The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition Nov 2020

theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 38 Valid at Warren loca on only Exp. 1/15/21 HOLIDAY CHEER 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 hope- fully enjoy lunch or a coffee too. Grounds for Sculpture, the 42-acre sculpture park, and arboretum 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 sculptures, whether life-size or gigantically over- sized, are awe-inspiring and popular subjects for selfies and Instagram posts. The Grounds for Sculpture collec- tion also features works from many of the most important sculptors of the last 60 years, and pieces by contempo- rary sculptors are continually added. Today, more than 300 sculptures and artworks are strategically placed through- out the verdant landscape. One of the great pleasures of walking the grounds is coming around a bend or en- tering a stand of trees to dis- cover a spectacular 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 available at the time of pub- lication, but the Van Gogh Café is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily with spa- cious outdoor seating in a lovely setting. It offers fresh- ly made salads, sandwiches, snacks and treats, and very hot coffee. Rat’s Restaurant, a charm- ing country-French spot with wonderful food and drink, is located adjacent to the Grounds for Sculpture and is open with limited indoor and outdoor dining. Advance reservations are required. The walking path between the sculpture garden and the restaurant is temporar- ily 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 St rm 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 standard 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 acr s of elds, grasses, hills, a wo ds. It is a sp ctacular setting and on in which you ca easily remain far - well more than six feet - from anyone else on the grounds. Storm King’s dramatic land- scape includes farmed elds, natural woodlands, lawns, native grasses, wetlands, and water. The inherent 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 be n it ated on the site with careful consideration given to both i s im- m diat surroundi gs and distant views. The collection includes works by some of the world’s t p art- ists such as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Cald r, Sol Lewitt, Roy Lichtenstein, Maya Lin, Hen- ry Moore, Louise Nevelson, Bar- nett Newman, Isamu Noguchi, and Richard Serra. Any day is a good time to visit and visit more than once as each season offers a new and different perspective on these amazing artworks. Storm 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 ust be pur- hased online in advance. Entry times are vailabl from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, and visi- tors must arrive onsite during the hour indicated on their ticket. Upon arrival, there is contact- less ticket processing (scanning) 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.stormk ng.org. WHERE TO EAT The Outdoor Café remains closed, but boxed lunches, snacks, and drinks (including beer and wine) can be ordered online at least 24 hours in advance o f your visit. Or pack lunch and nd a beautiful spot on the grounds to enjoy a picnic. At minimum, be sure to bring water, a few snacks and appropriate sun or weathe r protection. Restrooms and por - ta-johns are available. If you want to o some ad - diti nal exploring, neighbor - ing Hudson Valley towns such as Beacon, Cro on-on Hudson , Newb rgh and Cornwall have delis, cafes and restaurants open for take-out and/or outdoor din - ing. Check out Hudson Valley Magazine at www.hvmag.com fo r details. 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 more than 100 sculpt res arrayed over 500 acres of elds, grasses, hills, and woods. ENJOY HE GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE