The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park had its annual Sculpture, Wine and Dine benefit on Sept. 14 to raise funds to support “TheNate’s” mission of art, conservation and education.
New to the sculpture park are the Butterfly Ranch and the installation “Avian Station” by Bernard Williams. Art acquisitions, their upkeep and the maintenance of the 100 acres of prairie land are dependent on the contributions of donors who are aligned with TheNate’s mission.
The Sculpture, Wine and Dine was an inspiring evening full of conversation, music and guided tours of a nationally ranked collection of sculptures. I was able to briefly sit with two people who worked the event:
Student and art major Dana Lawrence and Professor Leanne McClurg both worked the Wine and Dine. Lawrence, a senior BFA major with a concentration in printmaking, works as a lab assistant for the printmaking studio and participated in the Wine and Dine as a docent, leading tours of the sculpture park via golf cart.
Lawrence called the event a night to remember. This was her third time participating in the event, and she said she enjoyed interacting with groups of people from different backgrounds but who are connected by their love and support of the arts. “House Divided” by Bruce Nauman is an installation that is a conversation starter for many visitors. Dana recalled that at this site, she was able to really connect with her tour group, and not just on the art but on a personal level, too.
The Sculpture, Wine and Dine is a full circle moment for Dana. Her mother is a GovState alumna who often brought Dana to campus where they would see the sculpture “Illinois Landscape No. 5” by John Henry. Affectionately called ‘French Fry,’ Dana said that as a child, she wanted to go to the college with the French Fry when she was older. Now, not only has Dana worked this Wine and Dine event, sharing knowledge of these and other sculptures, but as a part of her coursework, she created a “collaboration” with “Illinois Landscape No. 5.” She made a giant picnic basket, filled with giant grapes, a sandwich, and other items. The basket now lives in the GovState library.
McClurg, a Ceramics professor who has worked this event for 10 years, said that over the years it has been nice to see the park change with new sculptures and evolutions to the landscape. She remarked that she has seen some of the sculptures be renovated like “House Divided,” but also sees the need for funding in places like “Bodark Ark,” a land art piece from 1982. TheNate has sculptures of different scale and material, making some projects more extensive than others. This is why these fundraising events are so important.
McClurg added that though she is one of the most experienced docents—knowing the nicknames, official names and history of many of the sculptures—the Wine and Dine is like a fun “yearly test” for her as she guides tours and fields questions. She enjoys the conversation and the opportunity to inform patrons, many of whom attend the event annually.
Some of the most fun that people have at the event is interacting with “Yes for Lady Day.” The piece has a history that predates the park. Even more, visitors can get inside of it, take photos, the same for “Paul 2006.”
As often as possible, the Wine and Dine hosts at least one of the artists who are represented in the park. This year, Bernard Williams was in attendance for the dedication of “Avian Station.” Artist Indira Johnson was also in attendance as her piece “Ten Thousand Ripples” is on view at the park, concurrent with the exhibition “Rebirth: Stories of Transformation and Renewal” in the Visual Arts Gallery at GovState.