Loveland loves sculpture

Each summer, on the second weekend in August, an internationally renowned event occurs in Loveland, Colorado. In the weeks leading up to the grand affair, giant figures can be seen making their way into town, via large flatbed trucks. Eagles, stallions, buffalos and more, make their way down the streets of Loveland, on their way to participate in this special event.

Sculpture show weekend in Loveland consists of three art shows situated in and around Benson Sculpture Garden, located at 29^th and Aspen Drive. Each show has a unique atmosphere, with something to please every visitor.

This summer, Sculpture in the Park, a prestigious, juried show, will be celebrating its 27^th year. The show started with fifty artists in 1984, has grown to become the largest juried sculpture show in the country, generating over $1 million in sales. The show now features more than 200 artists from around the world and hosts thousands of visitors.

Sculptures of every size, shape and color are arranged in an orderly fashion beneath large white tents in the Benson Sculpture Garden, a park featuring over a hundred sculptures year round. The proceeds from the Sculpture in the Park go to funding additional sculpture, improvements and landscaping of Benson Sculpture Garden, which plays an important part in the lives of locals and tourists alike. For several years, the park has been voted the best place to take a visitor in the Loveland Reporter Herald’s Readers Choice Awards. This year’s Sculpture in the Park runs August 7 and 8, Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $6, and children under 14 are free.

The Loveland Sculpture Invitational will be celebrating its 19^th year as part of city’s sculpture show weekend. The Invitational is located on the grounds of Loveland High School, 920 W. 29^th Street, across the street from the Sculpture in the park, with over 250 artists displaying a variety of work in an assortment of mediums. Along with thousands of sculpture pieces, the Invitational features music and a food court. The show runs August 7 and 8, Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5, and children under 14 are free.

Art in the Park runs in conjunction with Sculpture in the Park and the Loveland Sculpture Invitational. Located within walking distance of the two sculpture shows, artisans at Art in the Park display their arts and crafts in booths located at North Lake Park. The festival features painting, photography, jewelry, homespun woolen items and much, much more. Admission is free.

From serious art buyers, to the children, Loveland’s sculpture show weekend is fun for everyone. Free shuttle bus service to and from Benson Sculpture Garden area is available each day. For more information, visit City of Loveland.

All photos taken by Carmelita R. Kerr at Benson Sculpture Garden.   All rights reserved.