“Celebrating the Familiar”

Outdoor Art Exhibit in Downtown Trenton

The works of world-renowned sculptor Seward Johnson can be seen in convenient locations in downtown Trenton.


Now through October, you can experience a unique public art exhibition in the capital city. Nine life-size bronze sculptures from Seward Johnson's “Celebrating the Familiar” exhibition draw us in through their extraordinarily realistic details.


From a distance, you might think the two figures sitting on a park bench in Mill Hill Park are actual people, though their clothes might seem a little outdated. The park bench is a common theme in Seward Johnson’s work. You will see many of his figures doing everyday things on park benches, like reading a newspaper, eating lunch or meeting a friend. You might also see passersby engaging with them in funny ways.

There is an element of surprise and a sense of playfulness about the exhibit. The sculptures just seem to pop up out of nowhere in seemingly random locations around downtown Trenton. Yet, they also serve as placemakers, getting us to stop and observe, engage and converse.

“We chose locations that were all within a short walk of each other, and to encourage reactions and conversations,” says TDA Board Chair Bryan Evans. “People are posing for selfies with the sculptures and just generally having fun.”

Read more about the exhibit and each of the works in “The Trenton Blog.

READ MORE

“Celebrating the Familiar” is hosted by Trenton Downtown Association with support from Isles and Trenton’s art community members. A free guided tour is planned for this summer. Follow TDA on social media for updates on tours and other activities.

Can You Guess Where This Is?

Is the man at the parklet reading his text messages, or is he another sculpture, reading a fake cell phone?

Both photos were taken at the same location in downtown Trenton. Can you guess where? Not sure? Here is another clue: The man in the apron selling hotdogs is standing near a popular coffee house.

There will be more clues and games throughout the exhibit.

What’s Missing From These Photos
(Other Than You)?

We hope you come downtown to not only see all the Seward Johnson sculptures, but also to stop to enjoy the beautiful planters.

Every year, TDA plants and maintains beautiful flowers and greenery in large planters around downtown Trenton. It is one of the many beautification projects that “pop up” this time of year that make downtown Trenton a brighter, more vibrant place to visit, live and work.

So what’s missing? The photo on the left was taken just after they were planted. They are now approaching full bloom. The photo on the right was taken last year, before the sculpture “Holier Than Thou” was installed nearby.

We encourage you to come downtown to take a look at the sculptures, but also take in the sights around you, such as the Passage Theatre, Maestro Technologies, and this antique clock.

Never Miss a Beat
The first week of every month, TDA distributes the EventSource newsletter to its email subscribers. This compilation of events is designed to be a quick read and a guide to a variety of activities happening in Trenton. We hope you find it useful and share it with your friends! Not on our email list? Sign up

here.

Can’t wait for the next issue? Check out the

TDA Events Calendar on our website. We update it weekly.

TDA EVENT CALENDAR

Join the TDA Board Meetings

The TDA Board of Directors meets once a month on Zoom.

The meetings are open to the public.


The next meeting will be held:

TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 9 AM


Please RSVP to receive a link to the meeting.

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