Art in the Park
The Conservancy plan for Art in the Park is to include selected organic, outdoor sculptures for both the open lawns and meadows as well as woodland sculptures along the hiking trails.
Project Background
First inspired by a photograph from Carole Clarkson of The Jeniam Foundation, the Conservancy has developed a long term plan for selected organic, outdoor sculptures in the Park. There are three planned elements including:
- Benchmark functional wooden benches
- Woodland trail art
- Select short-term sculptures
Three initial sculptures were commissioned from the Scottish artist Nigel Ross, who had recently exhibited at Kew Gardens in London. His sculptures are over 12 feet long, sculpted from single hardwood pieces, and weigh over half a ton.
Project Details
"Crossways" and "Arbor" arrived in February 2024. "Crossways", generously funded by The Jeniam Foundation, sits atop the knoll at the north end of Jeniam Meadow. It offers a peaceful view over the meadow and is ideal for bird-watching. "Arbor", funded by the Seelert Foundation, is visible from the house terrace and sits on the margin of the lawn and meadow directly to the south.
The third Benchmark "Clunie Spiral", generously donated by Kathy Megrue-Smith, arrived on site in early November. This new sculpture has been placed near the top of the sledding hill leading to Anderson Pond, along the where the Lapham's old swimming pool was installed. The Park's sweeping views and distinct landscapes are visible in several directions when sitting on "Clunie Spiral" -- just look east across Anderson Pond and west up the hill to Waveny House to take them all in!
We are grateful for the efforts of our former board member and colleague, Charles Crookenden, who worked tirelessly to bring the Benchmark program to Waveny. A fourth sculpture is already on order as a tribute to him.