Sculpture in the Park Returns to Loveland, Colo. Aug. 11-13, 2023
Sculpture in the Park, the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in the U.S., returns to Loveland August 11-13. Considered a mecca of international talent, the 39th annual show and sale transforms beloved Benson Sculpture Garden into an art lovers dream come true with over 2,000 sculptures created by 162 artists from around the world for viewing and purchase. Twenty-nine new artists will participate this year.
Sculpture in the Park 2023 includes a ticketed Patron Party on Friday, August 11, and a public show and sale on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13. Tickets for the show and sale may be purchased at the gate for $10 (event entry is free for children 14 and under).
Artists participating in the show are selected by a jury comprised of experienced sculptors representing different styles and mediums. Traditionally, about one-fourth of the selected artists are new to Sculpture in the Park. Returning artists are required to display newly produced work, helping to ensure the annual event feels fresh and unique each year.
“We are going to see some exceptional work this year,” said Donna Visocky, executive director of the Loveland High Plains Council. “We have several well-known sculptors participating in the show for the first time. One of the features of the show that makes it stand out from other art events is visitors can meet the artists in person to talk about their work and what inspires it.”
All sculpture displayed at Sculpture in the Park is for sale, from giant monumental pieces to smaller works to mini replica versions of several permanent sculptures in Benson Sculpture Garden. There is also a silent auction where participants can bid on selected bronze, stone, wood, ceramic, glass, metal and mixed media pieces.
Visitors to the show can expect a variety of works in a range of mediums and all shapes and sizes. Some may notice a theme, as many of the submissions feature “love,” “animals,” or “the love of animals,” including “Who Rescued Who” by Lorri Acott, a five-foot-tall bronze depiction of a human and a dog, gazing at each other. “Life in the Fast Lane,” by Paul Rhymer, is a 96-inch-high by 66-inch-wide bronze monumental road runner. And Mitch Levin’s “Chief Bear Claw” is a 76-inch-tall colorful metal and wood sculpture depicting a Native American Indian.
“This show is virtually unknown outside of the arts industry, and that’s a shame because it truly is one of the best events of the year in Loveland,” said Visit Loveland Director Cindy Mackin. “Loveland has a rich history of the arts, and many artists make Loveland their home. Sculpture in the Park offers the perfect excuse to enjoy an immersive arts experience in Loveland, where visitors can also explore Chapungu Sculpture Park, discover public art throughout the city and shop local art at area galleries.”
Sculpture in the Park is presented by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council (LHPAC), a private non-profit organization established in 1984 to “promote sculptural arts for the cultural and economic benefit of the entire community.”
The inaugural Sculpture in the Park show and sale was held in 1984, featuring 50 local artists. The event was the collaboration of five Loveland sculptors – George Lundeen, Dan Ostermiller, George Walbye, Fritz White and Hollis Williford – and representatives from the City of Loveland and the Chamber of Commerce, and a few interested citizens. Its purpose was to showcase the works of sculptors from across the country and generate funding for a local sculpture garden. Approximately 2,000 people attended the inaugural event, purchasing $50,000 worth of sculpture. In 1985 the City of Loveland chose Benson Park as the site for the sculpture garden and in 1985, the 10-acre Benson Sculpture Garden became a reality.
“In my 45-year career, I’ve been in galleries and shows from coast to coast as well as participated in international shows,” said sculptor Dennis Sohocki, one of the original artists participating in Sculpture in the Park since its inception. “Now Loveland is the only show I do because it is the best show in the country for sculptors and collectors.”
The location of the annual Sculpture in the Park show and sale at the 10-acre Benson Sculpture Garden emphasizes Loveland’s love affair with sculpture. Benson has provided a beautiful and unique outdoor setting for showcasing sculpture since 1985. This “public treasure” draws tens of thousands of visitors annually from around the globe and has been recognized as “one of the 200 most important modern and contemporary art sites around the world,” and as “one of the 20 must-see contemporary art sites across the USA.”
Early Sculpture in the Park shows primarily included western bronze works. As the show has grown and the number of artists participating has increased and diversified, mediums represented have expanded to include bronze, stone, wood, ceramic, glass, metal, and mixed media. Annual sales have increased to over one million dollars.
Currently, there are 182 sculptures on permanent display by world renowned artists, worth an impressive $5 million. Four new sculptures and a new forged iron gate will be installed this summer thanks to the more than $150,000 in revenue from last year’s event. The installation is July 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Lake Park section of Benson Sculpture Garden.
- “Four Generations,” by Colorado artist Felicia: A simply designed 5-and-a-half-foot bronze sculpture depicting four generations of Native American women.
- “Amazing Grace,” by Loveland-based artist Shari Vines: Features a four-foot Blue Heron unfurling its wings.
- “Roundbottomus Hippopotamus,” by Missouri artist Tim Cherry: A “hands-on” six-foot-plus long bronze hippo with a large round bottom.
- “Morning Flight,” by Northern Colorado artist Adam Schultz: A 12-foot sculpture depicting a stylized bronze hawk casting its shadow across the sheer rock face, while the shadow of a rabbit escaping can be seen on a smaller boulder in front.
For more information about Sculpture in the Park 2023, including Patron Party tickets (limited availability and $75 each), weekend show and sale hours, and details, visit www.sculptureinthepark.org.
