MORE THAN 100 GUESTS ENJOY PEEK “BEYOND THE GARDEN GATES”
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens welcomes Gardens Conservancy members to preview never-before-seen works of Ann Norton
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) More than 100 supporters of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens packed into the historic home at 2051 South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, March 31. Guests were treated to a sneak peek of the Gardens’ newest exhibit, “Beyond the Garden Gates,” which featured never-before-seen works from Ann Norton and a private al fresco luncheon in the gardens on the most beautiful spring day. Surrounded by Norton’s work, in the form of sculptures and drawings, and an exquisite display of succulents and cascading flowers, luncheon attendees heard from Gardens Conservancy founding chair, Frances Fisher, about plans for the future.
“Today we celebrate a powerful combination of art, history and natural beauty as we recognize the remarkable artistic contributions of Ann Norton,” said Fisher. “Building on a 30 year history, the Gardens are ripe for rediscovery. The Gardens Conservancy is leading a renaissance aimed at increasing public enjoyment of these gardens and historic home, with projects that renew the garden, enhance educational and cultural programs and encourage creative partnerships.”
Fisher then gave special recognition to Conservancy Founder’s Circle members in attendance, including Sarah Benitz, Lourdes Fanjul, Susan Keenan, David Miller, Merry O’Donnell, Sally Soter, Cynthia Sulzberger and Emmy Wolbach, before giving out the inaugural Ann Norton Award for Philanthropy to two recipients. The awards were presented to Sarah Benitz and Cynthia Sulzberger, “whose dedication and passion for the gardens reflect the very philosophy Ann Norton intended with her gift of this natural sanctuary to our community,” according to Fisher.
Benitz, known for her green thumb and flair for design, was recognized for her leadership as the 2014 chair of the Gardens’ largest annual fundraiser, the “Festival of the Trees.” Beloved as Palm Beach County’s most magical event of the season, the benefit enjoyed its most successful run under her leadership. It was announced that Benitz has accepted the role again for the 2015 benefit.
“I loved learning that West Palm Beach had this incredible cultural, historic and environmental gem right here in our backyard,” said Benitz. “It’s a priority to me that we teach the next generation about the importance of preserving and celebrating greenspace like these special gardens. I so appreciate this award, and I am honored to play a role in introducing the Gardens to new audiences.”
Sulzberger, who has a distinguished background in literacy, was recognized for her continuing support as a reader, presenter and sponsor of the Sculpture Gardens’ Literacy Days. Literacy Days is an inspiring initiative welcoming public and private school groups from throughout Palm Beach County to experience the Gardens through the eyes of local authors and illustrators and explore the story of Ann Norton with its signature publication, The Awesome Adventures of Annie V.
“When children can work on honing their reading skills in this beautiful setting, reading doesn’t even seem like ‘work’ anymore,” said Sulzberger. “The first time I saw students participating in Literacy Days and walking through this garden with wonder, I was hooked. As a reading specialist, these activities are important to me and I am grateful to the Conservancy for this honor.”
As the luncheon concluded, guests were treated to another sneak peek – this time with renderings unveiled by Jorge Sanchez, of Sanchez and Maddux, showcasing conceptual designs to provide a new creative space in the Gardens. Designed for educational use and to enhance enjoyment of Ann Norton’s monumental sculptures, the new space is targeted as the next project for the Gardens Conservancy.
As a gift in celebration of their second year, the Gardens Conservancy made it possible to open the “Beyond the Garden Gates” exhibit, the sculpture Gardens, historic home and studio to the public free of charge on Saturday, April 4. More than 1,000 guests enjoyed the Gardens and the very special exhibition of Norton’s work.
The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501 (c) (3) operating foundation, established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). Launched just last year, the Gardens Conservancy is a group of supporters dedicated to honoring Norton’s legacy by cultivating creative community partnerships to enhance educational programs and cultural awareness of the Gardens, and implementing exciting horticultural projects to maintain the garden as a vibrant feature of the community.
For Conservancy membership information or details about upcoming exhibitions at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, please visit www.ansg.org or call 561-832-5328. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.