Michelle Bormet, representing the city of Warsaw, and Darla McCammon of Lakeland Art Association, are among a small group of individuals working to create a free outdoor art gallery that, for four months next year, will likely have people stopping and doing double-takes.

The art of Seward Johnson are life-sized bronze sculptures of people doing everyday things. Those sculptures will be placed around the downtown area and strategically placed to encourage interaction.

The city is partnering with Lakeland Art Association and looking for sponsors to help bring the collection of Seward Johnson sculptures to town from June through September 2014. 

All of the sculptures for this public art exhibit, titled Walk-n-Wander Warsaw, will be located within walking distance of Warsaw’s Courthouse Square to form an “outdoor urban gallery.”

American sculptor Seward Johnson’s early artistic efforts focused on painting, after which he turned to sculpture in 1968. Many of his life-size cast bronze, painted figures portray people engaged in activities such as sitting on a park bench reading, playing a musical instrument, walking a dog and the like.

More than 250 of Johnson’s figures have since been featured in private collections and museums, as well as periodic public placements around the world. 

Businesses, families and individuals are invited to be a part of this unique event designed to engage local residents and visitors.

To date, the committee has sponsors for seven sculptures, with a goal to bring in 20. The number of sculptures displayed in downtown Warsaw will depend on the success of fundraising efforts. All who see the sculptures are sure to experience a memorable time interacting with each of the unique sculptures and gaining an appreciation for Seward Johnson’s sense of humor and his affection for people.

Having been the first to commit to personally sponsor a sculpture, Kosciusko County Community Foundation Executive Director Suzie Light said, “Steve and I are happy to support the effort to bring sculpture to the Warsaw area. In my life, art has given me the opportunity to transcend time and place and be where the artist was and see what he or she saw. It’s exciting that Warsaw is doing something unusual to engage the community in artistic celebration.”

Jack Moore, CenturyLink market development manager, commented, “CenturyLink is proud to support the Seward Johnson Exhibit. What a wonderful way to celebrate the arts and Warsaw’s outstanding downtown!”

A Master Donor Board will be displayed in downtown Warsaw during the four-month exhibit. Donors will be listed on the city of Warsaw website with links from the Lakeland Art Association, Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Warsaw-Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce websites.

In addition, donors will be listed on the exhibit brochure which will be printed once the number of sculptures are determined and their titles known. The brochure (estimated printing 50,000 copies) will include a map showing the location of each sculpture and will be available at many area businesses.  This exhibit will also be mentioned in the 2014 Kosciusko County Visitors Guide and Warsaw Parks & Recreation Guide.

Walk-n-Wander Warsaw  will kick off at Warsaw’s June 6, 2014, First Friday with a patriotic program by the American Legion and VFW commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day at the end of World War II. Around the Courthouse Square, there will be various art-related educational, hands-on activities for kids, along with local sculptors and other artists demonstrating and displaying their talents. Each First Friday in 2014 will focus around The Arts, with different performances and activities featured each month.

More information and a sponsorship form are available on the city’s website at warsaw.in.gov. Questions about Walk-n-Wander Warsaw should be directed to Darla McCammon of the Lakeland Art Association at 574-527-4044, by email to [email protected], or to Michelle Bormet at the mayor’s office) at 574-372-9595, or by email to [email protected].