86 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com This Aug. 8 through Oct. 25, the 93rd annual National Sculpture Society’s Awards Exhibition of American figurative sculpture – featuring the work of masters as well as rising stars – returns to Brookgreen Gardens. Founded in 1893 by celebrated artists such as Daniel Chester French, the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial, as well as Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Stanford White and J. Q. A. Ward, the society was established to “spread the knowledge of good sculpture.” For nearly 130 years, its members have demonstrated a commitment to that cause by creating, exhibiting, collecting and supporting the evolving tradition in American sculpture. Further, in 1933, the organization, headquartered in New York City, launched its first awards exhibit of American figurative sculpture to recognize talented sculptors. In 1999, then chairman of the committee and board member Robin Salmon, who is also an art historian and museum curator at Brookgreen Gardens, introduced the nonprofit society to the onsite galleries as a venue that offered solutions to its growing concerns about affordability, space and the capacity to showcase the traveling exhibit for a duration of time. “When the Huntingtons acquired the property in 1930, it was with the eventual purpose of displaying sculpture outdoors amongst nature,” Salmon said. “Simply put, Brookgreen was the best fit for hosting the society’s exhibit.” Although Salmon, who celebrates her 51st anniversary with Brookgreen this October, can’t reveal the names of sculptors who are participating this year or what work will be on display, she did share that for this event there will be 43 artists, each of whom is showing one sculpture. Participants are selected by a jury of three, including fellows from the society and practicing sculptors, based on the overriding criterion of high-quality artwork in composition and technique. According to Salmon, “Anyone who wants to join can submit their work. All different themes and materials, including bronze, stone, wood, resin and plaster, are welcome.” She added that during the exhibit, a separate awards jury, which includes a society fellow, a non-member sculptor and a curator who has in-depth knowledge about the art form, will select 16 winners. Visitors to the grounds are also encouraged to vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Award. The selected artist will receive a highlycoveted Brookgreen medal. For Salmon, some of the most rewarding aspects of her work are installing the exhibit in the Hoy and Mize Galleries in the Rosen building and seeing how the pieces come together. “Every year is different, so it’s always fascinating to see the variety,” she said. “It’s also fun to be in the gallery observing visitors and hearing their opinions about each piece. To me, that’s a profound experience that I truly enjoy.” The exhibit is included with a garden admission ticket to Brookgreen and is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the gardens and the society, visit brookgreen.org and nationalsculpture.org. BY SARAH ROSE National Sculpture Awards Return 93rd annual exhibition at Brookgreen Gardens Jennifer Cook, Sinuous – Bronze on the coast
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