You may have noticed a series of life-sized bronze cast sculptures situated around our capital city. These nine works by internationally renowned sculptor Seward Johnson were installed in various locations in the heart of downtown Trenton last week. On loan from Seward Johnson Atelier through October 2023, the sculptures celebrate “the familiar,” a recurring theme in Johnson’s work.
“We received great support from Isles and Trenton’s art community members for this initiative with Seward Johnson Atelier,” says TDA Chairman Bryan Evans. “We see this as a way to add to a series of physical enhancements downtown and celebrate a community coming together around public art. We’re leveraging this program to encourage engagement across the city and attract more foot traffic.”
Isles supported the Trenton Downtown Association by contributing $6,500 toward the art installation through funding from the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) Old Trenton Neighborhood, a program from the Department of Community Affairs that Isles helps to facilitate in downtown Trenton, as well as through the Downtown Trenton Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP), which Isles coordinates on behalf of the City of Trenton.
“The Downtown Public Art Installations project aligns with our goals of continuing to infuse the arts in Downtown and developing the Creek to Canal (C2C) Creative District,” says Chris Shimchick from Isles. “It also aligns with the Downtown Trenton NPP Stakeholders Group, composed of downtown residents, business owners, property owners and faith-based leaders, who reviewed and approved these funds.”
The Trenton Downtown Association is planning a series of activities to promote the exhibition and engage Trenton’s vibrant art scene. But, for now, they welcome the public to come downtown to see the exhibit.
“We chose locations in front of key areas, all within a short walk of each other, to encourage reactions and conversations,” adds Evans. “People are posing for selfies with the sculptures and just generally having fun.”
See if you can find all nine Seward Johnson sculptures on display in front of such spots as Starbucks on Warren Street, Mill Hill Park, the Lafayette Garage Plaza, Passage Theatre, City Hall, and Maestro Technologies. And don’t forget to tag TDA on Facebook and Instagram.
