Sculpture Tour
Sculptures On The Ave
Discover the Magic of Art:
Seward Johnson Sculptures Enchant Landis Avenue in Vineland
Downtown Vineland is about to witness an extraordinary transformation. Main Street Vineland District, also referred to as “The Ave,” is gearing up to unveil six magnificent sculptures by the renowned artist Seward Johnson along the iconic Landis Avenue. This awe-inspiring art installation aims to not only celebrate the arts but also promote the vibrancy of The Ave and its downtown business district as a thriving hub for living, working, dining, and enjoyment.
The inception of this project can be attributed to Main Street Vineland’s unwavering dedication to elevating the town’s cultural identity. The endeavor has been made possible through the generous support of esteemed grant funders, the Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Neighborhood Preservation Program, whose recognition of the value of investing in cultural programs has paved the way for this exciting venture.
Russell Swanson, Executive Director of Main Street Vineland, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the grant partners for their invaluable contribution to this endeavor. The project marks an extension of their previous success with “Urban Canvases on the Ave,” where numerous murals brought life and color to the downtown district, with another mural currently in the works. By strategically placing the sculptures throughout the downtown area, Main Street Vineland aims to enhance the impact of existing murals, creating a mesmerizing fusion of art and urban landscape.
From July to January 2024, each historic block from 400 to 800 will host a captivating sculpture, promising an immersive artistic experience for all visitors. The unveiling will be accompanied by monthly wrap-around micro-events, designed to complement the sculptures and engage the community in unique ways. As part of the creative journey, all sculptures will grace The Ave’s downtown walking trail, known as “Walk The AVE,” offering a delightful journey of exploration and discovery.
To enrich the experience, Main Street Vineland has curated a series of walking tours, trolley tours, and other exciting programming. An explorer guide and a map will accompany visitors, unveiling the hidden stories and inspirations behind each art piece. More information about these enthralling events will be revealed soon, inviting art enthusiasts and curious minds to immerse themselves in the wonders of creativity.
The sculptures themselves are bound to leave a lasting impression on local residents and visitors alike. The sculptures will be placed at these locations:
- “Embracing Peace” – Positioned on the Boulevard & Landis, near the Military Mural, this art piece will convey a powerful message of unity and harmony.
- “Los Mariachis” – Near the Mexican mural in the 500 block, this sculpture celebrates diversity and cultural harmony.
- “Just a Taste” – Nestled in the 600 block near the Downtown Clock and in front of the Celebrate Food mural this piece will ignite the imagination and spark conversations.
- “Yuck, Go Fetch” – Located at the Landis Marketplace Building, this sculpture promises to add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the town’s artistic landscape.
- “Stormy Weather” – A breathtaking piece that will find its home in the 700 block, right in front of the Post Office.
- “Solo” – In the 800 block, this sculpture will take center stage in front of the historic Landis Theater.
The artist behind these captivating sculptures is the late Seward Johnson, who founded the esteemed Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, near Trenton. At the Grounds For Sculpture Seward envisioned a public sculpture garden to make contemporary sculpture accessible and offer people from all backgrounds the opportunity to become comfortable with contemporary art.
The sculptures on display have been generously loaned by Seward Johnson Atelier, reflecting their commitment to revitalizing communities and fostering enriching cultural experiences that inspire engagement and imagination.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to take a leisurely walk down The Ave, basking in the beauty of these historic sculptures. Don’t hesitate to capture the magical moments with a selfie alongside these captivating masterpieces, as they weave a tapestry of art, history, and community spirit along THE AVE.
Seward Johnson was born in New Jersey, and following the auspicious clipping of a newspaper ad for a beginner’s sculpture class, became well-known worldwide for his figurative sculptures. Spurred to strengthen communities through his artwork, Seward built an international community of artists with the Johnson Atelier, which continues to weave his sculpture into the fabric of everyday life through music, dance, poetry, food, and all the things Seward loved.
It’s easy sometimes to forget the simple things that give us pleasure. If we open our eyes, life is marvelous.
– Seward Johnson
