University Park, IL–(ENEWSPF)—September 2, 2015. Set within over 100 acres of natural prairie landscape, The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is Illinois’ largest outdoor sculpture museum, showcasing 31 contemporary works on the campus of Governors State University. As a free community resource for 37 years, open 365 days a year, the park is celebrating its 5th annual Carts & Cocktails benefit fundraiser on Saturday, September 26 from 2-5 p.m. with a very special guest in attendance.
With a career of exceptional achievement spanning over 50 years, Richard Hunt continues to enlarge his vision with an active exhibition schedule and numerous commissioned works. The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park will proudly debut the conservation and reunion of two important sculptures from its permanent collection during Carts & Cocktails, bringing together Hunt’s Large Planar Hybrid and Outgrown Pyramid II for the first time since 1974.
BMO Harris Bank is pleased to support this event as a Platinum level sponsor offering guests an engaging afternoon that has been called one of the best cocktail parties in town. Guests can expect a full afternoon featuring special host Stefan Holt from NBC5 Chicago, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a tour of the park in golf carts.
“Carts & Cocktails provides the chance for community members and business leaders who’ve been curious about the Manilow Park to visit informally with others who are committed to its growth, sample some fabulous food, and tour our prairie and selected works in a chauffeured cart,” said Geoffrey Bates, NMSP executive director and curator.
Following cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on a lakeside patio, guests at the event will take a motorized tour of the sculpture park, where a breathtaking prairie landscape is home to 31 monumental works by some of the world’s most acclaimed sculptors, including sculpture on loan from artist Chakaia Booker, known for her work with recycled automobile tires. After the tour, Carts & Cocktails concludes with a luxurious dessert presentation.
Tickets for the event are $125 per person and are limited to 150 people. For tickets and information, visit www.govst.edu/sculpture or call 708-534-4486.
Carts & Cocktails is sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Advisory Board, Bimba Manufacturing Company, and many other local companies.
Other Upcoming Events:
Somewhere There’s Music Visual Arts Gallery Exhibit
An exhibit honoring Richard Howard Hunt, featuring never before seen sculptures from private collections
Exhibition Dates: August 24-September 26
Meet the Artist on September 26 at Carts & Cocktails
Reclaim the Prairie! Saturday, October 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
Get outdoors & help conserve the natural prairie – Join us for family fun with a purpose!
Gather and sow seed, view modern sculpture, and warm up with hot cider and pumpkin squares. This event is free and open to the public and part of GSU’s Family and Friends Weekend.
Presented by BMO Harris Bank
In addition, the park offers unique field trip opportunities for schools that focus on experiential learning through the arts, including its newest OUTDOORS @the Nate tour, bringing to life Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts.
The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is located at Governors State University’s main campus, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois. To make reservations or for information on NMSP programs, call 708- 534-4486 or visit www.govst.edu/sculpture.
Source: www.govst.edu
