APRI L 2 0 1 7 I BOROMAG.COM 19 “Socrates is always a place of regeneration and transition, so there’s nothing that’s permanent in the park ever,” Dimola said. This year, they are trying something new: for the first time, they will be dedicating the park exhibition space to one artist: Nari Ward. “Ward’s artistic practice echoes the park’s community-driven philosophy, and his solo show will integrate the public at every stage,” said Katie Horowitz, director of external affairs. Ward’s exhibition, “Nari Ward: G.O.A.T., again” features six commissioned outdoor pieces created onsite. It will be on display April 29 through Sept. 4. Dimola said that because Socrates Sculpture Park is outdoors and always open to the public, the installation process is unlike that at most museums. “The thing that’s really unique about Socrates in comparison to other art institutions is that it’s an institution without walls,” Dimola explained. “So when we are installing or de-installing sculptures, the whole process is open to the public and everyone can watch. There’s no like ‘gallery is closed; installation in progress’ wall that we can put up. It’s a really transparent and wondrous thing for someone to behold.” The fall exhibition is more of an open call: anyone can propose a project to appear in the park and the artists chosen will have the full support of the Socrates staff. Besides walking around the grounds and viewing exhibitions, there are numerous art workshops for adults held Sundays from May-September such as jewelry making, soap making, and screen painting, as well as a family-friendly sculpture workshops on Saturdays. Their “Healthy Living” program offers tai chi on weekends and various other outdoor activities. During the summer, the “Outdoor Cinema” program — an international foreign film festival — screens movies every Wednesday in July and August, with a different country or culture showcased each week. Finally, numerous concerts like the Met Opera and many jazz and dance performances occur throughout the year, and festivals and parades are regularly held. There certainly seems to be something for everyone at Socrates. Looking toward the next 30 years, the team at Socrates hopes to continue its growth and uphold its mission to serve its community. They hope to bring in more cultural organizations and artistic mediums and expand their audience. Dimola said that the goal is “for everyone to see themselves represented in Socrates and see it as a place that they can belong — no matter if they grew up here or just moved here, what income what background, what ethnicity.” Photos courtesy of Socrates Sculpture Park SCULPTING SUCCESS
BM042017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above