UNIVERSITY PARK | It was a different sort of unveiling for the crowd who recently gathered at Governors State University to celebrate the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, which graces the campus grounds.

After viewing large photo murals of some of the more significant works in the 26-piece outdoor collection, visitors were introduced to the park through a short documentary by the award-winning director Seth McClellan, of Frankfort.

McClellan, whose documentary works have won numerous film festival awards and screenings and been shown on WTTW Chicago, applied his video production talents to reveal the natural beauty of the park, establish the importance of the works on exhibit, and decipher their meanings.

The film explained the history of the park through a montage of archival photographs, film clips and an interview with Lewis Manilow, builder, philanthropist and art collector. Manilow founded the park and named it for his father, Nathan, the visionary developer. In the film, he spoke of the park's inception, development and future.

Geoffrey Bates, director and curator of the sculpture park, introduced the film to the audience, many of whom were new to the park.

"Community events, education programs and new acquisitions will reintroduce the park to people who have not visited in many years and attract new visitors to discover the amazing treasures dotting the prairie landscape around the university," Bates said.

He added that the park docent program has trained knowledgeable guides who lead regularly scheduled tours on weekends and specially arranged tours during the week. Special events, such as family days, art classes, and receptions are ongoing.

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park Fall Family Fun Fest will take place Oct. 25. It's a new fund and friend raising drive, meant to widen the park's audience.

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is open year round from dawn to dusk. It is at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park.

For more information or to volunteer, call (708) 534-4486 or e-mail sculpture@govst.edu.

- THE TIMES