ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS TO HOST FREE COMMUNITY DAY ON APRIL 4
Gardens Conservancy to present special exhibition of Ann Norton’s drawings: Beyond the Garden Gates
(WEST PALM BEACH) In its second year, the Gardens Conservancy at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is hosting a special event for the community, to honor its mission of expanding the visibility and appreciation of artist Ann Norton’s work and legacy.
From April 1-4, the historic home on the grounds of the Sculpture Gardens will host “Beyond the Garden Gates” a very special exhibition of Ann Norton’s charcoal and pastel studies for her iconic gateway structures, Tibetan and bird series. As a way to introduce the Gardens to even more guests, the Gardens Conservancy will open the Gardens to the public on Saturday, April 4 free of charge.
“Ann’s drawings are quite revealing,” said Frances Fisher, founding chair for the Gardens Conservancy. “They show her thought process on the way to creating her monuments. Her drawings reflect her impact from an artistic point of view and they continue the process of bringing her story to life. Once you get to know Ann, you can’t help but fall in love with her story, these beautiful gardens, this wonderful and historic home, and her significance as an American artist. We hope guests will continue to get to know Ann Norton through her gift to our community of this very special place.”
The never-before-exhibited works were executed circa 1950s to 1970s. Along with rare personal and archival materials, and maquettes of some of the monuments currently displayed in the Gardens, the exhibition will give the viewer an intimate glimpse of Ann Norton’s creative process and her artistic significance.
“Beyond the Garden Gates” will be previewed on March 31 by Gardens Conservancy members at their second annual luncheon in the Gardens. The Conservancy luncheon will also honor two local women who reflect Ann Norton’s philosophy about philanthropy and the concept of sharing her garden, art and home with the community. Palm Beacher Cynthia Sulzberger and West Palm Beach resident Sarah Benitz will receive the Ann Norton Award for Philanthropy for their exemplary leadership to uphold the ideals set forth by Ann Norton and her gift of the gardens to the community.
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 for the April exhibition 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 located at 2051 South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach and are currently open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.