Art in Summit, NJ

On a recent visit to the town where I grew up in Germany, I noted that a lot of contemporary sculpture had inexplicably made inroads into the general landscape. I was told that the German government requires builders to solicit artwork to be displayed along side any new construction. The aim presumably is to give artists the opportunity to share in their community’s economic fortune – government-sponsored affirmative action for artists, if you wish.

I realize this column has visited Summit once before when we were discussing the Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Ironically, it was the man-made sculptures displayed there that drew our attention and not the roses, the daffodils, the sunflowers, hyacinths, etc. This time we return to Summit once more for here too modern sculpture has been cropping up in many of its public spaces. As it turns out, The Mayor’s Partnership for Summit Arts has been a force in bringing contemporary sculpture to the town so that people who may not necessarily be so inclined as to visit museums are also given the opportunity for accidental encounters (with modern art) just by going about their daily routines. Most works remain in place for about six months after which they are either moved to a new location or returned to the artist.

The program, in effect since 2004, has been successful in securing space for about 20installations in various parts of the city. The largest collection can be found in Wilson Park; but downtown, city hall, the high school and the train station have also become venues. In addition, three bus shelters along Broad Street have been outfitted with stained glass windows.

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum, of course, remains an attractive place for artists to display their work, as is the High School. These venues however have no direct connection to the Mayor’s Partnership.

Connection or not, there is no doubt that all manner of art has been cropping up in Summit. This has always been a town with a soft spot for the finer things in life. The restaurants here are first class. The Summit Playhouse has been around as long as I can remember. There is also an Opera House, though no longer used for its stated purpose (only the name remains). Summit is also the New Jersey Center for the Visual Arts which features rotating exhibitions by established artists as well as Center students in a bright, modern facility. Summer evenings often feature concerts in the park. And don’t forget the annual art show for which several streets in down town are closed to traffic.

It might be instructive to mention that, unlike in Germany, all this activity is supported privately. I still remember when the German government decided that anyone claiming affiliation with a church would be required to pay a “church tax”. This effectively contributed toward emptying the pews.

Peter Koelliker pkoelliker8@yahoo.com