Join a behind-the-scenes tour at Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), a 42-acre nonprofit sculpture park, museum, arboretum, and home to Johnson Atelier (JA), a fine art fabrication facility and hub for artistic production.
The guided visit will highlight JA’s three core capabilities—
Design (3D scanning, CAD, digital sculpting, and prototyping),
Make (5-axis CNC, metal and woodworking fabrication, and advanced finishing), and
Restore (museum-quality conservation). Learn how the Atelier partners with contemporary artists to transform ambitious concepts into durable public works while exploring active workshop spaces, fabrication processes, and conservation techniques. Participants must follow staff directions and safety guidelines in operational areas.
The tour also includes
Opening the Vault: A Look Inside The GFS Collection, an exhibition developed collaboratively by staff across departments that offers a fresh perspective on GFS’s collection and curatorial practice. Current exhibitions will also be open for viewing before the tour.
Tour Logistics: Check in at the gate and follow directions to parking at the Welcome Center. Meet at the Guest Services desk. Following a welcome from GFS staff, attendees will divide into two groups and rotate between the Johnson Atelier and the exhibition. The tour includes walking between buildings, across the grounds, and through fabrication spaces, so
comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are required.
Dinner: Rat’s Restaurant, located onsite at Grounds For Sculpture, will be open until 9:00 p.m. for those who would like to stay for dinner.
Reservations are required and dinner is not included with the tour. Please make your own reservation in advance. Following the tour, drive around to the restaurant parking lot, as the Grounds will close.
