Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, has opened a new exhibition titled "Opening the Vault: A Look Inside the GFS Collection." Curated collaboratively by staff from Guest Services, Development, Education, and Marketing departments—with guidance from the Curatorial team—the show aims to bring perspectives beyond the traditional curatorial circle. The exhibition is on view through December 31, 2026, and features artwork chosen by non-curatorial staff to inspire museum visitors. The article also includes previews of several other New Jersey exhibitions, including Keunhee Park's glass sculptures at Riverside Gallery, Toby Bergman and Bunnye Levi at The Gallery on Grant, Mary Marino at Gallery 491, and Victoria Sambunaris at the Montclair Art Museum.
This exhibition matters because it challenges conventional curatorial authority by involving guest services, education, and development staff in selecting artwork, potentially democratizing the museum experience and broadening the types of stories told through collections. It reflects a growing trend in museums to engage diverse internal voices and make institutional processes more transparent. The surrounding event previews highlight the vibrant local art scene in New Jersey, underscoring the state's role as a hub for contemporary and community-based art.