Central Park

GETTIN’ “WREATHY” WITH IT! NYC PARKS’ ANNUAL WREATH INTERPRETATIONS EXHIBIT ON VIEW THROUGH THE NEW YEAR

Now on display at the Arsenal Gallery through January 3, 2019

NYC Parks is pleased to welcome the 36th annual Wreath Interpretations exhibition to the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park. An annual holiday tradition that puts an unexpected spin on this treasured holiday symbol, the show features nearly 40 unique wreaths crafted by fine artists, designers, and creative individuals.

“As always, the incredible wreaths on display for this annual tradition are exceptionally thoughtful and original,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “This year’s collection includes an array of interesting themes, including the many ways we nurture our environment, bodies and communities. Nearly 40 New Yorkers from all different backgrounds are represented in this year’s exhibit, and we are proud to display their work through the New Year!”

This year’s wreaths are constructed from a variety of unexpected and innovative materials, including piano keys, pasta, Jordan almonds, plastic bottles, found tools and hardware, foam ears, gardening gloves, and tree tags. Wreaths made of natural materials found in parks and gardens around the city can also be seen alongside those made of traditional art media like oil paint, papier mache, and miniature hand-sculpted masks and busts. Many wreaths are whimsical and humorous, but several address more serious issues like environmental pollution and practicing safe sex.

The individuals and groups who created wreaths are: Patricia Clark, Penelope Coe, Rita Coelho, Judith Hoffman Corwin, Oliver Corwin, Anita Dyne-Eshun, Terese Flores, Edward Gormley, Jean-Patrick Guilbert, Larry Hagberg, Kaitlyn E. Hay, Linda Jessamy-Bianco, Paul Aaron Johnson, Sergey Kadinsky, Leon Nicholas Kalas, Lori Knowles, George Kroenert, Niki Lederer, Alexandra Leff, Benisse Lester, Kareen Matadeen, Meagan Meehan, Elizabeth & Libby Meggs, Eileen Munsch, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Parks Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources, NYC Parks GreenThumb, NYC Parks Queens Recreation, NYC Parks Stewardship Team, Randalls Island Park Alliance, Leonora Retsas, Barbara Wallace, Liz York, Audrey Zeidman, and Deborah Jessamy Zingale.
The exhibition was organized through NYC Parks’ Public Art program. Many of the wreaths are for sale with a portion of the sales benefiting Parks’ programs.

The Arsenal Gallery is dedicated to examining themes of nature, urban space, wildlife, New York City parks and park history. It is located on the third floor of NYC Parks’ Headquarters in Central Park, on Fifth Avenue at 64th Street. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., except holidays. Admission is free. For more information on the Arsenal Gallery, please call 212-360-8163.

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Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center