Get an exclusive look into the evolution of Storm King Art Center with Executive Director Nora Lawrence, as she shares her vision for the institution’s future and highlights its commitment to collaboration and innovation.
Nora Lawrence, the newly appointed executive director of Storm King Art Center in New York’s Hudson Valley, brings over a decade of experience to her role.
As artistic director and chief curator, she has witnessed firsthand the institution’s unique ability to ‘evolve and adapt’.
The Power of Collaboration
Storm King is unlike any other art institution in the world, with its 500-acre landscape created with art at its forefront.
The perspectives of artists are constantly changing, and Storm King prides itself on centering their voices and ideas.
Lawrence notes that the institution’s commitment to collaboration has led to some remarkable works, including Richard Serra‘s ‘Schunnemunk Fork’ , which was sited in a field never intended for art.
Located in New Windsor, New York, 'Storm King Art Center' is a 500-acre sculpture garden and museum showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
The site features over 100 sculptures and installations by artists such as Isamu Noguchi, Mark di Suvero, and Richard Serra.
Visitors can explore the beautiful landscape and enjoy the works of art amidst nature.
Storm King Art Center is open year-round, with guided tours available during peak season.
Storm King, a renowned American artist known for his large-scale sculptures and installations, has collaborated with various brands, institutions, and artists.
Notable collaborations include working with the Storm King Art Center in New York, where he created site-specific works that blend art and nature.
His partnership with the 'Art21' series showcased his creative process and artistic vision.
The collaboration also extended to educational programs, promoting art education and community engagement.
Favorite Projects
Lawrence highlights two projects that stand out as particularly memorable: Sarah Sze‘s Fallen Sky and Martin Puryear‘s Lookout.
She worked closely with both artists, witnessing their practices push new boundaries.
In creating Fallen Sky, Sze integrated the landscape into her work, using mirrored surfaces to reflect different perspectives and moments in time.
Artist collaborations are partnerships between creatives, where they work together to produce a new body of work.
This can include joint exhibitions, music releases, or even fashion lines.
Statistics show that collaborative projects often receive more attention and acclaim than solo works, with 75% of successful collaborations resulting in increased visibility for both artists involved.
The history of art is filled with iconic collaborations, such as Warhol and Lichtenstein's prints and Picasso and Matisse's paper cutouts.
Increased Popularity
Upstate New York has become an increasingly popular destination since the pandemic, with a Soho House reportedly on its way to the area.
Lawrence sees this growth as a testament to the region’s unique charm and the role Storm King plays in shaping its cultural landscape.
Temporary Exhibitions
Lawrence emphasizes that temporary exhibitions at Storm King are always ambitious and often push artists’ practices in new ways.
Recent examples include Arlene Shechet‘s Bea Blue , which explored themes of vulnerability, and Lynda Benglis‘s Water Sources , which brought together her fountain works alongside other water-related pieces.
Capital Project
In May, Storm King will unveil its $53M capital project, aimed at creating a more seamless and engaging experience for visitors.
The project includes reclaiming five acres of former parking lots for landscape and artistic programming, as well as building a dedicated structure for conservation, fabrication, and maintenance.
Future Collaborations
Lawrence is excited about future collaborations that will continue to encourage new perspectives on Storm King’s permanent collection.
She notes that seasonal changes and environmental elements frame each visitor’s experience, making it truly unique every time.
