Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland, CO August 9-11
The 40th annual Sculpture in the Park Show and Sale at Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland, Colorado, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a captivating fusion of artistic expression and the natural world. Presented by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council, this landmark event unfolds Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11, showcasing over 2,000 three-dimensional works. A diverse range of mediums is represented, including bronze, wood, glass, stone, ceramic, metal and mixed media. Each piece reflects the artist’s unique vision and mastery.
“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, this year holds special significance,” says Amy Huggins, business manager of the Loveland High Plains Arts Council. “It encompasses our present journey, our storied past and our vision for the future of sculpture in our community.” The event features 160 acclaimed national and international artists, including 18 first-time participants like Jodie Atherton, David Huang, Jay Tamlin and Diana McClaran. Among returning favorites are Ted Schaal, Carolyn Barlock and Garland Weeks.
Sculpture in the Park’s legacy was forged in the mid-1980s through a pioneering partnership between five local sculptors, the City of Loveland and the Chamber of Commerce. Their vision initiated a sculpture-based outdoor exhibition and sale, serving as a funding mechanism for a public sculpture garden while fostering sculptural art appreciation within the community. Since its inception, the event has evolved into the nation’s premier outdoor juried sculpture show. To date, the Loveland High Plains Arts Council has acquired and donated 187 permanent sculptures to the city. These pieces, collectively valued at over $5 million, grace the picturesque 10-acre Benson Sculpture Garden, enriching Loveland’s landscape and community spirit.
The festivities kick off with an exclusive Patron Party from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 9. Ticketed guests can enjoy intimate conversations with the artists, complemented by hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. As the weekend progresses, the event opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9:30 a.m. each day. A silent auction tent invites guests to bid on select works. For those who desire to bring home a piece of the park’s artistic heritage, maquette-sized versions of several of the garden’s permanent sculptures are available for purchase.
From classical elegance to contemporary innovation, the exhibition offers a spectrum of styles to captivate every attendee. Notable works include Tenyoh’s LITTLE BUDDHA: SUMMER BREEZE, a serene ceramic figure that seems to meditate on the summer’s warmth, and David Ocelotl’s THE WORD, a powerful representation of a jaguar in repose, symbolizing the strength of silent communication. Eric L. Stearns’ AMBROSIA is a raku pottery vase with its pierced geometric patterns creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.
Huggins encapsulates the essence of the event, saying, “At Sculpture in the Park, time slows and distractions fade, allowing attendees to fully engage with the visual splendor of art. It’s a gathering where artists, volunteers and patrons share a certitude in artistic expression and the fresh perspectives it unveils. This show remains one of the most beloved events of the year here in Loveland.” —Christine Proskow
contact information(970) 663-2940sculptureinthepark.org
This story appeared in the August/September 2024 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Subscribe today to read every issue in its entirety.
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