The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships are held in Breckenridge, Colorado every year. The first internal competition in the town was in 1991 so this year mark's the town's 21st competition.
The competition allows only hand tools to touch the 10x10x12 blocks of snow (yes, that's feet) that weigh in at 20 tons. The competition starts today with 5 person teams coming from Russia, China, Japan, Morocco, Belize, Finland, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden, Mexico, Great Britain, Spain, Bulgaria and Canada and of course, the United States. This year 8 countries are represented by the 15 teams with the US boasting 4 different teams all competing for medals and ribbons--but no cash. Sculptors do it for the fun of it and love to have you come enjoy the process and the results.
The teams have five days (65 hours total) to create their masterpieces. After that a panel of artist judges will find a favorite on the basis of theme, style and technique. At the awards ceremony on Sunday (at 3:30pm), the sculptors will also learn which team has been selected as People's Choice, Kids' Choice and Artists' Choice. People vote with $1 donations, with the money going to help support the event.
Some years the works are melting by the time the weekend comes, but this year it looks like the temperatures will be cool enough to preserve the work. Mother Nature permitting, the sculptures will remain on display until the evening of Sunday Feb. 6.
Organizers suggest visitors come before then and watch the pieces evolve--which is a lot of fun. It is hard to see what they are doing at first, but then suddenly the work reveals itself. Very cool...no pun intended. Friday night Jan 28 ought to be a really fun night since it is frequently an "all nighter" for the artists as they put on the finishing touches before they judging on Saturday the 29th which begins at 10:00am.
Many of the sculptors who participate in snow sculpting also work in other materials other times of the year. Loveland sculptor Jack Kreutzer is a stone sculptor and one of the founders of the Sculpture in the Park show every summer (this summer will be the 28th annual event.)
Learn more about the snow sculpting competition including the best parking spots and some photos from past events. The venue is at the Riverwalk area (see map) and there are shuttles from other parts of town.
Check out more photos, information and even videos of past events.
Showing posts with label outdoor art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoor art. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Seiferts Sculpt Steel and Land
Ed and Barb Seifert are former neighbors of mine...they also happen to be landscape designers and sculptors residing in northern Colorado.
Funny thing is when we were neighbors neither of us was actively working in sculpture.
I run into them at the Loveland Sculpture Invitational...and it is always great to see their work and catch up on what they are doing and how much their kids have grown. It just doesn't seem possible that it has been that many years, but when I learn where the kids are these days it makes me realize that my gray hairs are not premature!
Each of the pieces the artistic duo creates is unique. They often combine steel construction with water, whether free standing or a pond, and glass or stone...the natural and the man-made coexisting in harmony.
One of their pieces, "River Chimes" is an example of this harmony. The work is installed here in Loveland, at the Medical Center of the Rockies and features stone and steel in the form of posts and pipes.
Ed and Barb are extremely talented, as well as wonderful folks. Visit their site to see their landscape design, the nursery and of course, their sculpture. You can even arrange an appointment to see their private sculpture garden...but do call ahead! 303 772-1888
Funny thing is when we were neighbors neither of us was actively working in sculpture.
I run into them at the Loveland Sculpture Invitational...and it is always great to see their work and catch up on what they are doing and how much their kids have grown. It just doesn't seem possible that it has been that many years, but when I learn where the kids are these days it makes me realize that my gray hairs are not premature!
Each of the pieces the artistic duo creates is unique. They often combine steel construction with water, whether free standing or a pond, and glass or stone...the natural and the man-made coexisting in harmony.
One of their pieces, "River Chimes" is an example of this harmony. The work is installed here in Loveland, at the Medical Center of the Rockies and features stone and steel in the form of posts and pipes.
Ed and Barb are extremely talented, as well as wonderful folks. Visit their site to see their landscape design, the nursery and of course, their sculpture. You can even arrange an appointment to see their private sculpture garden...but do call ahead! 303 772-1888
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sculptors Donate to Schools' Arts Programs
Loveland, Colorado is home to two big outdoor sculpture shows every summer, one of those shows is the Loveland Sculpture Invitational.
This even is hosted by the Loveland Sculpture Group, a nonprofit organization that supports established and upcoming artists. Each year the group donates part of the proceeds from the show to local arts programs in our schools.
The Loveland Sculpture Group has given back to the community for almost 20 years...providing $220,000 for our arts programs.
According to Jerry Halsor, president of the nonprofit, some ways the money has been used in the past have included buying kilns, camera, as well as sculpting tools.
Today $10,000 is being donated to teachers from a variety of schools for their projects. The donation will occur at a special ceremony at 4pm at Centennial Elementary School on W. 37th Street here in Loveland. The even it open to the public and free...if you want more information contact the Loveland Sculpture Group
This even is hosted by the Loveland Sculpture Group, a nonprofit organization that supports established and upcoming artists. Each year the group donates part of the proceeds from the show to local arts programs in our schools.
The Loveland Sculpture Group has given back to the community for almost 20 years...providing $220,000 for our arts programs.
According to Jerry Halsor, president of the nonprofit, some ways the money has been used in the past have included buying kilns, camera, as well as sculpting tools.
Today $10,000 is being donated to teachers from a variety of schools for their projects. The donation will occur at a special ceremony at 4pm at Centennial Elementary School on W. 37th Street here in Loveland. The even it open to the public and free...if you want more information contact the Loveland Sculpture Group
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
New Mural In Loveland Colorado
Had the opportunity to drive by the new trompe l'oeil mural (in progress) in Loveland...it is going to really be fun to watch it as it "grows"...saw them taping things off getting ready to paint...maybe I'll figure out how to download one of the photos from my new pda/phone/camera so I can post it here!
and wow I saw lots of sculptures that I hadn't seen before...that was fantastic.
Sure feel blessed to have so much fantastic art in our "little" town!
and wow I saw lots of sculptures that I hadn't seen before...that was fantastic.
Sure feel blessed to have so much fantastic art in our "little" town!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sculpture Goes Missing: Loveland Sculptor May Recreate Historic Work
Kirsten Kokkin is one of 5 artists selected as finalists in the Angel of Music competition. This competition is to be the artist selected to recreate a sculpture that was on the gravestie of American composer and pianist Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869). The sculpture went missing in the 1950s.
How does a sculpture go missing? I guess someone must have really liked it. The marble angel was almost 5 feet tall. Also taken was the 6-1/2 foot tall marble pedestal. This is no small feat! I mean, it is not like you can just put that in your pocket!
In preparation for the new work, the pedestal has already been restored and an anitque wrought iron fence has been installed, along with greenery.
The sculpture competition is being put forth by a 501c(3) organizaion the Green-Wood Historic Fund. This organization conserves and restores the Brooklyn NY, Green-Wood Cemetery's endangered monuments. The cemetery is listed as a National Historic Landmark, is 171 years old and is the final resting place of many historical figures including Leonard Bernstein, Horace Greeley, FAO Schowartz, Samuel Morse and Boss Tweed.
Kirsten Kokkin is one of our talented local sculptors...who like most us moved here from somewhere else.
One of the things I really appreciate (dare I say "love"?) about living in Loveland, Colorado is our art community. Not just the artists, but how the community as a group embraces the arts.
We have beautiful sculptures all around the city, wonderful galleries and a fantastic museum. Kokkin's work has created quite a local controversy in the past when she created an exquisite piece, The Triangle, that was in the classical tradition, including the figures being nude. The piece ended up being relocated and can be seen in the Benson Sculpture Park.
How does a sculpture go missing? I guess someone must have really liked it. The marble angel was almost 5 feet tall. Also taken was the 6-1/2 foot tall marble pedestal. This is no small feat! I mean, it is not like you can just put that in your pocket!
In preparation for the new work, the pedestal has already been restored and an anitque wrought iron fence has been installed, along with greenery.
The sculpture competition is being put forth by a 501c(3) organizaion the Green-Wood Historic Fund. This organization conserves and restores the Brooklyn NY, Green-Wood Cemetery's endangered monuments. The cemetery is listed as a National Historic Landmark, is 171 years old and is the final resting place of many historical figures including Leonard Bernstein, Horace Greeley, FAO Schowartz, Samuel Morse and Boss Tweed.
Kirsten Kokkin is one of our talented local sculptors...who like most us moved here from somewhere else.
One of the things I really appreciate (dare I say "love"?) about living in Loveland, Colorado is our art community. Not just the artists, but how the community as a group embraces the arts.
We have beautiful sculptures all around the city, wonderful galleries and a fantastic museum. Kokkin's work has created quite a local controversy in the past when she created an exquisite piece, The Triangle, that was in the classical tradition, including the figures being nude. The piece ended up being relocated and can be seen in the Benson Sculpture Park.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Street Painters Amaze Me
Maybe because I am a sculptor not a painter, but these guys who paint 3D images on the street just amaze me!
I had seen Julian Beever's work before and he is fantastic. He works in pastels so his work is, temporal, shall we say.
Recently I was shown some images by another painter who actually paints on the streets and his work has survived rains, but apparently the weather still is the biggest challenge he faces.
Anyway, his name is Edgar Mueller and you can can his work here and also here
I found it really fun to watch the video of the making of one of his pieces, The Crevasse
I had seen Julian Beever's work before and he is fantastic. He works in pastels so his work is, temporal, shall we say.
Recently I was shown some images by another painter who actually paints on the streets and his work has survived rains, but apparently the weather still is the biggest challenge he faces.
Anyway, his name is Edgar Mueller and you can can his work here and also here
I found it really fun to watch the video of the making of one of his pieces, The Crevasse
Monday, February 23, 2009
Benson Park Sculpture Garden Grows
Seven new sculptures have been donated to Loveland, Colorado's Benson Park Sculpture Garden.
Installation of the new works is scheduled to occure in June with a dedication planned at 10am on Saturday July 11.
With these 7 pieces, the Garden grows to 130 pieces.
The new works are "Big Wish" by Linda Prokop, "In the Wind" by Jay Eighmy, "For on Alert II" by David Turner, "Cirque II" by Jack Kreutzer, "Cardiac Relief" by Nicholas Moffett, "Requiem for a Fallen Tree" by Don Rambadt and "Duet" by Jeff Laing.
The first six sculptures are bronze. "Duet" is stainless steel.
The sculptures are paid for from proceeds from the Sculpture in the Park show which happens each August. This year the show is August 8-9th.
For more information about the sculpture show, the dedication ceremony, contact the High Plains Art Council. Their phone number is 970-663-2940. Or visit their website which has a great map of the park, the history of the show and lots, lots more!
Installation of the new works is scheduled to occure in June with a dedication planned at 10am on Saturday July 11.
With these 7 pieces, the Garden grows to 130 pieces.
The new works are "Big Wish" by Linda Prokop, "In the Wind" by Jay Eighmy, "For on Alert II" by David Turner, "Cirque II" by Jack Kreutzer, "Cardiac Relief" by Nicholas Moffett, "Requiem for a Fallen Tree" by Don Rambadt and "Duet" by Jeff Laing.
The first six sculptures are bronze. "Duet" is stainless steel.
The sculptures are paid for from proceeds from the Sculpture in the Park show which happens each August. This year the show is August 8-9th.
For more information about the sculpture show, the dedication ceremony, contact the High Plains Art Council. Their phone number is 970-663-2940. Or visit their website which has a great map of the park, the history of the show and lots, lots more!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
2009 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships
The quaint village of Breckenridge, Colorado hosts a fantastic sculptural event every year, the International Snow Sculpture Championships--hosted by Budweiser, the event is fun for the entire family with fantastic art created by masters from around the world.
Pieces range from whimsical and interactive, fantasy, traditional and contemporary.
The even began on Jan 20 this year and runs through February 1. The artists began carving the ice blocks on Tuesday the 20th at 11am and the carving ended today at 10 am when the judging commences. Awards are presented on Sunday at 3pm
Weather permitting, the sculptures remain standing through Feb. 1. Some years the sun is so strong (one of the great things about skiing in Colorado is our beautiful clear skies!) that the sculptures don't make it through to the end of the celebration, so go early if you can!
Pieces range from whimsical and interactive, fantasy, traditional and contemporary.
The even began on Jan 20 this year and runs through February 1. The artists began carving the ice blocks on Tuesday the 20th at 11am and the carving ended today at 10 am when the judging commences. Awards are presented on Sunday at 3pm
Weather permitting, the sculptures remain standing through Feb. 1. Some years the sun is so strong (one of the great things about skiing in Colorado is our beautiful clear skies!) that the sculptures don't make it through to the end of the celebration, so go early if you can!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sculpture In the Community
More and more developers are discovering the value of including sculptures in their projects.
Recently I mentioned a local artist who has been commissioned to create sculptures for a project in Kansas.
Closer to home, Thompson Crossing, here in Loveland has created their own scupture walk. The area encompasses 40 acres of open space. The walk itself is 1-1/2 miles and runs through the neighborhood and down along the natural area, including the Big Thompson River.
The sculpture walk features 25 pieces of stone and bronze. Rather than sculptures of wildlife, Gary Hoover, president of Hartford Development Corporation, chose pieces that evoke thoughts and emotions. He combined the art with quotes which are engraved in stone with the goal of further provoking thoughts or touching the viewer.
In addition to the sculpture area, the walk has its nature area where the artwork is the flesh and blood wildlife that frequents it, such as fox, coyotes, ducks, geese and wild turkeys. Additionally there have been placed large boulders for seating so one can contemplate the river and enjoy the scene and sounds of nature.
Recently I mentioned a local artist who has been commissioned to create sculptures for a project in Kansas.
Closer to home, Thompson Crossing, here in Loveland has created their own scupture walk. The area encompasses 40 acres of open space. The walk itself is 1-1/2 miles and runs through the neighborhood and down along the natural area, including the Big Thompson River.
The sculpture walk features 25 pieces of stone and bronze. Rather than sculptures of wildlife, Gary Hoover, president of Hartford Development Corporation, chose pieces that evoke thoughts and emotions. He combined the art with quotes which are engraved in stone with the goal of further provoking thoughts or touching the viewer.
In addition to the sculpture area, the walk has its nature area where the artwork is the flesh and blood wildlife that frequents it, such as fox, coyotes, ducks, geese and wild turkeys. Additionally there have been placed large boulders for seating so one can contemplate the river and enjoy the scene and sounds of nature.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Bruce Campbell, Creating Art from Discards
Bruce Campbell is one of my favorite local artists. He never fails to impress, amaze and inspire me with this talent, creativity and unique approach to life and art.
Not only is Bruce a talented sculptor and painter, he combines these skills with a unique way to reuse old items.
Walking around Bruce's studio is an eye-opening experience. Old fashioned washing machines sport new faces, huge tanks become kings and queens with curls fashioned from parts of water heaters.
My art is created using various combinations of welding, carving, painting and engraving on salvaged industrial forms. I've diverted countless tons of material from the waste stream, and hopefully I'm helping people see the beauty and value in so-called "junk". As an artist, I benefit from the unique shapes and odd details produced for functionality (my process is a collaboration with unknown people who were unaware they were creating sculpture) which are often improved by being dented, gouged or partially crushed. I also love the gorgeous surface patinas and textures created by the forces of time, the gradual reclamation of nature.
Old wooden gates become mystical wall sculptures.
Figures seem to appear and disappear, morphing from one image to another.
Much of Bruce's art is conducive to outdoor display. Whether due in part to scale or because of the materials, exposure to the elements can further add to the works.
By combining "found steel" and other found objects with welding, engraving and painting, Bruce brings new life to items that otherwise would find themselves either in the landfill or recycled into some new gadget.
Bruce does more than keep thing out of the landfill and save our resources...Bruce catapults everyday items into fantastic sculptures that are sold and exhibited around the west.
Photograph "Envision", Sculpture and Photograph copyright Bruce Campbell
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I Love Horses
And sculptures of horses!
I recently read about Pat Kennedy, another one of our talented Loveland, Colorado sculptors. He created a sculpture of 6 horses galloping through the landscape at the entrance to a development in Kansas City, Kansas.
Matt Adam is the developer of the project and he is convinced that the sculptures have enhanced the project greatly--even during this economy the lots are selling ahead of schedule.
Because of this, Matt has commissioned Pat to create another piece featuring horses. This piece represents a mare and twin foals.
The pieces are gorgeous and reflect the love between animals and the freedom and joy that we feel when we see horses--and we at least imagine that they feel!
I recently read about Pat Kennedy, another one of our talented Loveland, Colorado sculptors. He created a sculpture of 6 horses galloping through the landscape at the entrance to a development in Kansas City, Kansas.
Matt Adam is the developer of the project and he is convinced that the sculptures have enhanced the project greatly--even during this economy the lots are selling ahead of schedule.
Because of this, Matt has commissioned Pat to create another piece featuring horses. This piece represents a mare and twin foals.
The pieces are gorgeous and reflect the love between animals and the freedom and joy that we feel when we see horses--and we at least imagine that they feel!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sculpture Tours to Put on Your Calendar
Here are two tours you will want to have on your calendar if you live in the Loveland, Colorado area:
1. Benson Sculpture Park Tour, Saturday, Sept. 20, 11am. The park is at the corner of Aspen Drive and Taft Ave, across from the high school. The tour will be conducted by George Walbye--one of the founding members of the Sculpture in the Park show. The group will meet at the Pavilion. There is now a bathroom at the park, which is a nice benefit.
2. Chapungu Sculpture Park Tour, Saturday, Sept. 20, 1:45pm. This park is near I-25 and Hwy 34 in the Promenade Shops at Centerra, the address is 5871 Sky Pond Dr. The tour will be led by Roy Guthrie who is the curator of the exhibition and also of the parent sculpture park in Zimbabwe. The tour will start in front of PF Chang restaurant. This is a beautiful park right at the edge of a big shopping center, with bathroom facilities as well as restaurants for after the tour.
For both tours be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!
1. Benson Sculpture Park Tour, Saturday, Sept. 20, 11am. The park is at the corner of Aspen Drive and Taft Ave, across from the high school. The tour will be conducted by George Walbye--one of the founding members of the Sculpture in the Park show. The group will meet at the Pavilion. There is now a bathroom at the park, which is a nice benefit.
2. Chapungu Sculpture Park Tour, Saturday, Sept. 20, 1:45pm. This park is near I-25 and Hwy 34 in the Promenade Shops at Centerra, the address is 5871 Sky Pond Dr. The tour will be led by Roy Guthrie who is the curator of the exhibition and also of the parent sculpture park in Zimbabwe. The tour will start in front of PF Chang restaurant. This is a beautiful park right at the edge of a big shopping center, with bathroom facilities as well as restaurants for after the tour.
For both tours be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Walk in the Park
If you live in Loveland, Colorado or are planning a visit here, be sure to stop by Benson Sculpture Park--even if you've been there before! July 12 brought the dedication of seven new pieces to this fantastic park. Now the park has 123 sculptures on site.
The park is a beautiful place to take a walk. The sculptures are of a variety of media, styles and subject matter. There are pieces to appeal to everyone, regardless of age or taste. There are big turtles and other cool animals at easy reach to little hands. There is a sculpture designed to be sat in. There are modern pieces along side very traditional ones.
This is no stuffy museum. There are ponds and grasslands that frame and embrace the sculptures. A great place to take a stroll even if you are with someone who isn't an art lover! Kids can run around and do cartwheels while you chat and enjoy the art.
I found a cool interactive map so you can actually see the sculptures in the park:
http://www.sculptureinthepark.org/benson_park.html
Sorry I haven't figured out how make this a link, so you'll have to put it into your own URL, but it is pretty cool!
The park is a beautiful place to take a walk. The sculptures are of a variety of media, styles and subject matter. There are pieces to appeal to everyone, regardless of age or taste. There are big turtles and other cool animals at easy reach to little hands. There is a sculpture designed to be sat in. There are modern pieces along side very traditional ones.
This is no stuffy museum. There are ponds and grasslands that frame and embrace the sculptures. A great place to take a stroll even if you are with someone who isn't an art lover! Kids can run around and do cartwheels while you chat and enjoy the art.
I found a cool interactive map so you can actually see the sculptures in the park:
http://www.sculptureinthepark.org/benson_park.html
Sorry I haven't figured out how make this a link, so you'll have to put it into your own URL, but it is pretty cool!
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