“Talisman, A Secret Grove” By Michele Oka Donner

Spring has finally arrived in NYC! In our search for beautiful blooms across the city, we stumbled upon the “Talisman, A Sacred Grove” an installation by Michele Oka Donner, an internationally renowned American artist situated outside the Park Avenue Armory. Blending into the spring greenery and the pink cherry blossoms, the piece recalls the ancient forest that predated the cityscape, through 300 handcrafted papier-mâché talismans which hang on the branches of trees among the natural detritus of a forest floor. At night, the piece is illuminated, giving the charms a magical glow, like fireflies flickering in a twilight forest. Over time, the elements will reshape the talismans, and the seasons will transform the trees of the grove, reminding us of the ever-changing nature of the seasons and the excitement of the warm days to come.

“All One” by Jason McCormack

We love to explore the many pockets of nature within New York City, and this week we had the pleasure of exploring Riverside Park South, a recreational area along the Hudson River which blends the industrial heritage of the New York Central Railroad’s 60th Street Yard, with modern landscaping and design. Rising naturally from this setting is “All One” by Jason McCormack of the Art Students League. Composed of three distinct human heads wrapped in rotating bands of primary color, the sculpture draws attention to the layered histories of its location and the complexity of individual identity. Each color reflects the richness of human diversity, while the unified form and title gently underscore a shared connection, reminding us that despite our differences, we are part of one human story.

“The Raft” by Kenneth Doherty

While exploring Riverside Park last week, we came across “The Raft” by Kenneth Doherty, a member of the Art Students League of New York, and knew it merited its own post. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Hudson River, the piece seems to emerge from the water itself, as though rising from unseen depths. The sculpture portrays a group clustered tightly on a tilted platform, their bodies leaning together in uneasy balance. Some faces convey fear and urgency, while others project quiet resilience, hinting at a shared struggle. Although the narrative is left open-ended, the figures suggest flight, an escape from unknown forces. The work inevitably calls to mind contemporary images of refugees navigating perilous seas, as well as the broader political tensions and environmental uncertainties that drive such journeys. In its stillness, “The Raft” captures motion, vulnerability, and endurance all at once, inviting viewers to confront both human fragility and collective strength.