Seward Johnson sculptures return to Wildwood community parks

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - The sculptures that stopped a thousand cars and spawned a few dozen calls to the City of Wildwood Police Department* are back for a second year!

The very lifelike Seward Johnson Sculptures that piqued so much interest and gained unprecedented popularity in Wildwood last year have returned to the city’s community parks: Holly Beach Park, Pacific & Glenwood Pocket Park, Scotty’s Park, and SOLCOW Park.

This art installation was originally the idea of Jennifer Robinson of the City of Wildwood Tourist Development Commission (TDC), which was established to promote growth, development, and quality of tourism. The goals of the TDC are to generate visitation to the City and its beaches, attractions, and special events and to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the community.

Deputy Mayor Fitzsimons, who oversees Wildwood Special Events, kicked off the Arts in the Parks series two years ago with innovative programming that put the city’s community parks on display. Each park includes 12 weeks of programming. Fitzsimons, a lifelong Wildwood native, said:

“This is really a dream come true for me. I have seen our parks go from ignored to adored in just a few short years. The #ArtsintheParks program is exactly what it should be – a way to bring our community together. We welcome visitors to join our programming all summer long.”

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, all the things Seward loved.

The Seward Johnson sculptures will be on display until November and include a bike tour map that can be found on the City of Wildwood website: www.wildwoodnj.org/post/seward-johnson-~-arts-in-the-parks.

“It’s easy sometimes to forget the simple things that give us pleasure. If we open our eyes, life is marvelous.” ~ Seward Johnson (1930-2020). 

The Seward Johnson Atelier and City of Wildwood invite everyone to slow down, visit our parks, and enjoy!

*Grabbing Some Peace startled more than a few concerned citizens at Holly Beach Park last year. They called the police unaware that she was a sculpture.