designwire daily | NYC Parks & Rec Opens Wreath Exhibit in Central Park

NYC Parks & Rec Opens Wreath Exhibit in Central Park

by Sara Pepitone | Friday, December 16, 2011

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation opened its 29th annual “Wreath Interpretations” exhibition Wednesday at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park. Designed by artists and designers using everything from birch tree bark to kitchen utensils, the 33 wreathes are on display until January 12, 2012.

Like other department projects, this one starts with a request for proposals. Anyone may submit an idea for a wreath, which means they hear from horticulturists, fine artists, designers, and even their own employees. Stephen Koren, Landscape Architect for the parks’ Bronx Design Team, who has recently been working on ways to catch and absorb storm-water, created the Merry ChopstiXmas! wreath. Yes, chopsticks.

“We look for creative proposals with interesting themes and materials,” says Jennifer Lantzas, Parks & Recreation’s Public Art Coordinator. “This year artists have really embraced the use of unusual and repurposed materials to embellish the traditional holiday symbol. The variety allows visitors to see our everyday materials in a new way. I hope that we all can be as innovative in reusing normally discarded materials in our everyday lives.”

Many of the wreaths are for sale (including “Bonus,” the one made of money by Edward Gormley) to benefit public art programming and local non-profit organizations such as The Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, Recycle a Bicycle and the Riverside Park Fund. Admission is free.

The Arsenal Gallery is on the third floor of the Parks Department Headquarters in Central Park, Fifth Avenue at 64th Street. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed December 26 and January 2. For more information call 212-360-8163.