Against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in the arts community of Loveland, Colorado, the 10-acre Benson Sculpture Garden is the permanent home of 187 sculptures by world-renowned artists. 

Each August, this number multiplies exponentially during Sculpture in the Park,a juried show and sale featuring more than 2,000 works by 160 award-winning national and international artists. 

Taking place in a lovely park setting, Sculpture in the Park features more than 2,000 works by 160 national and international artists.

Presented by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council and taking place from August 9 through 11, this year marks a milestone for the event as it rings in its 40th year. 

“An incredible celebration is planned for our 40th anniversary,” says Loveland High Plains Arts Council director Kim Summitt. “I am honored to celebrate our artists, patrons and especially our volunteers. We couldn’t do this show without them. It is mind-blowing that the collaboration of five Loveland sculptors along with representatives from the city, chamber and community members has grown into a successful show each August. I am so thankful to have been part of something great that began from such humble beginnings.”

David Ocelotl, Armadillo, bronze, 7 x 7 x 7"

Although in its early years Sculpture in the Park featured mostly traditional bronze sculptures by local artists, the event has since expanded to include an exciting range of mediums including glass, wood, ceramic, stone and mixed media; with styles spanning traditional to highly contemporary, and representational to abstract, in both large and small-scale formats.

“Choosing wood as a medium, I honor the gifts that nature has given us,” says Sculpture in the Park artist Crystal Lockwood.“There is a raw energy in the driftwood, and its beautiful imperfections. The journey that the wood has taken to get to the beach reminds me of the journey of life—there are storms, there are good and bad seasons, we go with the flow of the river only to be tossed into an unforgiving ocean…then one day, we are thrown onto a beach to rest in the sun, beautifully broken, shaped by the wind and the sea, changed by our journey, yet stronger and more powerful because of it.” 

Loveland High Plain Arts Council, Crystal Soul Journey, redwood driftwood, 6', by Crystal Lockwood.

Through self-meditation and creative exploration David Ocelotl has developed his own technique and philosophy on sculpture and painting that he calls “Abstract Imaginism.” Ocelotl is most inspired by the presence and movement of atomic energy and its influence and connectivity with all living things. In addition, his passion is to explore the beauty, philosophy and spirituality of his Native heritage. It is through art that Ocelotl hopes to manifest beauty, inspiration, color and energy.

Inspired by the human condition and the idiosyncratic way these aspects pertain to any given individual, Garrett Loveless of ‘No Gloves’ Art crafts relatable messages within his artwork and encourages viewers to connect with, and see themselves in each piece. The Impasse of Wont speaks to the balance between the self and societal expectations. “The comfort and protection such norms can offer, countered by the restriction and pressure to conform that we struggle against,” says Loveless. “We navigate these same factors in many aspects of life, often on subjects seeming innocuous or trivial…such as how a woman decides to style her hair.”

David Ocelotl, The Word, bronze, 14 x 13 x 16"

Grace Parliman became interested in wood turning about 20 years ago. “What attracted me the most to the technique was its versatility—it allowed for a great deal of creativity and endless possibilities for colors, themes and combinations of different hardwoods,” she says. “By turning wood, I’ve been able to create all sorts of vessels, ranging from funerary urns to platter-like bowls with tiled panels to ornamental bird houses.

“I strive to bring stone to life with each piece that I create, whether it be one of my signature buffalo, polar or woodland bears, flowing female figures or abstract forms,” Parliman continues. “My job is complete if I bring joy and a new perspective to the viewer through my distinct, contemporary style. Working in marble, onyx, limestone, sandstone and even semiprecious stones, I put my patience and love into each lively creation.”

Garrett Loveless, The Impasse of Wont, bronze, 13½ x 15 x 5½"

Jess Davila spent his formative years in Sonora, Mexico, where he grew up exploring and appreciating the unspoiled beauty of the desert and mountainous regions of his homeland. A completely self-taught artist, Davila draws on his experiences with various mediums, which allow him to express and develop the many facets of his artistic talent and to further develop his unique contemporary style.

Jess Davila, Strong, Huachinera marble, 19½ x 115/8 x 7¼" 

Grace Parliman, Shelter, wood (tigerwood, ebony and boxwood) topped with an amethyst cabochon and gilders paste, 8½ x 3¼"

His stone interpretations, created out of a profound appreciation of beauty, are meant to evoke strong emotions from viewers in the natural patterns of stone, to the flowing curves of a finished sculpture.

Sculpture in the Park opens with a Patron Party on August 9 from 3 to 8 p.m. in the garden, offering collectors a preview of works. The show is open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m. A silent auction, ongoing throughout the weekend, concludes on August 11. 

Jess Davila, Pure Love, Italian ice alabaster on travertine base 225/8 x 17½ x 53/8"

“This beloved event is a beautiful gathering of talented artists, committed volunteers and faithful patrons,” says long-time volunteer Julia Riedel. “It is a chance to celebrate the incredible and varied art we get to enjoy in an intimate space. It feels like a community of Loveland (and beyond) summer garden party. Such a treasure for all of us.” —

Sculpture in the Park
When: August 9-11, 2024
Where: Benson Sculpture Garden, 2908 Aspen Drive, Loveland, CO 80538
Information: (970) 663-2940, www.sculptureinthepark.org 

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