Seward Johnson Sculptures Displayed In Lower Makefield Township

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —They depict our everyday lives.

From a woman playing tennis to a man playing music, the beauty of ordinary life is captured and made extraordinary —in sculpture.

Lower Makefield Township recently unveiled eight sculptures from renowned artist and New Jersey native Seward Johnson. The life-size sculptures are on display through Sept. 1.

“We are delighted to welcome a new dimension to our park system through the installation and display of these beautiful and unique sculptures,” said Fred Weiss, chairman of the Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors.

The sculptures are part of Johnson's "Celebrating the Familiar" series.

"We are thrilled to bring these sculptures to our community," said Bette Sovinee, executive director of the AOY Art Center. "Seward Johnson is one of the world's most talented sculptors, and his work has the power to inspire, entertain, and uplift all who view it. We can't wait for our residents and visitors to experience the joy of these beautiful sculptures firsthand.”

Recently, the township embraced a new vision for Parks and Recreation “Play for All," which
will serve as a theme for the sculptures this year throughout all the parks.

“This is a great opportunity for the township to diversify programming and meet the needs of
residents no matter their age, race, or ability” said Monica Tierney, the township's parks and recreation director. “The programming we intend to offer in partnership with Artist
of Yardley will provide opportunities for the residents to connect, engage and experience
something that they have not experienced in Lower Makefield Township previously.”

The exhibition is made possible through a grant from Visit Bucks County with Lower Makefield
and AOY Art Center providing the matching funds. The funds will be used for the installation,
maintenance, and interactive programming around the exhibit.

The sculptures will be on display at Lower Makefield Township Community Center, Kids
Kingdom Playground, Veterans Square, with four sculptures at Memorial Park, the home of the
9/11 monument.

In addition, one sculpture is on display at Patterson Farm, which houses the AOY Art Center.

This program is a direct response to a community needs assessment that was distributed in
2021/2022 that found residents were interested in more arts and culture within the township.

AOY Art Center then reached out to the township to determine a joint course of action, in which the "Art in the Parks" concept emerged.

The program is made possible by a partnership with Lower Makefield Township, AOY Art Center,
Visit Bucks County and The Seward Johnson Atelier.