Cocktail reception celebrates sculpture

SIMSBURY — The Simsbury Chamber of Commerce invites all to the official Art Trail Closing Ceremony Cocktail reception on Thursday, Oct. 4 on the outdoor patio at Highcroft Apartments, 1100 Highcroft Place, Simsbury. There will be food, beer and wine to accompany the musical spinning talents of DJ John Voket to celebrate the phenomenal success of the art installation.

The life-like sculptures placed outdoors throughout town have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors since May. Due to the exhibit’s unbelievable popularity, the temporary bronze residents created by internationally-renowned sculpture artist Seward Johnson that were supposed to leave town on Sept. 15 will remain until Oct. 27.

“We are thrilled to announce the Simsbury Art Trail has been extended so that people can see all of the sculptures in one place when they attend the Spooktacular Chili Challenge!” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce. “However, with the added dates our expenses increase accordingly, so donations and sponsorships are greatly appreciated! If you’ve been enjoying the sculptures, please consider supporting this major initiative.”

Following the Closing Ceremony event, the 32 hand-painted sculptures will be transported to the Simsbury Performing Arts Center ahead of the 4th annual Simsbury Spooktacular Chili Challenge. The cook off serves as the biggest community event on the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce’s calendar, and last year drew over 3,000 visitors.

Currently, the Art Trail has presented a scavenger hunt-like challenge for the visitors and guests who have traveled from all over to get a first-hand look at these amazing creations. Walkers can view 19 of the pieces in 2.2 miles along Hopmeadow St. or view all 32 sculptures by bike or car.

There are still opportunities to sponsor the exhibit or the Closing Ceremony event, make a financial contribution, or volunteer for this unique art installation that celebrates the little things in life in an extraordinary way.

Tickets for the Closing Ceremony are $35 per person and include two complimentary drinks. To purchase tickets call (860) 631-7307 or visit www.simsburyarttrail.com.

For information about DJ John Voket, please visit www.johnvoket.net.

For sponsorship information contact Lisa Gray at info@simsburycoc.org or call (860) 651-7307.

Seward Johnson is an artist, an advocate for the arts, and a philanthropist. His “Celebrating the Familiar” series was first exhibited in 1992 at the New Jersey State Fairgrounds, which he believed would attract people who didn’t like traditional museums. Johnson is the grandson of Johnson & Johnson co-founder Robert Wood Johnson.

At age 38, his wife encouraged him to try sculpting, and his first sculpture, “Stainless Girl,” won a national contest sponsored by U.S. Steel. Johnson’s “Celebrating the Familiar” series consists of painted bronze people doing ordinary things in daily life. The sculptures celebrate Americans being Americans, and they can be found in plazas and parks across the country, as well as in Italy and China. Johnson was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013.

His works can be found at sewardjohnsonatelier.org.

For further information about the event, visit the event website at www.SimsburyArtTrail.com

Contributed photo “Waiting to Cross,” by Seward Johnson, on loan from The Seward Johnson Atelier Inc.