Press Release: “Nurturing Tree” Springs to Life in Stuyvesant Park

Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association Press Release: Artist Judith Modrak’s Nurturing Tree Springs to Life
Location: Stuyvesant Square Park, West Park, near central fountain, Rutherford Place #9, New York, NY 10003. Google Maps.
Artist Opening and Workshop Event info: Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association
NYC Parks info: “Nurturing Tree” Springs to Life with Artist Judith Modrak
Nurturing Tree Installation Dates: October 19th, 2025 – October, 2026.
Park hours are from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Stuyvesant Square Park is free and open to the public.Judith Modrak’s striking, brightly colored public sculpture, Nurturing Tree, at the Stuyvesant Square Park in New York, NY.

NURTURING TREE springs to life in STUYVESANT SQUARE PARK
on view October 2025 – October 2026
a new public artwork by artist Judith Modrak
Recipient of the Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association Peace Prize

NEW YORK, N.Y. – October 20, 2025 — The Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA)
invites everyone to view acclaimed artist Judith Modrak’s Nurturing Tree, the recipient of SPNA’s 2025 Peace Prize.

Modrak’s striking, brightly colored sculpture, Nurturing Tree, was inspired by the park’s historic Mother Elm and is installed in her trunk. The beloved tree was felled two years ago after a long and impactful life. “The artwork symbolizes empathy, shared history, and vital connections—values central to SPNA’s mission”, reflects SPNA President Liza Meneades, “we are very excited to welcome Modrak’s vibrant work to Stuyvesant Park.”

“I had a visceral reaction to the loss of this majestic Mother Elm as I watched her being cut down,” explains Modrak, a neighborhood resident with a nearby art studio in Union Square. “I channeled my sadness into the creation of a new sculpture, which was to become Nurturing Tree, as a way to pay homage to her and reimagine her essence. At the time, I had no idea that the work would spring to life in the exact location which gave birth to the creative concept – it is truly magical.”
The "Nurturing Tree" public artwork by Judith Modrak, at the Stuyvesant Park in New York, symbolizes empathy, shared history, and vital connections.
About the Artist
Judith Modrak is widely known for her sculptures, installations, and audience-participatory artworks that explore human emotion, memory, and environmental stewardship. Her eco-focused projects, including Earth’s Voices, Do the Trees Hear Us?, and Endangered Fossils—respond to the climate crisis and encourage community expression and action.

About SPNA
The Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty, history, and accessibility of Stuyvesant Square Park through volunteerism, partnerships, and public programming. “Supporting NYC artists and caring for our park go hand in hand,” says Liza Meneades, SPNA Board President. “We aim to create opportunities for community connection through art, nature, and shared history.”
Artist Judith Modrak along with friends and associates of The Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association in New York, NY.
About NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks
For nearly 60 years, NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program has transformed New York City into one of the world’s largest open-air galleries. Since 1967, more than 3,000 public artworks by 1,500 artists have been installed in over 200 parks across the five boroughs, enriching the city.

Nurturing Tree will be on display through October 2026 as part of NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program. The sculpture is located in West Stuyvesant Park, near the Central Fountain, near 16th Street and 2nd Avenue.

Stay Connected
Website: www.spnanyc.org
Instagram: @spna_nyc
Facebook: SPNA Facebook Page
Artist Website: judithmodrak.com