Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens a West Palm Beach Art Landmark

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach, Florida is located on the former residence of noted American sculptor Ann Weaver Norton. Situated on the Intercoastal Waterway near the downtown area of the city, the gardens and residence are on the National Register of Historic Places and are one of West Palm Beach's most visited attractions.

The Norton property, which Ann shared with her husband Ralph Hubbard Norton, is situated on 1.7 acres. The Nortons, who were very environmentally conscious, chose it as a retreat from the hubbub of a fast-growing West Palm Beach and vowed to protect it from being developed.

Aside from showcasing Norton's unique works, the gardens also contain more than 300 species of tropical palm trees and various other colorful tropical plants. A combination botanic garden and art museum, the property is operated as a public foundation and is run by an elected Board of Trustees. The mission of the foundation is to preserve Norton's studio and works and to exhibit the works of other artists, especially those from the region.

Sculptures are on display throughout the house, gardens, and studio and number more than 100 in total. Nine so-called "monumental'' sculptures grace the property around the house. Eight are fashioned from brick, the other of granite. Mr. and Mrs. Norton designed the gardens so that the monumental sculptures are artfully hidden among jungle-like brush, surprising visitors when they come upon each one.

Norton, who lived from 1905 to 1982, was considered an avant-garde artist, even though some of her pieces are expressionist or even rather ancient in style. Brick and other heavy materials were favorites of Norton's though she was equally as comfortable with plaster and other similar materials. Throughout the residence, many genres are represented.

Throughout the course of the year, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens hosts a number of exhibits and special events that are open to all members of the general public. Many of them, of course, are art-related and focus not only on Norton's pieces but on the works of other artists who work in a variety of mediums. However, other events that raise money for the foundation are also regular occurrences at the sculpture gardens, including a Halloween masquerade party, a Christmas Festival of Trees, occasional concerts, and an Annual Founders' Day festival. The attraction also celebrates Earth Day with a 3-day event that that touts the importance of preserving open space in urban areas like West Palm Beach.

Local school children are also encouraged to visit the gardens year round. In conjunction with curricula offered by the foundation, kids study visual art, history, architecture, engineering, environmental studies and landscape design on their visit to the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.