September 2011

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC, Celebrates 80th Anniversary with Annual Sculpture Society Exhibition

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC, is presenting the National Sculpture Society’s 78th Annual Awards Exhibition, on view through Oct. 30, 2011. The juried show features the figurative works of 46 members.

Robin Salmon, Brookgreen’s VP of Collections and Curator of Sculpture said, “We are delighted to have this prestigious exhibition at Brookgreen Gardens for the twelfth year. This annual partnership allows our visitors to enjoy and compare sculpture by America’s finest sculptors with work by rising stars in the figurative realm.”

The Annual Awards Exhibition is the National Sculpture Society’s juried competition which offers thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Additionally, visitors to the exhibition vote for their favorites to win the Brookgreen People’s Choice Award, announced at the end of the exhibition. Salmon said, “Our People’s Choice Award allows visitors to serve as a special awards jury, giving them the opportunity to critique the work and to take part in the exhibit. Each year since we initiated this award, every sculpture in every exhibition has received a vote, proving that this exhibit definitely appeals to everyone.”

The sculpture on display ranges from classical to contemporary, and is composed of portrait busts, bas-reliefs and full-size figures. The variety of subject matter and media exhibited represent the diverse styles, backgrounds, and disciplines of NSS members. Fellows (FNSS), Elected Members (NSS), and Associates make up the levels of sculptor membership of the organization, which is international in scope and appeal. National Sculpture Society and its members are dedicated to promoting excellence in art that is inspired by nature.

A Jury of Selection, comprised of two NSS Fellows and one curator, chose the 46 works from over 200 entries. This year’s Jury of Selection included Donna Hassler, Director of Chesterwood - A National Trust Historic Site; the Koh-Varilla Guild, FNSS; and Janice Mauro, FNSS. A separate Jury of Awards will convene after the show is installed to select the prize winners.

The National Sculpture Society was founded in New York City in 1893 by a group of America’s most prominent sculptors. Its members have created much of this country’s public sculpture, coins, and medals since the late 1800s. It is the oldest organization of professional sculptors in the United States, and has been hosting exhibitions for over a century.

Brookgreen Gardens was founded by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington in 1931 and, today, is a National Historic Landmark and a display garden with the most extensive collection of figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting by American artists in the world. In addition to the gardens, Brookgreen offers year-round courses and workshops for those interested in sculpture as well as programs and tours for visitors of all ages and interests.

A brochure of the show will be available.

For more information about the National Sculpture Society, please visit (www.nationalsculpture.org) or contact Patricia Delahanty at 212/764-5645 ext. 13 or e-mail to (patty@nationalsculpture.org).

For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Gardens at 843/235-6000 or visit (www.brookgreen.org).

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