The South Brunswick Public Library will be the new home for a sculpture by artist George Segal.
By: Paul Koepp
Patrons of the South Brunswick Public Library will soon be able to enjoy an original piece of artwork by a world-renowned sculptor who lived and worked in the township for decades on a chicken farm he converted into a studio.
The library’s board of trustees voted June 21 to approve the acquisition of a sculpture by the late George Segal titled "Couple Against a Grey Brick Wall," finished in 1986. The 8-feet by 8-feet piece features a couple seated on a brass bench next to an empty third seat.
Ellen Gambatese, a member of the library board, which Mr. Segal also served on, said the board is thrilled that the artwork, donated by the George and Helen Segal Foundation, will find a permanent home in the library.
"We’re very excited about acquiring this piece thanks to the generosity of the Segal foundation," she said. "It’s mind-boggling that we will have a work by this world-renowned artist who lived and worked in South Brunswick."
Some of Mr. Segal’s prominent public works include "Depression Bread Line," a sculpture for the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial; "Kent State Abraham and Isaac," a sculpture on the campus of Princeton University in memory of the Kent State shootings; and a sculpture called "The Commuters, Next Departure" at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.
In addition, Montclair State University acquired a noted work by the artist, "Street Crossing," and opened a 7,200-square-foot George Segal Gallery in January.
The George and Helen Segal Foundation has been run by Mr. Segal’s daughter, Rena Segal, and his niece, Susan Kutliroff, since the artist’s death in 2000.
"We’re excited about giving this piece to the South Brunswick Public Library," Ms. Kutliroff said. "He lived all his adult life in the town, and for South Brunswick to do this is very nice. I’m sure George would be pleased."
The subjects of the sculpture are Ms. Kutliroff’s parents, the sister and brother-in-law of Mr. Segal’s wife, Helen. They were avid users of the library. Mr. Kutliroff is deceased, although his wife is still a resident of South Brunswick.
Because of the sculpture’s material, paint over plaster, it is less durable than Mr. Segal’s bronze works. It will be covered with a protective coating prior to its installation in the library, in a spot yet to be determined. The piece, which has never been exhibited in public, still must be officially deeded to the township.
Ms. Gambatese thanked Art Roedel, president of the Library Foundation, for his hard work in facilitating the donation of the sculpture. Mr. Roedel said the library might look into acquiring another piece by Mr. Segal in the future, possibly for a garden on the library grounds.

