The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, also known as The Nate, is holding its annual Sculpture, Wine and Dine benefit on Saturday, Sept. 14. The Nate was voted Best Sculpture Park in the nation in 2021 by USA Today, and it remains in the ranks of the country’s top sculpture parks.
Entering the GSU campus on University Drive, a visitor sees “Paul,” the massive statue of Paul Bunyan by Tony Tasset and the newer acquisition, “Avian Station,” by Bernard Williams. The latter you may have to pull over to take in. Nestled between trees, you’d miss it if you kept your eyes on the road.
These are only two of the 34 large scale, master works by artists both local to Chicago and international. These works like “Field Rotation” and “Yes! For Lady Day” sit on over 100 acres of beautiful prairie, combining the inspirational force that is larger-than-life, legacy-defining artwork and the beauty of GSU’s natural environment.
The Nate has a mission of art, conservation and education. Through the efforts of Director and Curator Jeff Stevenson, President Patricia Mell Ragland and the other members of The Nate’s advisory board, the park has been able to acquire new works and host group and solo exhibitions. The Nate also has a newly established Butterfly Ranch.
The arts and conservation components of The Nate’s mission go hand in hand as the Illinois weather takes its toll on the land and on the artwork. Both require timely planning and maintenance to conserve the legacy that has been created.
The park hosts school groups engaging in unique learning opportunities that use the landscape to teach STEM principles.
Tickets to the Sculpture, Wine & Dine event are $250, and the VIP Experience is an additional $100. Individuals or businesses interested in becoming a sponsor, or volunteering at the event can get more information on the Gov State website.
This year’s program features a VIP Experience that includes the dedication of “Avian Station” by Bernard Williams with remarks by artist Bernard Williams, and a guest speaker.
The event begins at 4 p.m. when guests can take guided tours of the park by golf cart, or choose the self-guided walking tours featuring The Nate’s new app Otocast.
That will be followed with conversation, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and world class art. At 6:30 p.m. a farm-to-table dinner in the park will commence with the evening’s program presenting theNate’s story and mission.
Later the Afterglow party on the E Lounge patio celebrates the exhibition in the Visual Arts Gallery “Rebirth: Stories of Transformation and Renewal” by Indira Freitas Johnson. Her accompanying artwork is in the sculpture park.
The Nate is available to the public for free, 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. Contributions from supporters and special events such as Sculpture Wine & Dine help sustain the sculpture park.