Preview: What to See at Socrates Sculpture Park This Summer

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Date(s): May 17 - August 30

One of the major exhibitions planned for this summer is New York-based artist Agnes Denes’ site-specific installation that will honor the 100th birthday of David Rockefeller, and that will also celebrate all that he has done for the arts and the environment with the David Rockefeller Fund.

The planted grasses and flowers on the 30-foot-high wooden pyramid installation will grow and transform the structure as the weeks go by, blooming in time for the Rockefeller birthday celebration in June. “What [pyramids] all convey is the human drama, our hopes and dreams against great odds,” said the artist in a press release. “Transformed into blossoms, the pyramid renews itself as evolution does to our species.”

Date(s): May 17 - August 30

The Broadway Billboard series has become one of the most iconic things about Socrates Sculpture Park because it is the first work of art that visitors see when they reach the main entrance. The series has been going strong since 1999, and this summer New York-based contemporary artist and photographer Vera Lutter’s work will be installed on the board.

Lutter’s photographic works are in public collections around the world, from Kunsthalle Basel to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and now those who visit Socrates will be able to see a recent work by the accomplished artist. The camera obscura image titled Degas Horses was taken of sculptures by Edgar Degas from the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., over the course of two days, and now you have three months to view it in person.

Date(s): May 17 - August 30

Taken at face value, the idea of someone creating a sculpture inspired by a massive sinkhole is enough to pique one’s interest, but there is more to artist Heide Fasnacht’s upcoming installation than a structure being consumed by Earth.

“I take the collapse as a plan to reconstruct in however fractured a fashion,” said the artist in a statement about her work. “These become objects of reflection on the instability we now all live with, on the flux of life, and the ability to create nonetheless.” While it will be inspired by actual sinkhole events around the world, Socrates Sculpture Park writes that Fasnacht’s structure will also reference the site’s history as an illegal dumpsite and landfill.

Date(s): June 21

Every year, Socrates’ Solstice Festival welcomes the community to celebrate the longest day of the year with workshops, performances, and lots of fun for the entire family. This summer, the Queens Symphony Orchestra will provide a live concert, and Urban Shaman Mama Donna will perform a Solstice ritual to celebrate the event.

Date(s): June 24

Warm summer nights are the perfect time to sit on the grass and enjoy a free recital by the very talented Metropolitan Opera while the sun sets on the city. The event will end this year with a special site-specific dance performance.