Reptilian Fertility Earthwork | Sara D. Roosevelt Park, New York, NY | 1986 - 1989

Reptilian Fertility Earthwork is Ward's first large-scale experiment with designing landscape for community engagement. As the predecessor to her ArtParks, this work laid both the aesthetic and methodological foundations for Ward's public art practice. 

Upon developing a relationship with the Lower East Side Community Coalition and receiving funding through an Artist's Space Individual Artist Grant, Ward was inspired to revitalize the long-abandoned Sara D. Roosevelt Park on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Ward chose a section adjacent to its shuttered community building to construct a 35ft long reptile-shaped earthen sculpture whose surface design functioned as its own irrigation system. Ward's activity spurred the New York City Parks Department to reactivate the vacant BRC Senior Services Center, which began hosting lunches, exercise classes, and game nights. As this project unfolded over a three year period, Ward and community members reimagined and redeveloped this failing landscape.  While the reptilian sculpture has since returned to the earth, the gardens and community programs continue to flourish to this day. 

Reptilian Fertility Earthwork was located at 30 Delancy Street, New York NY, 10002.