The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, also known as theNate, is holding its annual Sculpture, Wine and Dine benefit on Saturday, Sept. 14. TheNate was voted Best Sculpture Park in the nation in 2021 by USA Today and it remains in the ranks among the country’s top sculpture parks.
The park predates Governors State, but you wouldn’t know it as you turn onto University Drive and see “Paul,” the statue of Paul Bunyan by Tony Tasset and the newer acquisition of “Avian Station” by Bernard Williams. The latter you may have to pull over to take in. Nestled between trees, you’d miss it if you kept your eyes on the road.
These are only two of the 34 large scale, master works by artists both local to Chicago and international. These works like “Field Rotation” and “Yes! For Lady Day” sit on over 100 acres of beautiful prairie, combining the inspirational force that is larger-than-life, legacy-defining artwork and the beauty of our natural environment.
TheNate has a mission of art, conservation and education. Through the efforts of Director and Curator Jeff Stevenson, President Patricia Mell Ragland and the members of the board, theNate has been able to acquire new works and host group and solo exhibitions. TheNate also has a newly established Butterfly Ranch.
The arts and conservation components of theNate’s mission go hand in hand as the Illinois weather takes its toll on the land and on the artwork. Both require timely planning and maintenance to conserve the legacy that has been created. Combined with the mission defining pillars of art and conservation, theNate is an educational resource for Chicago’s Southland communities. The park hosts school groups engaging in unique learning opportunities that use the landscape to teach S.T.E.M. principles.
Sculpture, Wine & Dine event at theNate Saturday Sept 14, 2024. This year’s program features a VIP Experience that includes the dedication of “Avian Station” by Bernard Williams with remarks from the artist and a guest speaker. General admission begins at 4 p.m. where guided tours of the park by golf cart and self-guided walking tours featuring theNate’s new app “Otocast” will begin promptly.
Enjoy conversation, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and world class art. At 6:30 p.m., a farm-to-table dinner in the park will commence with the evening’s program highlighting theNate’s story and mission.
Later will be an Afterglow party on the E Lounge patio, celebrating the Exhibition in the Visual Arts Gallery “Rebirth: Stories of Transformation and Renewal” by Indira Freitas Johnson, who has accompanying artwork in the sculpture park.
TheNate is available to the public for free, 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. This is only possible through contributions from supporters who are passionate about furthering the success of theNate. This is the call to action that the Sculpture Wine & Dine makes.
The 2024 Host Committee and the Advisory Board for theNate are proud to put on this special sponsorship event. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, or even a volunteer, you can learn more information on the Gov State website.