Village, Gallery Host Art Party in the Park

On September 23, between 3-6 p.m. the public is invited to attend and participate in an Art Party in the Park. This is an open and free celebration of local art and artists, honoring South Orange native Tony Smith. 

Hosted by the Lennie Pierro Memorial Arts Foundation and the Village of South Orange, this commemoration of Smith’s centennial is an all-out community art “happening” centered around Smith’s sculpture Tau in Meadowland Park, North Ridgewood Road, South Orange. Kids activities, participatory pieces, and light refreshments add to the festivities.

In addition to work by local artists, the celebration will include the unveiling of a sign highlighting Tony Smith, TAU and the contributions of those who made the installation in 2008 possible; the presentation of future plans for lighting the sculpture; and the launch of a new educational and community involvement website, www.tonysmithsouthorange.org 

Concurrently, the Pierro Gallery presents, Extrapolate: Suggestions of Tony Smith.  This is an exhibition born in the hometown of American sculptor, visual artist and architect Tony Smith (September 23, 1912 – December 26, 1980). The show celebrates Smith’s legacy in the work of contemporary artists today and coincides with the 100th anniversary of his birth. 

The exhibition features nine artists who have been directly influenced by Smith, who use his work in their art, or who are inspired by some of the same ideas that motivated Tony Smith. The broad variety of works embrace sculpture, painting, installation shots, and digital work exploring volume, mathematics, pattern, repetition, space, and context. Artists include: Sarah Bednarek, Frank Gavere, Ethan Greenbaum, Michael Clyde Johnson, Karen A Margolis, Tom Mc Glynn, Gary Petersen, Kim Schoenstadt, and Kati Vilim. The exhibition is co-curated by Sandy Martiny and Judy Wukitsch.

Extrapolate in the Pierro Gallery, Baird Center, South Orange will run from September 15 through October 27. A Gallery Talk and reception will be held October 25, 7 pm.

Concurrently, on September 23, 2-4 pm, a Newcomer’s Information and Welcome Day is scheduled at the South Orange Public Library. A self guided walking tour of major sights in South Orange will be handed out and recognition will be given to past Villagers of the Month, volunteers who made impact on the hometown.