EDISON – Come spring, a gazebo for the public to enjoy concerts, poetry readings, exhibits, and even weddings will complement the sculpture garden and the Sept. 11 memorial at Papaianni Park.
With the support of Mayor Thomas Lankey, the Edison Arts Society (EAS) announced the gazebo project in the organization’s continued efforts to beautify the township. Gloria Dittman, president of EAS, said the project was for 2020; however, due to the challenges of the novel coronavirus pandemic, it was pushed to next year.
Dittman said as they continue to seek donations for the project, they have received a generous grant from Investors Bank.
The gazebo will be made and shipped in installments from Amish Country Gazebos Inc. in Pennsylvania. Dittman said they plan to hold a small opening for the gazebo in spring 2021.
The gazebo project follows a number of large EAS projects. In 2018, “The Family” steel sculpture, which is the inaugural structure for the sculpture garden, was erected to represent peace, justice, equality and unity. These were all concepts which internationally recognized artist and Edison resident Fernando Silva wanted to depict in the contemporary depiction of an American family.
In 2016, Silva created two large, ceramic tile murals depicting Edison’s history and culture at the municipal complex’s main entrance.
Looking ahead, EAS continues its art exhibits in the EAS Art Gallery on the second and third floors in the municipal building. In January, Pat Rubin of P.M. Studios on Amboy Avenue will jury an exhibit with first, second, third and honorable mention prizes. And in mid-February, the gallery will spotlight a solo artist.
In May, EAS will award three scholarships to art, dance or music students from Edison High School, John P. Stevens High School and Middlesex County College. The organization has been awarding scholarships for the past six years during an annual ceremony.
“This year, I delivered the scholarship to individual houses,” Dittman said because of COVID-19.
EAS is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 with the mission to serve as an advocate and promoter of all the arts – dance, music, poetry, theater and visual arts. The society has 45 members. Dittman said members do not have to live in Edison.
For more information visit www.edisonarts.org.