Show Preview | Sculpture in the Park

Loveland, CO
Benson Sculpture Garden, August 9-10

Linda Allyn, Blossom, glass, 11 x 16.

This story was featured in the July 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art July 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

If there is a mecca for sculpture in the United States, it most certainly is Loveland, CO, with its annual summer weekend devoted to three-dimensional artwork. In its 31st year, the Sculpture in the Park show attracts 20,000 visitors to the beautiful Benson Sculpture Garden. On August 9 and 10, 160 artists display some 2,000 pieces of sculpture in a variety of styles and mediums. “We divide the work into three styles: abstract on one end, realistic and representational on the other, and something in the middle we call stylized or impressionistic,” says chairperson Polly Juneau. “We have bronze, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, stone, and mixed media.”

The sculptors bring new works finished within the last three years. Patrons can visit the event from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Proceeds from the festival are used for upkeep and maintenance of the sculpture park and also to purchase new pieces to be permanently installed in the park, five of which will be installed this summer from last year’s proceeds, helping to support the artists that make the show possible.

The festival has grown exponentially over the years to gain the international recognition it now has. Started by five local artists with the help of a few local business people, what began as a show for local artists has grown to 
include over 1,200 artists in its 30 years. “For something that started with just 50 local artists, we’re now an international show and the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in the U.S.,” Juneau says. “We also have patrons that have been coming for all those 30 years. That’s why it’s really important to keep the show fresh every year so that they are encouraged to come back and see what’s new and available.” —Joe Kovack

contact information
970.663.2940

www.sculptureinthepark.org

Featured in the July 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art July 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!