Loveland, Colorado, is widely known for its sculptures. Each summer, the nation’s largest outdoor juried sculpture show and sale is held in the city over three days.
When Did Loveland’s ‘Sculpture in the Park’ Begin?
‘Sculpture in the Park’ dates beck to the very first one, in 1984. That show saw only 50 artists showing and selling their works of art, and about 2,000 attendees. Four decades later, the event brings in over 150 sculptors to Loveland and tens of thousands of attendees. The first show saw about $50,000 in sales; today, the event sees over $1 million in sales every year.
What was once farmland, and then a designated wetlands area for bird rescue, Benson Sculpture Garden, north of North Lake Park and east of the park, now holds over 100 sculptures.
I think when a lot of people think of “Sculpture in the Park.” at Benson Sculpture Garden, they imagine it being very “high-brow” and “snooty.” I think those folks would be very surprised if they were to attend the event: it’s a very casual show, with many sculptures very affordable.
Sure, there a some sculptures that run tens of thousands of dollars, but there are a lot that you’ll find for under $1,000. the entry fee to the event is also affordable at $10 for each of the two days of the sale that’s open to the General Public…