EDISON — The Edison Arts Society (EAS) is celebrating 20 years this year, and with the milestone, comes a significant project that members say will represent the diversity of the township.
Gloria Dittman, president of the EAS, said a visit to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton last summer presented her with the idea of creating a sculpture garden in the township.
“[Grounds for Sculpture is] beautiful and it’s in the middle of nature,” she said.
Dittman said she tries to think of ways of to put Edison on the map since the township is in a prime location and is close to everything.
And with the support of Mayor Thomas Lankey, his administration and the township council, EAS is hoping to create a sculpture garden in Papaianni Park across from the municipal building.
The sculpture garden will provide an environment to encourage all the arts — concerts, poetry readings, dance and drama recitals, she said.
EAS is seeking $50,000 for the first sculpture, which is approximately 20 feet tall and 7 feet wide. It is a representation of a family — a father, mother and three children – which was designed by Fernando Silva, an internationally renowned artist and township resident.
“Families have changed over the years with extended families, but it’s still family that keeps it all together,” Dittman said.
A ceramic red, white and blue column will be next to the proposed sculpture and 50 stars will hang above, representing each state in the United States. On top of the column will be the emblem of the EAS.
A good portion of the monument is made of cement and iron to withstand weather elements.
Dittman said the sculpture will be placed near the trees across from the Sept. 11 memorial at the park.
She said the vision is to place sculptures around the park.
The anticipated unveiling is mid-June.
Last year, EAS unveiled two ceramic murals along the entranceway leading into the Edison Municipal Building, which were created by Silva.
Dittman said any donation will be appreciated. A donation of $1,000 or more will include the name of the donor on the column. Make checks payable to the Edison Arts Society, 15 Midland Road, Edison 08820.
For more information, call 732-548-9134.
Contact Kathy Chang at kchang@newspapermediagroup.com.
