GovState's theNate celebrates landmark conservation of Field Rotation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(University Park, Ill.) - The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (theNate) at Governors State University (GovState) proudly announces the successful conservation of “Field Rotation” (1981), a seminal land art installation by pioneering artist Mary Miss, ahead of this year's annual Sculpture, Wine & Dine event where it will be a focal point.
This project affirms theNate’s deep commitment to the care and stewardship of site-specific, environmental artworks, and reflects a collaborative vision shared by Director and Curator Jeff Stevenson, the Advisory Board, and the leadership of Governors State University.
“Seeing photographs of Mary Miss on site, consulting in the conservation of Field Rotation and then to see the work conducted… from top to bottom! Amazing!” wrote Geoff Bates, past Director and Curator of theNate, in response to the social media posts demonstrating the work.
The successful conservation of “Field Rotation” also underscores theNate’s long-term commitment to sustainability and mission-driven stewardship. This achievement was made possible in part thanks to a Charitable Gift Agreement dated December 26, 2001, between theNate’s visionary founder Lewis Manilow and the leadership at Governors State University. The agreement designated that proceeds from the eventual sale of specific land parcels would benefit theNate. In the summer of 2021, the land was sold, and the resulting funds were transferred to theNate through the Governors State University Foundation.
“Because of the foresight of our founder and the dedicated stewardship of the Foundation and theNate’s Advisory Board, we had the resources needed when this critical conservation work was required,” said Stevenson. “Now it is upon the next generation of visionaries to build on this foundation and help secure a bright and thriving future for theNate.”
Guests can celebrate the conservation of “Field Rotation” and meet the artist at “Sculpture Wine & Dine: The Prairie Party." On Saturday, September 13, theNate will host its annual event where guests can enjoy art among friends while supporting the sculpture park. The event is known for featuring guided golf cart tours of the sculpture park, live music, a cocktail reception, and a farm-to-table outdoor dinner.
GovState’s administration, together with theNate’s Advisory Board, played a critical role in making this work possible, ensuring the park remains a vibrant and relevant cultural resource for the region and the nation.
“Field Rotation” is open to the public as part of theNate’s free and accessible collection. Visitors are encouraged to explore this remarkable work and 33 others across the park’s 100-acre landscape.
About theNate
Located on the campus of Governors State University, the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is a world-renowned collection of large-scale outdoor sculpture set within a prairie landscape. It is free and open to the public year-round.