Show Preview | Sculpture in the Park

Loveland, CO
Benson Sculpture Garden, August 9-11

This story was featured in the July 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

THIS AUGUST, for the 36th year in a row, the Loveland High Plains Arts Council presents Sculpture in the Park, a celebration of three-dimensional art at the beautiful Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland, CO. Now the largest outdoor juried show and sale in the country, this year’s event features 160 artists offering over 2,000 pieces of sculpture for patrons to view and purchase.

Each year, participating artists are selected by a jury of experienced sculptors representing different styles and mediums. Traditionally, about 25 percent of the selected artists are new to the show. “The inclusion of new artists, along with a requirement for returning artists to display newly produced work, ensures the show is fresh and varied every year,” says Kristi Elyce, executive director of the arts council.

The works in the show also feature a nice variety of mediums, subjects, styles, sizes, and price points. “Sometimes people think of sculpture as just traditional bronze works, but we really have a wide variety here—you’ll see bronze, glass, ceramic, wood, stone, and mixed-media works in styles from representational to abstract and everything in between,” Elyce says.

This year’s lineup features 23 new artists, including Fred Boyer, Timothy Hooton, Jeff Jones, Crystal Lockwood, and Steve Tyree. Elyce is especially excited to have glass artists John and Erin Blackwell participating for the first time this year. “Glass works tend to be less prominent compared to other mediums, so we’re thrilled to add these unique artists to the show,” she says.

There are also a number of participants who have been in the show for all of its 36 years, including George Walbye, who was one of the first two artists to have work purchased for permanent placement in Benson Park after that very first show back in 1984. Other prominent returning artists include Sandy Graves, Daniel Glanz, Lori Kiplinger Pandy, Kim Kori, John Maisano, Karryl, Paul Rhymer, Rosetta, and Jeannine Young.

Longtime participant Carol Gold says there are many factors that make Sculpture in the Park special, especially the community involvement. “The setting is lovely, and it’s inspiring to be surrounded by the fine sculptures in Benson Sculpture Garden and the work of fellow sculptors,” she adds. David Turner, another longtime participant, agrees: “I’ve made lifelong friends with the artists, show organizers, volunteers, and staff,” he says, adding, “This community of sculptors has become my second home.”

The show is open to the public 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. A limited number of tickets to the exclusive Patron Party, held on Friday evening, August 9, may be purchased for $75. Each year, proceeds from the show go toward the purchase of sculpture for Benson Sculpture Garden. To date, the Loveland High Plains Arts Council has purchased 170 pieces valued at over $4 million. —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
www.sculptureinthepark.org

This story was featured in the July 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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