Opening the Vault: A Look Inside the GFS Collection is a fresh look at works by masters of American art and early creations from artists who once apprenticed at the Johnson Atelier. On display in the expansive two-story Domestic Arts Building, it features a broad range of pieces from the GFS collection. We had the pleasure of attending a press preview and now, you can enjoy this fascinating exhibition with your regular admission whenever you visit GFS now through the end of 2026.
Sema Burke, Medea, 1955, cast resin, 62 x 40 x 16 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, Original Gift of the Selma Burke Estate, photo: Roshni Khatri
Opening the Vault: A Look Inside the GFS Collection is curated by team members from Guest Services, Development, Education and Marketing departments. The exhibition explores the art collection through a visual spectrum of artistic expressions, mediums, and contexts. The ten GFS staff curators include Caitlin Burns, Claire Cossaboon, Danielle Costello, Ariel DellArena, Caroline Fazzini, Colleen Molnar, Amy Musselman, Jan Kathleen Reyes, Rye Palasciano, and Leah Southerland. Each of these talented individuals were involved in every step of the process. They selected works from the GFS collection, shaped themes, designed the gallery, wrote interpretive materials, and learned the intricacies of art handling and installation.
Willie Cole, Pretty in Pink, 2005-06, mixed media, depth: 19 inches; diameter: 70 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Purchase, photo: Roshni Khatri
Some of the works that will surely capture your interest include John Martini, Odd and Id; Helena Lukasova, I am the Venus; Willie Cole, Pretty in Pink; Steve Tobin, Homage a Femme; Joyce J. Scott, Everywoman’s Harriet; and Layo Bright, George Floyd Murder. Each of the pieces is accompanied by a QR code for an especially informative gallery experience.
John Martini, Odd and Id, 2000, painted steel, 81 x 16 x 18 inches; 79 x 45 x 16 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, photo: Roshni Khatri
There is a significant emphasis on the positioning of the artwork in Opening the Vault: A Look Inside the GFS Collection. As you course through the ground floor and upstairs galleries, each piece lends context to those surrounding it. This promotes a deeper understanding of artistic themes and invites interesting conversations about the works. We strongly suggest that guests take their time to enjoy each piece and scan the QR codes for interesting insights.
Layo Bright, 9:29. May 25, 2020. George Floyd Murder #147, 2025, glass, oak, sand, 28 x 13 ½ x 13 ½ inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Purchase, with Funds Provided in Part by Nigel Brown and Rishi Puri and Timothy Bailey, photo: Roshni Khatri
While you are at the exhibition, unleash your creativity! Be sure to participate in the “Collection Collab” where you can design and display your own artwork using the materials provided. In this area, you can also touch many of the materials that are used in the collection’s pieces.
A visit to GFS is ideal for couples, families, naturalists, and the many people who want to share their enjoyable visit on social media. After seeing “Opening the Vault: A Look Inside the GFS Collection” we spent a marvelous day touring the grounds where there were sculptures of every dimension around each corner along with beautiful botanical areas. One trip to GFS will never be enough. Put the excursion on your list of places to go this summer.
Grounds for Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619. For more information, please visit Home Page – Grounds For Sculpture
Top: Jesse Moore, Sigh (The Morning You Left), 1993, poplar, steel, 92 x 108 x 72 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, and Tallur LN, Obituary Note, 2013, bronze, wood, 73 x 64 x 41 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Purchase, photo: Roshni Khatri
