Carmel is already home to the largest collection of J. Seward Johnson sculptures not associated with the New Jersey-based artist’s hometown, and soon it will install several more.
The Carmel Board of Public Works on Dec. 19 approved $354,000 to purchase five of the lifelike sculptures, ranging individually in cost from $65,000 to $78,000. The cost does not include shipping or installation charges.
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said the new sculptures will be installed in the Midtown and Arts & Design District areas.
“People love them, and they interact with them. When it’s about to snow I see them pop up with stocking caps and scarves and sweaters,” he said. “Constantly I see people taking pictures with them. That’s what public art should do. It should stimulate a conversation and be fun.”
The new sculptures are called Captured, featuring a woman reading on a bench; Shaping Up, a girl jogging while listening to music; Monet, Our Visiting Artist, Monet painting at an easel; Wine, Food and Thou, woman with picnic basket; and Strolling Professor, a man walking with an open book.
The Seward Johnson Atelier only makes a limited number of each sculpture. Brainard said he enjoys occasionally seeing sculptures during his travels that remind him of home.
As of press time the city did not respond to a request for comment on the specific locations and installation dates for the new sculptures.
View the sculptures at sewardjohnsonatelier.org.
