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Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Credit

Andrzej Pitynski, Space, Conquer or Die – Swiatowid, 2013, bronze, 432 x 161 x 159 inches, Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier, © Artist or Artist’s Estate, Photo: Roshni Khatri

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At GFS, community engagement is at the heart of our programming. We believe that the best experiences are created in collaboration with the diverse voices and perspectives within our community.

Over the last 30 years, more than three million visitors have experienced our sculpture park. Our late Founder, artist Seward Johnson, envisioned a public space where the broadest cross section of our society is invited to relate to the sculptural arts. GFS is dedicated to delivering and exceeding its founder’s vision to be accessible—a shared space for renewal, rejuvenation, and enlightenment, where all guests can personally connect to art and nature, enhancing their overall wellbeing. Our commitment to continuing our growth as a leading museum and arboretum, with a focus on the intersection of art, nature, and wellness, and of being a part of and resource to our community, drives our work.

Input from our community partners is essential in creating programming that can provide the greatest impact possible for our constituents. This is demonstrated in several program areas including our work with seniors, artists, families, and community organizations. We actively seek input from local residents, cultural organizations, and community leaders to continue to strive towards programs that are inclusive, relevant, and reflective of the community we serve. Through partnerships, workshops, and open dialogue, we incorporate the unique stories and traditions of our community into our exhibitions and events, creating a reliable space where everyone feels represented and valued. Many of our partners have worked with us for over five years, proving our capabilities as a trusted partner and collaborator.

Interested in becoming a community partner? Reach out to: education@groundsforsculpture.org

 

Community partner spotlight

A Better Way | Age Out Angels | Anchor House | Arc Mercer | Arm in Arm | Arts for Any Given Child Trenton | Better Tomorrows | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County | Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County | Bromley Neighborhood Civic Center – Operated by CYO of Mercer County | Capital Area YMCA | Capital Harmony Works | Center for Family Services | Children’s Home Society of NJ | College Connection |Dawn of Hope, Inc. | Discover A New Future | Dress For Success Central NJ | Earthshare | EBFIT | Embright Education | Ewing Helping Hands Program at TCNJ | Fan Favorite | First Tee | Global Youth Transformation Initiative | Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association | Hamilton YMCA | HelpSelf | Hey Black Dad | HISPA | HiTops | Homefront | Homeworks Trenton | Isles | John O. Wilson Hamilton Neighborhood Center | Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund | Legacy International Foundation for Education | LUCY Outreach | Makers Place | Medina Health Care | Mercer House | Mercer Street Friends | Millhill Child & Family Development | Minority Concerns | Miracle League of Mercer County | Mobile Minds Of NJ  | Mount Carmel Guild | National Junior Tennis & Learning of Trenton | New Jersey Angels | Oaks Integrated Care | Outdoor Equity Alliance | Parents Inc. | Princeton Community Housing | Princeton YWCA | Project Freedom | Puerto Rican Community Center | Queens Mentoring Program | Rescue Mission of Trenton | RISE | Salvation Army | SEED | SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc. | Shiloh Community Development Corporation | Sprout U School of the Arts  | The Father Center | The James R Halsey Foundation of the Arts | Trenton Health Team | Trenton Area Soup Kitchen | United Way of Greater Mercer County | UrbanPromise Trenton | Veteran Affairs | Virtua Home Care & Hospice | We Care Special Sports | We Make: Autism At Work | Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies Department at TCNJ | Younity

 

 

COMMUNITY ACCESS TICKET PROGRAM

At GFS we foster intentional partnerships to achieve our vision of inclusivity, partnering with corporations and foundations to underwrite access. Through this program we have a limited number of complimentary tickets for local nonprofit groups to share with their patrons.

To enquire about eligibility for local non-profits to share with clients for individual or group visits, please complete the inquiry form.

The 2026 Community Access Ticket Program is made possible, in part, by Stark & Stark. Support is provided, in part, by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Capital Health, Holman, NJM Insurance Group, and NRG Energy. Additional support is provided, in part, by Switlik Foundation.

Community Access Ticket Program Supporter Logos

 

$5 AFTER 5 FRIDAYS

Summer 2026 – Every Friday evening from through September 4, all tickets between 5PM – 9PM are $5 for everyone. Rat’s Restaurant will also be offering a $5 sangria on these days. Invite your friends and come experience the gardens in golden hour. 

$5 After Five Fridays are supported, in part, by Stark & Stark.

$5 After 5 Fridays Supporter Logo

EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Preschool Programs
GFS engages three preschools – Millhill Preschool, Better Beginnings, and Princeton Nursery School – and over 230 students for monthly artmaking sessions at each school. The program culminates with an exhibition and family event at GFS.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
After School Programs – The Father Center of New Jersey
GFS provides the Developing Young Men, Young Leaders program with mentorship, art, design and wellness workshops.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
After School Programs – Homeworks Trenton
Our relationship with Homeworks allows GFS to offer deeper and more meaningful academic and art-based experiences.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
After School Programs – Milhill PEERS
This after school program includes high level art making onsite at GFS, incorporating themes from the PEERS curriculum including leadership skills, self-identity, team building, time management, communication, and public speaking.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
After School Programs – Hamilton Area YMCA
Created with Hamilton YMCA, programs are held at YMCA afterschool programs at local schools and explore a variety of art-based concepts through a STEAM-based curriculum as well as build socio-emotional well-being and leadership skills.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Adult Programs – The Arc Mercer
The Arc Mercer participants attend weekly sessions using a project-based approach for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Adult Programs – Creative Arts Workshops for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
These art workshops are designed for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities who have transitioned out of the school system. Classes are held at GFS and include a guided tour, art project, and wellness activity.

Children’s educational programming at Grounds For Sculpture is made possible by generous support from the Jirair S. and Elizabeth Hovnanian Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by PNC Foundation. Support is provided, in part, by Jenifer Morack and Schaeder/Batterman Family Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.

 

Arc Mercer partnership is supported in part by NRG Energy

Arc Mercer Supporter logo

 

Creative Art Workshops for Adults with IDD at Grounds For Sculpture are supported, in part, by the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation.

Creative Art Workshops for adults with IDD supporter logo

 

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