Mendham Showcases New Public Art Sculptures At Pitney Park

MENDHAM, NJ — You might have noticed something new at Pitney Park, and it isn't spring flowers.

Two large stone sculptures have been installed in the park's northwest corner.

The "Flying Canoe" and "Oscar" pieces were on display on the front lawn of the Mansion in May, during the Morristown Medical Center's largest fundraiser. After being erected last week, they now have a temporary home at Pitney Park.

"We are excited to take this first step in bringing public art to our community for enjoyment and education. During the installation, a number of residents stopped to take photos and expressed their approval at seeing art at Pitney Park." The Arts Council of the Mendhams President Laurie Pettine said.

The Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center's signature fundraiser is the Mansion in May, which has raised more than $12 million since its inception in 1974 for Morristown Medical Center, which was named the best hospital in New Jersey for the fifth year in a row by U.S. News and World Report.

Mansion in May is the preeminent designer showhouse and gardens in the New Jersey-New York area, attracting over 25,000 visitors.

This year, the design fundraiser was open to the public from May 1 to May 31 and raised $1.5 million to support the expansion and modernization of the medical center's bioskills institute.

When the event concluded, Lambertville-based artist Harry H. Gordon and Boonton-based gallery owner Scott A. Broadfoot offered them for free display at Pitney Park.

The public is invited to meet the artist and gallery owner, as well as Township Committee members and officials, on Thursday, June 29, at 6 p.m., to learn more about the community's first public art exhibit.

According to officials, the art pieces will be on display for one year.

This project was spearheaded by the newly formed Arts Council of the Mendhams, with assistance from the county Morris Arts organization.