Hamilton's Grounds for Sculpture features outdoor art

I have uncovered a reason to go to Hamilton, N.J.

The incentive is the awe-inspiring and expansive collection of sculptures that resides in the eclectic "sculpture garden," the Grounds for Sculpture. There could be no better name for this collection than a "garden," for it is not a gallery, or a museum. The Grounds appears year-round as a blossoming display of three-dimensional artistic interpretation. Since 1992, the Grounds has exhibited a rotation of contemporary sculpture displayed in creative, individual ways throughout its 35 acres. Just 15 to 20 minutes from campus, the Grounds will introduce a visitor to something he has never quite seen before, even after multiple visits.

The Grounds is located on a site that was once part of the New Jersey State Fair Grounds. Getting there is a simple drive down I-295 South, taking the exit for Sloan Avenue West and following the bright blue signs. There will also be many large statues adorning the sides of the road as guides. Don't expect quiet rooms full of sculptures like Michelangelo's "David" or Rodin's "The Thinker." Most sculptures are meticulously placed outdoors among the hills, lakes and foliage in their own artist-chosen scenarios, as well as in a few indoor galleries. It really appears that each sculpture is in its own element. When I visited the Grounds last Saturday, my first stop was the Water Garden, where water was incorporated into sculpture in every way imaginable (and unimaginable, for that matter).

Next I ambled, awestruck, through the adjacent main gallery, a collection of innovative contemporary sculpture. Finally, after being thoroughly sidetracked taking photographs of the Grounds' wild peacocks, I headed towards the rolling hills of extensive and individual sculpture. These sculptures encompass every type and medium of modern sculpture. Each piece was thought-provoking and fresh. Currently at the Grounds, internationally acclaimed sculptor Patrick Dougherty has a featured installation called "Twisted Logic." Dougherty's sculptures are created by weaving tree saplings into large organic constructions, each sculpture varying by its location and surroundings. The result is what appear to be constantly windswept structures, clusters of physical spectacles. His show will be up between Oct. 10, 2004, and May 1, 2005.

The other pieces on display range from the minimalist to the extravagant, the conservative to the daringly flamboyant. One example would be Sarah Haviland's "Trio," a powerful and abstract image of a tortured twisting figure that could be interpreted as a tree, hands or whatever comes to mind. Haviland's intentions with "Trio" were for it to ultimately represent three entwined female figures, all reaching out towards the sky. It is a sculpture that can be well-appreciated at first glance, and even more so by further in-depth interpretation. However, "Trio" is simply one of the 213 equally tantalizing sculptures on the premises. A few others include J. Seward Johnson Jr.'s "Déjeuner Déja Vu," a precise and life-size recreation to Manet's painting, "Déjeuner Sur L'Herbe;" Bruce Beasley's stainless steel "Dorion," a massive yet sleek structure reflecting upon its the still lake that surrounds it; and Brower Hatcher's "Time Reversing," a meticulously constructed metallic web of stainless steel and glass. With every dip and turn I found myself in an entirely new environment with a stimulating and perplexing structure to behold. Entrance into the park is an entirely worthwhile $7. Put aside a few hours, and take it in with a friend. Perhaps enjoy dinner at the acclaimed, whimsical Rats Restaurant after your visit. The Grounds is nothing short of brilliant.