NEWS RELEASE

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, the installation of the dramatic and monumental Embracing Peace bronze sculpture of a sailor and a nurse, by Embracing Peace,the centerpiece of this exhibition, is Johnson’s most renowned sculpture, which honors the moment in New York City on V-J Day, August 14, 1945, that captured the jubilance of Americans when the end of World War II was announced. This artwork honors the memory of the past, reminding us of the sacrifice of a nation, and awakening younger generations to the heroic stories of the preceding generations. This sculpture has been featured in various cities across the United States from Florida to California, as well as in Times Square, NYC, Rome, Italy, and Civitavecchia, Italy. A casting of the sculpture has also been on display in Normandy, France, and is currently sited at the Bastogne War Museum in Belgium. Often associated with his works of art, Johnson’s passion for detail features an uncanny realism and spontaneity of the original pose.  He is well known for recreating life in our times in vividly realistic bronze.

“We are so excited about having this iconic sculpture in the Garden and hope the community will visit us to admire its incredible stature and detail, which honors the service and sacrifice of the veterans of World War II,” stated Christine Hobart, Executive Director.

Following an early career as a painter, Seward Johnson, now 88, turned his talents to the medium of sculpture, both life-size and monumental. Since that time, more than 450 of his life-size bronze figures have been featured in private collections and museums throughout the world.

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).

About McKee Botanical Garden

McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, Florida.  Hours of admission are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday Noon – 5 pm, closed Monday.  The last admission ticket is sold at 4 pm.  Admission to the Garden is $12 Adults, $11 Seniors, and $8 Children ages 3-12.  McKee members and children under the age of 3 are free.

For additional information, please visit www.mckeegarden.org.

 About The Seward Johnson Atelier

The Seward Johnson Atelier, Inc. was incorporated to promote the appreciation of, and education about, sculpture and public art in general, primarily through the creation, maintenance, sales and public placement of Seward Johnson’s artwork.