm King Art Center website at www.stormking.org. WHERE TO EAT The Outdoor Café remains closed, but boxed lunches, snacks, and drinks (including beer and wine) can be rdered online at least 24 hours in advance of your visit. Or pack lunch and find a beautiful spot on the grounds to enjoy a picnic. At minimum, be sure to bring water, a few snacks and appropriate sun or weather protection. Restrooms and por- ta-johns are available. If you want to do some ad- ditional exploring, neighbor- ing Hudson Valley towns such as Beacon, Croton-on Hudson, Newburgh and Cornwall have delis, afes and restaurant open for take-o t and/o outdoor din- ing. Check out Hudson Valley Magazine at www.hvmag.com for d tails. A DAY OUT AT STORM KING ART CENTER By Linda Seigelman Upon arrival, there is contactless ticket processing (scanning) through closed car windows after which you are directed to the parking area. Regardless of entry time, visitors can choose to remain onsite until closing. There are m re tha 100 sculptures arrayed over 500 acres of fields, grasses, hills, and woods. ENJOY HE GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE