Sculpture for Leonia is a non-profit organization maintained by volunteers whose purpose is to bring public art to our small New Jersey town close to the George Washington Bridge. This purpose is in keeping with the ethos of the Leonia community.
From the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, the small town of Leonia, New Jersey was a noted art colony – home to more than 90 professional artists including Lynd Ward, Grant Reynard, Harvey Dunn, Charles Chapman, Howard McCormick, Clara Elsene Peck, Rutherford and Harriet Boyd, Harry Eaton, and Peter Newell. Barns and lofts were converted into studio space throughout the town. Creativity flourished in this community of photographers, writers, actors, and painters.
To this day, art still influences this town that was once home to Pat Boone, Sammy Davis, Jr., Buddy Hackett, Alan Alda, Al B. Sure, and Anthony Bourdain. Classic and original plays are performed at the Civil War Drill Hall by resident acting company, the Player’s Guild of Leonia; craft shows are held in the town center; book readings are presented by authors at the local Library.
One showcase of talent and display of dedication to the arts is the Erika and David Boyd Sculpture Garden, where a rotating array of public art in on loan from its sculptors. This art has also been placed in many other locations throughout town, so that the entire borough can be seen as a sculpture garden.
Donate to Sculpture for Leonia
Although the sculptures in Leonia are on loan to us, there are installation costs involved. Also, the artists expect publicity about themselves and their artwork. This is accomplished by doing email announcements, Meet the Artist events and a catalogue. All of this costs money.
Our committee, Sculpture for Leonia, has no funding sources other than donations from the community. We are all volunteers who love art and share a sense of community. If you enjoy having sculptures around town and in the Erika and David Boyd Sculpture Garden, please consider making a tax deductible donation. There are now over 50 sculptures in Leonia, which is quite an accomplishment. We cannot do it without you.
In the Press
Sculpture gardens offer an outing for arts lovers – NorthJersey.com
Where Art Meets Nature: Stroll These Scenic NJ Sculpture Gardens – NJMonthly
Sculpture for Leonia Hosts Two Events as Part of Creative Bergen’s Arts Amble – New Jersey Stage
A Quiet New Jersey Town Has Turned Public Spaces Into An Open-Air Sculpture Garden – My Family Travels
Sculpture for Leonia Installs Exciting New Art Around Town – New Jersey Stage
Taste of Leonia is ‘trick-or-treating for adults,’ with restaurants serving their best – Courier-Journal
“On Our Minds”
PBS News Student Reporting Labs
Reported by Leonia Resident, Abigail Kim
Take a road trip to New Jersey in this episode of On Our Minds. Hosts Zack and Helena discuss what in their surroundings sparks curiosity.
Student producer, Abigail Kim in Leonia, New Jersey takes you to a scuplture garden at the heart of her town. While, Libby Peckman in Highland Park, New Jersey talks about the small ways she finds community and wonder in the mundane.
Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA. Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.
2016 Outstanding Artistic Excellence Award
In 2016 Sculpture for Leonia was awarded Bergen County’s Outstanding Artistic Excellence Award. This Award honors the work accomplished promoting the Arts within the community and throughout the county. It is awarded for outstanding achievement in community outreach and displaying public art. Sculpture for Leonia presented the trophy to Mayor and Council for exhibit at Borough Hall.