The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center’s biggest fundraiser for 2020 was renamed “Splendor in September” and was held at Tyvan Hill, a 10,000 square foot U-shaped brick and stone mansion. This lovely home was designed by the prominent New York architectural firm of Peabody, Wilson & Brown for John Wesley Castles Jr. and his wife, Dorothea Bradford Smith, and built between 1928 and 1929. It features beautiful details, such as a curved staircase, paneling and elegant moldings, as well as an outdoor pool and pool house. In 1931, the Architectural League of New York awarded its silver medal to Peabody, Wilson & Brown for the firm’s designs of a group of country residences, prominently including Tyvan Hill.
When we created the idea of our space, Emergence, in the fall of 2019 we had no idea of the prescience of this word. This fundraiser is normally held during the month of May but with the pandemic we thought that it would not happen at all. The women of the association persevered and the event was able to happen in September. For most people attending, this was the first public event they had been to in over 6 months.
This space revels in the joy of renewal. Five sculptures from renowned artist Jean Kawecki line the perimeter. These works evoke the feelings of hope and desire. One large and several smaller paintings by master landscape painter Jonathan Talbot, express the bucolic nature of a rural setting. An abstract bronze sculpture by famous New York City artist Bill Barrett is a juxtaposition to the pastoral paintings. Several joy filled expressionistic floral paintings by Patti Davis Ganek concludes this presentation.
This year we were awarded three spaces in total, a first in the history of Mansion in May’s existence. Not only did we have two spaces inside, we were also awarded an outdoor space. We used James Tyler’s “Gabriella” as the focus of the outdoor space. With the help of Nature’s Apprentice we turned the space into a contemplative garden where people could sit on the benches, gaze at “Gabriella” and enjoy the beauty around them. For our efforts, we won 2nd Place.
