New Brunswick City Center

The Seward Johnson Atelier was thrilled to bring the work of New Brunswick native Seward Johnson back to the city where his story began. From June 4 through November 30, several of Johnson’s life-size, life-like bronze sculptures transformed the George Street corridor in New Brunswick’s City Center, inviting visitors to encounter art in the midst of everyday life.

Born in New Brunswick in 1930, Seward Johnson was a visionary artist and philanthropist whose work has become known around the world for its engaging portrayals of ordinary people and familiar moments. His sculptures encourage us to pause, look closely, and find humor, connection, and recognition in the people and experiences that surround us every day.

Presented throughout the City Center, the exhibition offered visitors the opportunity to explore Johnson’s sculptures through a self-guided walking tour along George Street. Whether discovering the works intentionally or encountering them along the way, visitors could experience Johnson’s art as part of the rhythm and energy of downtown New Brunswick.

The exhibition celebrated Johnson’s enduring connection to New Brunswick while continuing his belief in bringing art into public spaces where people live, work, gather, and connect. The Atelier continues to preserve and advance his artistic legacy, creating opportunities for people to experience his work in communities around the world.

We are grateful to New Brunswick Public Sculpture and the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce/CVB for their support in bringing this exhibition to the City Center.

Experience Seward Johnson’s Work

Visitors were invited to explore the sculptures at their own pace along the George Street corridor and share their experiences through the exhibition’s photo contest using #NBStatue and #SewardJohnson.