By David Steele
New Jersey
The Grounds for Sculpture
Hamilton
When the New Jersey chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) sought a venue for a continuing-education seminar, organizers looked for a site that would attract attendees from as far away as Morristown.
Co-chair Scott Marchio decided to check out the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, whose small-town charm and historic attractions have earned it the title “America’s Favorite Hometown.”
Marchio was enchanted with the Grounds for Sculpture. “As soon as I arrived, I realized that this was one of those places,” he said. “No matter how many times you visit, no matter how long you stay, it will never be enough. There will always be something new to see, always some new way to see it — whether it’s the light, the shadow or your frame of mind.”
Founded in 1992 by J. Seward Johnson to foster an appreciation for contemporary sculpture, the park includes an outdoor permanent collection, indoor seasonal exhibits, a 35-acre arboretum and artists in residence.
Marchio and the IIDA-NJ gambled that the Grounds for Sculpture, about an hour from Morristown, would be a draw. The gamble paid off.
“They came out in droves,” Marchio said. A reception and lecture was held in the 4,800-square-foot main gallery, and six breakout spaces were used for small group sessions. Attendees networked in the main gallery. (The 5,200-square-foot East Gallery was completed in January. Primarily used for exhibitions, it is occasionally available for events.)
IIDA-NJ made sure the schedule included time for guests to walk the grounds, and the museum happily offered them access. “We heavily promoted the courtesy, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,” Marchio said.
Groups often play up the theme at the sculpture museum. Members of the IIDA-NJ event, for instance, created art that represented the four styles of communication: visual, digital, auditory and kinesthetic. The artwork was displayed during the networking event.
The peacocks that strut the grounds appeared on printed material promoting an event hosted by Community Options, a Princeton, N.J., nonprofit that supports people with disabilities. Organizer Jessica Guberman was thrilled with the services.
“They have a preferred vendor list, and the vendors were all people we’ve worked with,” said Guberman, vice president of marketing and development. “They were awesome.”
609-689-9134
www.groundsforsculpture.org
Maryland
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
St. Michaels
Those who view boat-building as construction instead of an artistic creation need only stop at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum to have their minds changed.
The museum is idyllically situated on the Miles River. Minutes away are large properties that cater to groups, such as the genteel Inn at Perry Cabin and the Harbourtowne Golf Resort.
With 18 acres and 2,000 square feet of waterfront, the museum is well equipped for special events.
In the warmer months, planners can tent the grounds at Navy Point, with its 11,000 square feet of waterfront space on its upper and lower decks.
Corporate groups often appreciate the rustic ambiance of the Small Boat Shed. Up to 100 guests can dine amongst the skiffs on display.
Keep in mind that the shed is not heated nor is it air conditioned. For those amenities, the renovated 1,444-square-foot Van Lennep Auditorium is a better choice. The venue offers access to Foggs Landing, which can be tented to accommodate 300. The venue’s perk is sunset views.
Consider having cocktails in the Hooper Strait Lighthouse on the Navy Point grounds. Sip wine on the lower deck overlooking the water; then drink in the view with a quick visit to the upper deck.
410-745-4944
www.cbmm.org
Pennsylvania
James A. Michener Art Museum
Doylestown
Doylestown, Pa., is so proud of native son and Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener that in 1988, a group of citizens created a museum that bears his name.
The facility celebrates the art and culture of Bucks County, and there’s much to salute. Although a bedroom community of Philadelphia, the county is still peppered with working farms, horse pastures and quaint towns that ooze country charm with upscale flair — all of which serves as inspiration for artists.
The James A. Michener Art Museum is located on the site of a prison, built in 1884. The museum’s big news is the April opening of the 2,500-square-foot Edgar N. Putman Event Pavilion, connected to a 4,500-square-foot courtyard.
The pavilion replaces the Ann and Herman Silverman Pavilion, which might be used for outreach programs, said Craig Zeserman, with Jeffrey A. Miller Catering Co., the museum’s exclusive caterers.
The pavilion’s glass walls make it one of the largest self-supporting insulated glass units in the world. The walls are made from German glass that takes three to four months to fabricate. There are 22 panels; each weighs about 3,350 pounds.
Tied to the galleries, the pavilion extends into the sculpture garden, which is accessible through its doors. The new addition to the Bucks County social scene evidently meets a demand. “We booked 20 events long before the space was finished,” Zeserman said.
215-340-9800, ext. 140
www.michenermuseum.org
