Harlem Sculpture Gardens 2026 to Feature Diverse Artists and Innovative Designs

The 3rd rendition of Harlem Sculpture Gardens will feature more women artists and academic teams this year. Joining the lineup is Natalie Colette Wood, a seasoned artist who uses recycled materials that she turns into botanical forms. Harlem-based artist Dianne Smith will bring a stately work that takes us back to the 1970s with her Afro Puff. Brooklyn-based artist Michael Poast will return again with five works along Broadway in partnership with the Broadway Mall Association. There will be two teams from the City College School of Architecture led by Elizabeth MacWillie and Zihao Zhang.Chris Sancomb from the University of Connecticut brings portable wind mills that explore our need to look at resilience and Harvard University Graduate School of Design led by Iman Fayyad. Her team will create a pavilion where half will be built in Boston and the other half in Harlem.

According to Savona Bailey-McClain, Executive Director, West Harlem Art Fund, "Having more design in our exhibition is extremely important for us. We wish to show how art can cross with design and technology, creating new opportunities especially for young people".

Venues include three historic parks: Morningside Park, St. Nicholas Park, and Jackie Robinson Park, Montefiore Park/Plaza, Broadway Mall (2), and Maggie's Garden.

Nature-based programming is scheduled for this year along with a special walk to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the Battle of Harlem Heights. There will be a birding event, outdoor photography and stargazing. The public will be encouraged to engage with nature and our resilience efforts to strengthen our local landscape.