Ringo, by Reina Kubota, 2013. Fiberglass, Wood.

Ringo, by Reina Kubota, 2013. Fiberglass, wood.

Ringo, by Reina Kubota, 2013. Fiberglass, wood.

As a NYC resident, I definitely make good use of the parks system here whether it’s to ride my bike, go for a run or to simply kick back and relax. There are also music concerts, free exercise classes and guided lectures. But I tend to stick to the more go-at-your-own-pace, avoid-the-crowds, sort of activities. Like viewing this outdoor sculpture exhibit at Riverside Park South.

A Frolicking Stray, by John N. Erianne, 2013. Formed aluminum.

A Frolicking Stray, by John N. Erianne, 2013. Formed aluminum.

A Frolicking Stray, by John N. Erianne, 2013. Formed aluminum.

Installed as a joint project between the NYC Parks Department and The Arts Students League, this group of seven sculptures is part of a project called Model to Monument (M2M).

Model to Monument provides a project-driven, site-specific program that focuses the sculptors’ artistic and professional development and their ability to respond to an environment. The artists’ experience working with the City gives them the ability and background to create new public works for others to contemplate and enjoy in the years to come. (Except from Park Department sign)

Wave, by Anne Stanner, 2013. Stainless steel, mild steel, paint.

Wave, by Anne Stanner, 2013. Stainless steel, mild steel, paint.

I think it probably would have been better if I’d photographed this sculpture with the river and ornamental grasses as its backdrop. It’s quite an interesting piece and this photo doesn’t do it justice.

Transitions through Triathalon, by Sherwin Banfield, 2013. Aluminum, cast stone, steel.

Transitions through Triathalon, by Sherwin Banfield, 2013. Aluminum, cast stone, steel.

Seeing all these athletes made me want to jump back on my bike and pedal harder and faster. But I knew there were more sculptures to see so managed to stay the course.

The Bathers, by Benat Inglesias Lopez, 2013. Cast stone, steel.

The Bathers, by Benat Inglesias Lopez, 2013. Cast stone, steel.

The Bathers, by Benat Inglesias Lopez, 2013. Cast stone, steel.

Whoa, was this installation impactful for me. I could not stop staring at these bather’s faces. They were eerily lifelike despite the use of very unlife-like materials.

Spirit, by Yasumitsu Morito, 2013. Bronze, ceramic, steel.

Spirit, by Yasumitsu Morito, 2013. Bronze, ceramic, steel.

Hands down my favorite sculpture in the exhibit. I think it’s the way the piece integrates so beautifully with its background no matter where you stand to view it. It also has a sort of gothamesque Statue of Liberty quality for me that makes a strong statement about the power and beauty women have.

Preservation: High and Dry, by Anna Kuchel Rabinowitz, 2013. Cast stone, concrete, steel, various inclusions.

Preservation: High and Dry, by Anna Kuchel Rabinowitz, 2013. Cast stone, concrete, steel, various inclusions.

Riverside Park South is located in the mid-West 60s along the Hudson River below the West Side Highway. You can access the park from W59th St and the West Side Highway or walk down the ramp around W65th Street off Riverside Boulevard just behind the cluster of Trump apartment buildings.

Mary Maru