New Film Showcases Summit Public Art, 20th Anniversary Gala To Be Held

SUMMIT, NJ — Do you ever wonder the meaning and history behind certain public art pieces in Summit? From sculptures to murals and installations, art can be found all over the city, and a new film delves into the significance behind these hidden gems.

In celebration of Summit Public Art's 20th anniversary, a new short film produced by HTTV — called "The Wonderful World Of Public Art" — features interviews of SPA members and "gets to the heart" of what Summit Public Art strives to do.

In addition to providing an overview of SPA’s 20-year history, the film also features a behind-the-scenes interview with artist Donna Conklin King, whose installation "Cave Painting" can currently be seen on the Summit Village Green.

Co-chair of SPA and 22-year Summit resident Brian Carpenter explains in the film that SPA started on the Village Green where there are three bus shelters that contain stained glass windows. Carpenter said this artwork goes back to 2002 when former mayor Janet Whitman got together with people around Summit to beautify the town and enhance the cityscape.

Carpenter said the "heart" of Summit Public Art is its temporary art program where the organization brings in about seven to ten different artworks from various artists every year.

"We basically rent them from the artist because otherwise as a nonprofit we would never be able to afford these works," Carpenter said.

For example, NJ artist Willie Cole, who has sculptures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art in D.C., now has a sculpture right in downtown Summit near the train station. Entitled "Woman in Heels," the sculpture is made entirely out of previously-worn, high- heeled shoes.

Carpenter said "Woman in Heels" is meant to be Cole's take on African sculpture that could be seen in a temple somewhere.

"It definitely has attitude," Carpenter says in the video. "What's amazing to me is how much character this piece has. [Cole] feels like the piece carries the spirit of the people who wore it."

You can view the entire film, and learn about more public art pieces in Summit, on YouTube below:

Summit Public Art is also hosting a gala on Sept. 17 at the City Hall Courtyard, 512 Springfield Avenue, to celebrate the organization's 20th year of bringing art to public spaces Summit.

The gala will go from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and feature surprise "Summer Nights" art installations, fine wines, hors d'oeuvres, small plates and treats, live music and an art site auction and art sale.

Guests will also have the chance to meet the SPA artists of 2022.

Space is limited, but tickets can be found here.

Those interested in viewing all the art around Summit can take a self-guided tour and use this guide to learn more about each piece.

You can learn more about Summit Public Art on its website.

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