This spring, Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) invites visitors behind the scenes for a rare glimpse into its hidden treasures. Newly acquired sculptures and works long tucked away in the GFS Collection will step into the light — including pieces by masters of American art and early creations from artists who once apprenticed at the Johnson Atelier before finding success in other fields.

Curated collaboratively by staff from the Guest Services, Development, Education, and Marketing departments — with guidance from the Curatorial team — this project opens the door for voices beyond the traditional curatorial circle. Staff members were involved in every step of the process, from selecting works, shaping themes, designing the gallery, writing interpretive materials, and learning the intricacies of art handling and installation.  

Opening the Vault explores the human experience through a visual spectrum of artistic expressions, mediums, and contexts. In doing so, the exhibit places relationships to art in conversation, including those of the artists, audience, staff members, and the spaces where these identifiers overlap within a living community like Grounds For Sculpture. 

By widening the lens of curatorial practice, Grounds For Sculpture offers visitors a fresh and accessible way to experience its collection — through the eyes of those who live and breathe the institution every day. The exhibition embodies Grounds For Sculpture’s commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and shared creativity. 

Opening to the public on May 17, 2026, this open-ended, collection-focused exhibition celebrates the depth and diversity of the GFS collection, uniting works across an array of mediums and stories. Members can enjoy a first look and related programming during Member Preview Day on May 16, 2026.  

This exhibition was guest curated by Caitlin Burns, Claire Cossaboon, Danielle Costello, Ariel DellArena, Caroline Fazzini, Colleen Molnar, Amy Musselman, Kat Reyes, Rye Palasciano, and Leah Southerland.

Opening the Vault: A Look Inside the GFS Collection is made possible, in part, by the Brooke Barrie Art Fund. Support is provided, in part, by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the NJ Department of State, and a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Atlantic Foundation.

Willie Cole, Pretty in Pink, 2005-06, shoes, wood, metal pipe, screws, staples, depth 19 inches; diameter 70 inches, © Artist or Artist’s Estate, photo: Ken Ek; Layo Bright, 9:29. May 25, 2020. George Floyd Murder #147, 2025, blown glass, oak, and sand, 28 x 13 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches; Steve Tobin, Homage a Femme, 1994, bronze and glass, 27 x 15 x 9 inches © Artist or Artist’s Estate; Helena Lukasova, I am the Venus, 2014, Carrera marble, 40 x 13 x 14 inches, © Artist or Artist’s Estate, photo: Ken Ek