Gints Grinsbergs’ “Queen Annes Lace” is one of the signature pieces of the exhibition.

Gilbert Boro, owner and sculptor at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme, is currently hosting an exciting exhibition on the grounds of his studio featuring examples of his own contemporary work accompanied by a selection of works created by a number of other widely acclaimed sculptors working in contrasting media.

In response to overwhelming public demand, this Summer Sculpture Showcase has now been extended through Friday, Oct. 23, when a Closing Reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.  All are welcome to attend the reception at which Boro will present a brief overview of the exhibition and several of the exhibiting artists will also be present to discuss their own works.  Light refreshments will be served.

Twelve sculptors are exhibiting in Boro’s expansive Sculpture Gardens located on the 4.5 acres of his residence on historic Lyme Street in the heart of Old Lyme, Conn.  Their works will be interspersed amongst Boro’s own sculptures along with works by 13 other contributing artists on the beautifully landscaped grounds offering a unique plein air experience combining both large- and small-scale contemporary sculptures, many of which are for sale.  The sculptors whose work – and in some cases, more than one piece – was selected for theShowcase are:

Diane Barcelo, Ashby Carlisle, Fay Chin, Bryan Gorneau, Gints Grinsberg, James Hall, Deborah Hornbake, Elizabeth Knowles & William Thielen, David Millen, Elizabeth Miller McCue and Bill Shockley.

The signature piece of the exhibition is Queen Anne’s Lace by Gints Grinsbergs.  It is a large — 144” in height, 56” in diameter — yet delicate structure that evokes the intricate design of lace in its welded and stainless steel structure.  Grinsbergs’s work has been featured at various museums and galleries and is Included in private and corporate collections throughout North America.

“Modern Dance” by Elizabeth Knowles and William Thielen

Modern Dance, a multi-colored sculpture utilizing wire fencing wrapped in vinyl surveying tape, is a collaborative work by Elizabeth Knowles and William Thielen. Natural patterns inspire the work of Knowles and Thielen, who live and work respectively in New York City and Carbondale, Ill.  Both have an extensive body of individual work and have received numerous awards, grants and residencies.

Boro has enjoyed a distinguished career as a sculptor, architect, educator and international design consultant.  He explores the interplay of space, place and scale in a wide range of media including stone, wood, metal and fiberglass.  His vast body of work has been exhibited in numerous galleries throughout the US and internationally, and has also been purchased by collectors, corporations and foundations in both the US and Europe.  Boro currently has several works being exhibited at off-site locations including Sculpture Expo 2015 (SE15) at Red Hook, N.Y., and Ramey Fine Art in Palm Desert, Calif.  He was also recently awarded second place in the South Carolina-based Art League of Hiltonhead’s Biennale 24th National Juried Exhibition.

Sculptor Gilbert Boro in his studio in Old Lyme.

This inaugural Summer Sculpture Showcase offers a unique opportunity for established sculptors to exhibit their work in a different location, while also effectively creating a new exhibition within the Sculpture Gardens.  Boro comments, “I’m delighted to be able to open my grounds to these exceptional sculptors whose work intrigues me.  Each one offers original creative thinking resulting in a fascinating combination of contrasting conceptual designs in a variety of media.  I think any visitor to the exhibition is going to be thoroughly engaged by what he or she sees – including children.”

Boro is somewhat unusual as a professional sculptor in that he loves to see folk of all ages directly interacting with his sculptures, noting that he has a strong aversion to exhibitions, “… where people can’t touch my work.”   Apart from attracting visitors to see the works on his grounds, Boro is thoroughly invested in the vibrant Old Lyme arts scene and hopes this exhibition will help cement the town as a year-round destination for art-loving visitors from near and far.

Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds are located at 80-1 Lyme Street, less than a minute from Exit 70 on I-95, the Sculpture Grounds are open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Admission is free.  Children, field trips and group visits are all welcome. The Studio is open by appointment. 

For further information, contact 860-434-5957, visit www.gilbertboro.com or www.sculpturegrounds.com or email studio80sculpturegrounds@gmail.com