Students in G&T were treated with a trip to Grounds for Sculptures in Hamilton, NJ. The sculpture park brings the art to life to the point where it could almost be alive.

The Grounds for Sculptures was created by J.Seward Johnson II. He opened the park in 1992; the park draws a lot of attention to the works of impressionist painters that Johnson also likes. In addition to the park, he has his own work displayed.

There are so many impressionist paintings that decorates the interior of the park.

The head of the trip and G&T teacher, Mrs.Sweeney, stated that “there was an actual Van Gogh room, and it takes Van Gogh paintings and creates a room, modeled out of those paintings.” She continued, “There is a cafe called the Starry Night Cafe and the whole cafe was the painting of Van Gogh Starry Night.”

Mrs.Sweeney went on to explain what the educational benefits of the trip are, she stated, “The benefits are to familiarize the students, of the famous artist and show them sculptures that imitate their work,” she proceeded, “and get the students the opportunity to experience the creativity and beauty of Grounds for Sculptures.”

Furthermore, some students in G&T that went on the trip added how they felt about the Grounds for Sculptures trip. Cillian Bubb & Esther Shi are 7th graders in G&T that went on the trip.

Shi commented about her favorite sculptures, she stated, “It was very cool how they did the water lilies.” In addition to this, Shi explained that the visual of the water lilies “was like a real bridge and it was a big pond, then when you look over it there were water lilies in it and it was an actual view of it.”

Bubb stated that the sculptures that caught his eye were the ones that “resembles famous paintings.” For instance Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, a painting still famous to this day.

Grounds for Sculptures is a trip for all ages to enjoy. Patrons can see the entire landscaped site full of sculptures, complete with more than 2,000 rose bushes, 1,000 trees, and flower beds and shrubbery as well.

Since it’s a sculptured landscape, the G&T students had their opinions about what they would do if they were to make a sculpture of their own. Shi commented, “Yeah,  I think it would be cool, but I think it wouldn’t be that big”, but Bubb added, “No, I won’t be able to do that.”

So go see the wonders of Ground for Sculptures where visitors can support the arts and learn something as well.