That work, Pleiades, is a dynamic sculpture that both greatly enhances the fountain's overall appearance while maintaining the architectural integrity of the existing structure. Made of shatterproof dichroic glass panels suspended above the fountain’s basin, Pleiades both reflects and projects an ever-changing variety of light and color during the day and at night when illuminated, adding vibrancy to the fountain that will keep it alive and fresh for years to come.
The artist, Ray King, brings four decades of experience creating large site-specific public artworks. Over the years, Ray has developed expertise in the manipulation of light and color as it interacts with glass. This has resulted in truly original light-responsive sculptures that interact with viewers and animate surroundings. Major permanent installations of his work have been commissioned throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia and can be found in numerous universities, municipalities, corporations, and private collections—and now, right here in Summit, NJ.
It's important to acknowledge how this installation came to be. This project is the culmination of a years-long collaboration between the City of Summit, Summit Downtown, Inc., and Summit Public Art, in particular Fountain Committee Co-Chairs Estelle Fournier and Vivian Furman Rubin, who first proposed the project, headed the committee that selected the artist, oversaw every step of the installation, and led the fountain's fundraising campaign.
We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of City Engineer Aaron Schrager, Superintendent of Public Works Michael Caputo, Foreman Pat Priore, Warren Wolfe, and the Department of Public Works, without whose cooperation and expertise the transformation of the fountain would not have been possible.
Thanks also to Ray King, whose knowledge and artistry produced an installation even more stunning than we could have ever imagined.
And most important, a very special thanks to Mayor Nora Radest, the City of Summit, Summit Downtown, Inc., and to all of our sponsors whose generous support made it possible to bring this extraordinary work of art to Summit!
Cheryl Barr and Tom O'Flynn
The Co-Co
Marie and Roy Cohen
Annette and Terry Dwyer
Linda and Robert Flanagan
Estelle Fournier and Alberto Lopez-Silvero
Marjorie Fox and Jeff Naiman
Suzanne and Jordan Glatt
Anne and R. J. Grissinger
Leslie Herman
Vani Krishnamurthy
David Naidu and Andrea Stein
Overlook Medical Center
The Pardo Family
Richard and Kayla Pechter
Nora and Rob Radest
Vivian Furman Rubin and Julian Rubin
Suzanne and Rob Rubino
Ann and Mel Schaffer
Lois Schneider Realtor
Debi and Fred Schwarzmann
Barbara Sherman
Theatre Circle
Deepa and Rick Whipple
Thank You!
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