NYC Parks Celebrates 40th Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibition at The Arsenal Gallery, Central Park

Tina Kaasmann Dunn, Wreath Interpretations Opening Night. Image credit: Malcolm Pinckney

NYC Parks’ annual Wreath Interpretations exhibition returned to the Arsenal Gallery, with almost 40 inventive, handcrafted wreaths on display that celebrate the holiday season. Free to the public, and on view until December 30, this year’s collection of wreaths was created by artists, designers, and creative individuals of all ages who have used inventive and unexpected materials tore-envision the traditional holiday decoration.

Wreath Interpretations Opening Night. Image credit: Malcolm Pinckney

“We know the holidays have arrived when the Wreath Interpretations exhibit returns to the Arsenal Gallery, and we’re so excited that the exhibit is back for its 40th year!” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “With almost forty unique wreaths on display, this year’s gallery truly showcases the creativity of New Yorkers, and we encourage everyone to come out and visit this extraordinary free exhibition before it ends on December 30.”

Wreaths included in this year’s exhibition use a wide range of unusual materials, including caution tape, traffic light reflectors, safety pins, bath sponges, rulers, Mardi Gras beads, and sugar meringue, and explore a wide range of themes, such as family history, volunteerism, endangered animals, and chemistry. Each wreath is accompanied by a short artist statement that tells gallery visitors about the meaning behind the wreath.

The individuals and groups participating in this year’s exhibition include: Celeste Barnes, Laurey Bennett-Levy, Leenda Bonilla, Michael Browne, Patricia Clark, Yolanda Davis, Susanna Grüninger, Rae Johnson, Tina Kaasmann Dunn, George Kroenert, Yumie Kusuda, Naomi Lawrence, Benisse Lester, Mary Lou Margel, Meagan J. Meehan, Elizabeth Meggs, Gail Meyers, Claire Min, Elaine Norman, NYC Parks’ Compliance Team, NYC Parks’ Wildlife Unit, Natasha Osadcija,Partnerships for Parks’ Volunteer Program, Olivia Peterson, Wendy Popp, Leonora Retsas, Blanche Rountree, Eunice Sawyer, Jackie Shoemaker, Ann Shostom, Uniqua Simmons, Yaba Sims-Erwiah,Yasuyo Tanaka, D.A. Terzian, Desiree Yanes, Yiduo (Daisy) Zhang, and Deborah Zingale.

Artist Naomi Lawrence in front of her wreath interpretation. Wreath Interpretations Opening Night. Image credit: Malcolm Pinckney

The exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Masella, Senior Public Art Coordinator for NYC Parks.

The Arsenal Gallery is located on the third floor of NYC Parks’ Headquarters in Central Park, on Fifth Avenue at 64th Street. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., except holidays. Admission is free. For more information, visit nyc.gov/parks/art.