Last week I had my six month appointment with my primary care doctor: the usual check-up with weight and blood pressure and a review of the recent blood, etc. tests. We all go through these hoops at one time or another. I’m reminded of the delightful Henri le Chat Noir videos at these times, especially his periodic trip to the vet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiYUzYozsAQ). In one episode, this philosophy-spouting and disgruntled cat confesses that his only ailment is “crippling self doubt.”

But I digress. Long ago during some doctor visit or other , I discovered a wonderful garden retreat tucked into the recesses of the ever-expanding buildings of Mt. Sinai Hospital. There I found the Glottman Family Sculpture Garden and four life-size figures of Indian people from the American Southwest. Every once in a while, like last week, I take a few moments to rest, think and enjoy these remarkable works of art far from home.

Saul Glottman was a successful Miami businessman. He and his wife, Dalia, were an avid art collectors. Among his philanthropic artreach, he was past president of the Arts Center of South Florida (now Oolite Arts).

Two of the sculptures (Dreamcatcher 2001 and Distant Thunder 1997) are the work of renowned sculptor Star Liana York. York, a native of Maryland, attended the University of Maryland, the Institute of Art in Baltimore, and the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C.

In 1985, she moved to New Mexico where she continues to live and work. Her work reflects the Western narrative and Native peoples, indigenous wildlife, as well as ancient rock art. There she fell in love with the creatures and cultures of the area, adding to the rich diversity of her work (https://americanwomenartists.org/masters/star-liana-york/).

The other two sculptures by Susan Kliewer, took me back to my last year at college at Kent State University. I distinctly remember a long weekend during my final year when the art department hosted a visit by Maria Martinez and her husband. I can still visualize their temporary kiln, though I did not understand the significance of this major American artist.

Arizona-based sculptor Susan Kliewer has been creating iconic Southwestern bronzes for over thirty years including Maria (2001) and Julian (2004). A painter since the age of ten, Kliewer started sculpting in 1987. In 1993, Susan won a competition to create a monument of Sedona Schnebly. A ten-foot high sculpture of her town’s namesake was installed in front of the Sedona City Library. Kliewer’s life-size fountain portraying the Sinagua people and a fountain of a Hopi Water Maiden are also to be found in Sedona (https://www.mountaintrailssedona.com/susan-kleiwer-bio). 

In the busy world of our busy city, this garden is a wonderful retreat that allows me to slow down with a few memories and enjoy remarkable artwork for from its home.