Toms River Expecting Special Summer Visitors

When you’re walking around downtown Toms River this summer, you may see a mother sitting on the grass reading to her child, an a man washing windows.

Glance, and you’ll see them. Look more closely and you’ll realize they’re not moving.

Those scuptures will be among about 20 life-sized bronze statues that will inhabit the downtown area, visiting Toms River on loan from The Seward Johnson Atelier of Hamilton Township.

Titled “Celebrating the Familiar,” the bronze scuptures by world-renowned artist Seward Johnson depict people engaged in everyday activities. “No Mommy, That One,” featuring a mother and child reading a book, and “Nice to See You,” depicting a man washing windows, will be sure to turn the heads of those walking in downtown.

The sculpture loan is made possible by donations from local foundations, businesses and families. The display is part of the Toms River Business Development Corporation’s vision and mission to improve the downtown area and bring art to the community as part of its Community Art Project.

Johnson’s life-size bronze figurative sculptures have been featured in private and public art collections and museums, and have appeared in such international locations as the World Trade Center in New York City, Paris, Rome, Monte Carlo, Hong Kong, and London. They also are highlighted at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton as part of the Seward Johnson: The Retrospective presentation.

The scuptures are expected to be on display early this month. For more information or to be a sponsor, contact the Toms River Business Development Corporation at 732-341-8738.