Having visited a few times over the years, I was thrilled to learn this spring that after being closed to the public for a time, the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens at Pepsico in Purchase, New York would re-open for visitors this year.
There were six of us in our group this past weekend, and as we arrived, we gathered in the picnic area. Some of us were reuniting after weeks or months, some were newer to Cultural Pursuit and joining us for the first time. After introductions, we enjoyed conversation over lunch, the way we start many of our outings – I’ve found it’s a great way to get to know each other, or to catch up with friends. With occupations in a variety of
professional fields, many creative or linked to education, we all have a love of art in common.
The misty air cleared as we had our lunch, then we headed out on our walk. We knew it was a large property – there were over 40 sculptures to see, but we were ready. The sun broke through the haze and we enjoyed the last hour of our walk in the sun.
We started with two favorites, Alexander Calder’s Hats Off and David Wynne’s Grizzly Bear, and proceeded on to works by Jean Dubuffet, Auguste Rodin, Claes Oldenburg, Henry Moore, Joan Miro, Isamu Noguchi, Louise Nevelson, and many others: a total of 46 sculptures on the property. Among the materials used were bronze, granite, Cor-ten and stainless steel, fossil and travertine marble – all well-preserved. The grounds were beautifully cared for, and there were benches near the ponds where visitors could relax and admire the serene and idyllic surroundings.
As we walked from one work to the next, we’d share our observations of what we saw – sometimes I’d stop and marvel, often with awe, at the tremendous amount of work that went into each of these works. From Judith Brown’s Caryatids, to George Segal’s Three People on Four Benches, to Arnaldo Pomodoro’s towering Triad, each was not only an expression of the artist, but in many cases referred to its surroundings, as many were commissioned by Mr. Kendall for the PepsiCo property.
I recommend a visit – it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful day – pack a lunch and enjoy this wonderful gift to the community with family and friends, or enjoy on your own. Learn more to plan your visit on PepsiCo’s website: pepsico.com/sculpture-gardens.
Pictured, from top: Arnoldo Pomodoro, Triad, black bronze, golden bronze, Cor-ten steel, installed 1979. David Wynne, Grizzly Bear, fossil marble, installed 1976. Judith Brown, Caryatids, steel, 1981. George Segal, Three People on Four Benches, bronze, steel and hydro-stone, 1979. All photos by Laura Schroeder.
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