Tom Holmes: ELEMENTS
stone · metal · wood · light · ice · water
Solo at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
June 1 through October 31
Summit, NJ: As aspiring stewards of the planet, we here at Reeves-Reed Arboretum have come to realize that different temperatures demand independent responses to the gardens and the land we plant, nurture and protect. So too, is the approach of artist, sculptor, and musician Tom Holmes. According to Holmes, "Ice follows the freezing mark of winter; stone and steel, the exterior work space of summer. Spring begins the search for materials, and fall settles all debts – emotional, physical, and intellectual." This is his philosophy, which will be borne out by his magnificent, comprehensive, and interactive solo exhibit, Tom Holmes: ELEMENTS, opening at the Arboretum the night of ART in the Garden, June 1 and continuing through October 31.
Working in the six elements of stone, metal, wood, light, ice, and water, Holmes has created an array of over thirty site-specific installations for the Arboretum, using materials unique to the grounds .and in some cases, contributed by Hurricane Sandy. Holmes intuitive approach to his art allows for unlimited possibilities. The subtle simplicity of his work, with its undercurrents of unity, symmetry, space, and natural decay, is what ultimately engages the viewer and provides the unexpected emotional and intellectual impact. Sculptures of stone, metal, and wood, reaching high into the sky, will nestle alongside stately trees and, like the center of a compass, stretch out to the horizon. Companion photographs of his iconic ice sculptures, melting into abstractions, will hang on the walls of the Wisner House gallery. The artist, whose large body of work has been exhibited throughout the eastern United States, will generously donate 20% of all art sales, during this exhibit, to the Arboretum.
Tom Holmes: ELEMENTS is made possible, in part, by support from Elisa and Michael O'Rourke. For more information about this exhibit, ART in the Garden, gala, and other programs and events at Reeves-Reed Arboretum, please visit our website, www.reeves-reedarboretum.org, or call, 908-273-8787.
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum: Celebrating 40 years as a historic public garden and education resource, Reeves-Reed Arboretum seeks to engage, educate and enrich the public through horticulture and environmental education, and the care and utilization of the gardens and estate. Open 7days a week from dawn til dusk, the Arboretum is listed on both the National and New Jersey State Historic Registers.