Author: Leslie Allain

Living Sculpture Tour (dates below)

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A guided tour into the vision of Seward Johnson’s Sculptures and the diverse landscape of Willowwood Arboretum. Get a brief history on the life of the artist and the creators of Willowwood Arboretum while experiencing art in nature.
  • Dates: August 12, 26, September 20, 30, October 18, 28, November 4, 15 
  • Time: 10 am – 11 am
  • Age: Adults.
  • Where: Willowwood Arboretum, 300 Longview Road, Chester Township, NJ 07930
  • Cost: $15 per person.
  • Contact: Preregistration is required. For more information, call 973.326.7601.

Find the Details Scavenger Hunt 8/1-11/8/23

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Explore the Seward Johnson Sculptures with this zoom-in scavenger hunt.  Look for the interesting details of the statues from the pawns on the chess board to the flowers pinned to a dress, clues will help visitors appreciate each of the sculptures on the display.  Scavenger Hunt clues will be available for download with each registration.  
  • Dates: July 1 – November 8
  • Time: 10 am – 3 pm
  • Age: All ages.
  • Where: Willowwood Arboretum, 300 Longview Road, Chester Township, NJ 07930
  • Contact: For more information, call 973.326.7601.

Sounds for Sculpture Concert 9/10/23

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The gardens at the Willowwood Arboretum are in full summer bloom and the artistry of New Jersey’s own Seward Johnson will further enhance their beauty

July 1st through November 15 as the Morris County Park Commission and the Seward Johnson Atelier are partnering to bring a selection of Johnson’s iconic “Living Sculpture” to the Willowwood Arboretum.

To celebrate this event, the Willowwood Foundation invites you to mark your calendar for Sunday, September 10th  to gather and enjoy “Sounds for Sculpture”  a uniquely curated jazz concert  honoring Johnson’s legacy.

The compositions, inspired by the sculptor’s iconic work features the musical wizardry of internationally acclaimed jazz vibraphonist and composer Christian Tamburr and his ensemble, trumpeter Tatum Greenblatt, drummer Carmen Intorre Jr., pianist Oscar Perez and bassist Griffin Fink.

The day’s events begin at the concert venue, the Willow School, 1150 Pottersville Road, Gladstone, N.J. Thereafter, attendees are invited to tour the sculptures at the Willowwood Arboretum while enjoying light refreshments in the Arboretum’s historic Stone Barn at 300 Longview Rd.

Tickets are $50.00 and may be purchased at www.willowwoodarboretum.org

The Willowwood Foundation is a non-profit organization (501 (c) 3) that supports public horticulture education and provides grants for the restoration of the gardens at the Willowwood Arboretum.

The Living Sculpture: July 1 – November 15, 2023

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A Seward Johnson Exhibit

The Morris County Park Commission is proud to announce a sculpture installation on display beginning July 1st at the Willowwood Arboretum, daily from 10 am to 4 pm. This exhibit is on loan from the Seward Johnson Atelier.

Living Sculpture 2023 Brochure
Living Sculpture 2023 Brochure

Seward Johnson (1930 – 2020) was born in New Jersey and after an early career in painting, turned to sculpture. He created more than 450 life-sized or large-scale realistic bronze scultures that have been exhibited around the world bringing a unique voice to the world of art in public spaces. He crafted sculptures of people pursuing ordinary day to day activities.

The Willowwood Arboretum offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to discover Seward Johnson’s iconic lifelike sculptures nestled unexpectedly yet harmoniously within the gardens, meadows and landscape.

Click on the image at right for more information.

Due to limited capacity, timed ticket reservations are required.

More information and tickets are available on the Morris County Park Commission site.

Click the image below to open a map of the Willowwood Arboretum showing sculpture locations.

Living Sculpture 2023 Map
Living Sculpture 2023 Map