The Dallas Arboretum is hosting an indoor exhibition titled “Trayscapes: Nature, Nostalgia & the Art of Everyday.”, featuring a collection of unique, hand-painted trays by artist Seward Johnson.
Running from June 7 to July 31 at the DeGoyler House, this exhibition showcases a rarely seen aspect of Johnson’s artistry, highlighting trays he crafted as personal gifts for friends and family during the 1960s.
Seward Johnson, born in New Jersey in 1930, is renowned for his life-sized bronze figurative sculptures that encapsulate moments of everyday life.
According to Dustin Miller, Vice President of Programs and Learning at the Dallas Arboretum, these trays reveal a quieter, more intimate side of Johnson’s artistry.
Miller notes, “They’re not only beautiful—they’re deeply personal. They invite us to slow down and notice the small, meaningful moments in our own lives.”
Each tray is adorned with scenes reflecting Johnson’s life experiences in Hopewell, New Jersey, Nantucket, Massachusetts, and the Grounds For Sculpture, a park he established in New Jersey.
The artwork combines soft watercolor washes with sculptural textures, embodying the artist’s profound appreciation for place, memory, and the everyday beauty of life.
The exhibition not only features Johnson’s work but also serves as a source of inspiration for local artists.
The Dallas Arboretum has commissioned six artists from the Dallas area to create original works that spark dialogue between the past and present, the national and local, and memory and imagination.
Among the commissioned artists are Alan R. Smith, AlliK Designs, Dustin Vyers, Emily Herrera, Erin Newton, Florence Goss, Oliver Freeston, Taylor Paladino, The Spiritual Artist CJ Miller, Will Heron, and Zarina Karapteyan.
The Trayscapes exhibition is available for viewing daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is included in the general garden admission.
Some of the new works created by local artists will also be available for purchase.
Additionally, on June 10, a VIP “Meet the Artist” event will take place during one of the Arboretum’s Garden Nights, allowing visitors to engage directly with the local artists behind Trayscapes.
This interactive event will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the stories and inspirations that influenced the exhibition, enhancing the overall experience.
Complementing the Trayscapes exhibit is a series of Johnson’s iconic larger-than-life sculptures, currently on display outdoors at the Dallas Arboretum.
One of the standout pieces is “Crossing Paths,” which depicts two women conversing on a bench.
This monumental work marks the first time it has traveled outside of its permanent home at Grounds For Sculpture.
The sculpture is prominently visible from Garland Road and, while it showcases a moment of ordinary interaction, it emphasizes Johnson’s ability to reveal beauty in everyday life.
Miller emphasizes this theme, stating, “It’s all about the small slices of life.”
The outdoor exhibition includes life-sized sculptures scattered throughout the garden, portraying everyday activities such as a woman gardening with her dog, a man enjoying an ice cream cone, a soldier returning home, and an artist painting a landscape.
These hyper-realistic sculptures are designed to surprise and engage visitors, creating an emotional connection to the artwork.
In a statement for the Grounds for Sculpture website, Johnson shared his vision for his sculptures, stating, “I want my work to disappear into the landscape and then take a viewer by surprise.”
He described the emotional discovery that follows this surprise, creating a bond with the viewer as they revisit their favorites over time, making them feel like friends.
Trayscapes offers a unique opportunity for reflection and inspiration amidst the beauty of the Dallas Arboretum.
image source from：https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/seward-johnsons-private-works-inspire-local-artists-dallas-arboretum/3852660/
