Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland, CO
August 6-8
Laurel, Moongate, bronze, 12 x 12 x 8.
Every summer Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland, CO, is transformed into a veritable outdoor sculpture museum. Thousands of three-dimensional pieces are displayed for all to see during the Sculpture in the Park Show and Sale, which is presented by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council. The largest outdoor juried show in the country, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors and has been going strong for more than three decades, with this year marking the 37th event.
In its early years, Sculpture in the Park featured mostly bronze sculptures from local artists created in a traditional style. Today it has expanded to include a diverse range of styles, media, and participating artists from around the country and the world. Of the 160 artists chosen for the 2021 show, about half were invited back from previous years and the other half—which includes 30 artists participating for the first time—were selected by a jury. Together they exhibit more than 2,000 pieces created in bronze, glass, wood, ceramic, stone, and more. Styles vary from representational to abstract.
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- Bruce A. Niemi, Suzi’s Garden, metal, 32 x 39 x 21.
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- Tom Bloyd, Meditation #2, glass, 42 x 9 x 9.
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- Lorri Acott, Spirit of Renewal, bronze, 32 x 28 x 20.
Kristi Elyce, the arts council’s executive director, is looking forward to a successful show after last year’s first-ever cancelation. “I think we’re going to see some exceptional work this year,” Elyce says. “I’ve talked with a lot of the participating artists, and after sitting out last year’s events, many of them have had more time to reflect, explore new directions, or experiment with ideas they’ve wanted to try for a while. I’m excited to see this diverse display of new work among the beauty of the Benson Sculpture Garden’s permanent collection this August.”
In addition to the public hours on Saturday and Sunday, collectors can attend a Patron Party on the evening of Friday, August 6 (contact the arts council for tickets). A silent auction of smaller works is on view in a special tent, and attendees can cast bids throughout the weekend. A softcover show catalog is available for purchase beginning in June. –Allison Malafronte
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- Angela Mia De la Vega, Harmony, bronze, 32 x 12 x 14.
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- Scott Luken, Guardian Stone, stone, 28 x 12 x 5.
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- Rosetta, Lynx Lookout, bronze, 14 x 20 x 8.
contact information
970.663.2940
www.sculptureinthepark.org
This story appeared in the June/July 2021 issue of Southwest Art magazine.