Show Preview | Loveland Sculpture Invitational

Bunny Hanley, Hello Mom, bronze, 28 x 7 x 24.

August 9-11, 2013
Loveland High School, Loveland, CO

This story was featured in the July 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Order the Southwest Art July 2013 print issue, or get the Southwest Art July 2013 digital download now…Or better yet, just subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

Bronze, stone, glass, and wood—these are a few of the sculptors’ favorite media at the annual Loveland Sculpture Invitational, which takes place in Loveland this month. The three-day event, set against the backdrop of the scenic Rocky Mountains, features works by more than 200 artists from across the country.

The styles range from abstract to representational, depicting everything from foxes to firemen. In fact, one of the youngest participants in the show, Austin Weishel, is a firefighter. New to the show this year, Weishel, 23, has already received commissions from fire museums in Colorado and Washington, DC. Other participating artists include Colette Pitcher, Kathy Wardle, Bunny Hanley, Martin Eichinger, Russell Christensen, and Mike Dwyer.

Kathy Wardle, Warrior, bronze, 168 x 42 x 54.

The Loveland Sculpture Invitational takes place on the grounds of Loveland High School and attracts more than 15,000 visitors annually. Colorado-based sculptor Victor Issa is the show’s president and one of its founders. Also a regular participant, Issa says the show represents “a unique opportunity for collectors, gallery owners, and institutions to embrace sculpture and connect with the brilliant artists behind the work.”

The nonprofit Loveland Sculpture Group is the main sponsor of the show. To date the group has funded the purchase of more than 25 sculptures that have been donated to the community. A portion of the proceeds from the event also benefits art education efforts in the schools, including the emerging artist program that encourages students to explore art as a career. Students are assigned a mentor and then create works that are eventually on display in the annual show. “The wonderful creations that these children make will be with them for a long time,” Issa says. “What an honor it is to be able to contribute to the city and the schools in Loveland to thank them for everything they have done for the art community.”

The show is open to the public on Friday, August 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A VIP party follows later from 4 to 8 p.m. The show is open to the public again on Saturday, August 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, August 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. —Bonnie Gangelhoff

Artists’ Charitable Fund
The Artists’ Charitable Fund provides financial assistance to artists who are in crisis and need help paying medical bills. The organization’s 20th annual fundraiser takes place on Saturday, August 10, at North Lake Park Amphitheater in Loveland, adjacent to the Loveland Sculpture Invitational and Sculpture in the Park. The event, which showcases paintings and sculptures, kicks off with a preview of the art at 6 p.m. followed by the auction at 7 p.m. Sculptor George Lundeen handles the auctioneer duties. For more information call 970.577.0509 or visit www.artistscharitablefund.org.

contact information
970.663.7467
www.lovelandsculptureinvitational.org

Featured in the July 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art July 2013 digital download
Southwest Art July 2013 print issue
Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!