Inspired by nature, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, at 1040 Grand Concourse, will construct the second phase of their $1.2 to $1.5 million-outdoor expansion project around a tree.
While the first step for the Phase II of the museum’s development was to purchase and tear down the home at 1057 Carroll Place, it was essential to leave one element intact – the backyard’s apple tree.
Rose Bell Rufus and her daughter Naomi Griffith purchased the home in 1970. Later that year, the women planted the yard’s focus, along with a vegetable garden.
“In keeping with Mrs. Rufus’ legacy, the museum will erect an outdoor youth garden in the space,” Bronx Museum of the Arts media coordinator Camille Wanliss said, “saving the fruit bearing tree and utilizing it as its centerpiece.”
When completed, the 6,878 square foot site will host various seating, shade structures and landscape paintings, all artistically illuminated to enhance the outdoor arena.
“At least three seasons out of the year the community will have a tremendous opportunity to utilize the space,” Gregory Castro, the museum’s director of finance, said.
The outdoor garden will target early childhood-aged youth by providing educational programs, precisely focusing on issues of nature, ecology and sustainability.
“By creating specific educational programs for children who are in the initial stages of learning, the museum will not only help them gain life-long knowledge about nature, but also get them to develop an appreciation for sustaining the world around them,” Wanliss explained.
With work beginning no later than June 1, main aspects of the job will include creating visitor access through the North Wing Terrace and Carroll Place, installation of perimeter walls, fencing and a security system.
“The Bronx Museum is proud to contribute to the beauty of the Bronx through the construction of its outdoor youth activity garden,” Wanliss stated.
The museum broke ground with the first phase of their expansion project in September of 2003 and has since completed a 16,000-square-foot North Wing, which features a new major gallery, light-filled events/program space, outdoor terrace and a 3,000 square foot Arts Education Center.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts is open Monday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m
