Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) is thrilled to announce a transformative $3 million dollar gift from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, a contribution that marks one of the largest single donations from an individual in the organization’s history. This generous endowment gift will play a crucial role in ensuring the lasting legacy of GFS and its commitment to promoting the interplay of art, nature, and wellness for the community.
Betty Wold Johnson, a devoted supporter of the arts and the cousin of Seward Johnson, the visionary founder of GFS, has left an indelible mark on the institution. She was one of the most celebrated philanthropists of her generation, and her commitment to the arts and her family's legacy of creativity continue to inspire the GFS's mission to engage the public with art in nature.
"We are immensely grateful to the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation for this remarkable gift," said GFS Executive Director, Gary Garrido Schneider. "This contribution not only enhances our endowment but also strengthens our ability to provide innovative exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives. We are committed to ensuring that Grounds For Sculpture remains a source of inspiration for generations to come."
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation’s generous contribution will enable Grounds For Sculpture to expand its programming and improve facilities, while also supporting the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the stunning 42-acre sculpture park. With this gift, the total endowment for Grounds For Sculpture now exceeds $37 million, representing a significant step toward safeguarding the future of GFS and enhancing its role as a cultural beacon in New Jersey and the surrounding region.
Dr. Penelope A. Lattimer, Vice President of the GFS Board of Trustees and Chair of GFS’s Development Committee reflected on her memories of Betty: "Each time I spoke with Betty Wold Johnson, I was inspired. Betty was a woman of substance and grace. Cherished memories of my conversations and walks through Grounds for Sculpture with Betty give joy to my voluntarism every day. She spoke with conviction and shared her values ardently; and so, I am grateful that at the top was her belief in and support for the unique mission and values demonstrated by work presented in the exhibitions at Grounds for Sculpture."
In expressing the Foundation’s dedication to the arts, Ken Farber, Director of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, stated, “While Betty Wold Johnson is no longer with us, her passion for art and belief in its power to enrich lives continues. This gift reflects her unwavering commitment to supporting meaningful philanthropic endeavors. We hope it encourages others to join us in celebrating and preserving the legacy established by Seward Johnson at Grounds For Sculpture.”
As Grounds For Sculpture continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the arts, this investment will ensure that the legacy of Seward Johnson and the foundation’s commitment to fostering creativity endure.