New Characters Arrive at the Kean Ocean Campus

By Colin Ward | Published December 7, 2023

Single sculpture laying in the grass near the Gateway building. | Credit: Colin Ward

Kean Ocean students have been treated to an unexpected pop of character on their campus this semester. Thanks to the Ocean County College Foundation, 20 bronze sculptures have been placed all throughout the campus. 

Sculpture with a book outside of the Technology building. | Credit: Colin Ward

These pieces of art are all part of Seward Johnson’s sculpture collection. Johnson was a New Jersey native from New Brunswick. He started his artistic career painting but found sculptures to be more personal. He then dedicated his career to creating bronze sculptures. 

Johnson passed away fromcancer in 2020, but he is survived by his artwork, which can be found on the Kean Ocean campus. Each life-like sculpture displays a different type of personality. All of these sculptures are unique in their own way and display Johnson’s level of creativity. 

“They are truly incredible,” said Nick Bowden, a senior Communications major at Kean Ocean. “This is a really difficult and stressful time of year. It’s nice to just walk the campus and take in these sculptures. It helps with the stress a lot.” 

Two sculptures laying outside of the Gateway building. | Credit: Colin Ward

Johnson’s sculptures were placed around the Kean Ocean campus with one major goal in mind—to spread joy. At the end of the day, that is exactly what they are doing. 

In today’s world, it is very difficult to stop and enjoy the little things. Society is so overwhelmed with what is happening on social media or on their phones that the world surrounding them has very little effect on their day. But with the addition of Johnson’s sculptures, it is hard to miss them.

 “One day, they just appeared,” said Kari Muller, a sophomore Psychology major at Ocean County College. “I thought I saw two people actually laying in the grass, but it was a sculpture. I looked around a little more, and sculptures were all over the campus.” 

Sculpture listening to music in front of the Gateway building. | Credit: Colin Ward

Although students see the sculptures and are enjoying them, it is also important for them to understand where they came from and who created them.

 “The artwork is amazing.” Muller continued. “Now that I know they were created by an artist, it makes me appreciate them even more. Seward Johnson was really talented and great at what he did.” 

These statues were placed on the Kean Ocean campus in an attempt to engage students and faculty. The goal is to spark conversation and enjoyment.

 Ocean County College posted about the sculptures on theirsocial media accounts and provided a quote that sums up the purpose of the sculptures perfectly. 

“This installation is intended to usher in awareness of the Ocean County College Foundation Art Collection as an opportunity to engage our students, campus,and broader community,” said Kenneth J. Malagiere, the Executive Director of the Ocean County College Foundation. 

When visiting the Kean Ocean campus, stop and enjoy the artwork that surrounds the area. The sculptures will remain on campus until the end of the Spring 2024 semester.

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