Outdoor Sculpture Show Extraordinaire

Loveland, Colorado is home to many talented artists including artists, photographers, painters, and so much more! In August the art scene there heats up as the city hosts 3 outdoor art shows. We have written about these wonderful shows before–and it bears repeating!

Sculpture in the Park Celebrates their 36th Year

The 36th Sculpture in the park show and sale will be held on August 9, 10, 11, 2019 at the Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland.

This show is strictly an outdoor sculpture show. If you love sculpture, you will be be in heaven. There are styles and media of all sorts, and price points range considerably to fit just about any budget.

Whether your taste leans towards realism or abstract; wildlife or human; serious, humorous or whimsical; stone, bronze, glass, paper, wood or a combination (or something else entirely), you are sure to find an artist whose work resonates with you.

Not only will you find brand new art at this show, you will be able to stroll the grounds of Benson Sculpture Garden, and you can even buy miniatures of many of the works there and “take home a piece of the park.”

If you have been to this show before, you will probably see some familiar faces as well as meet some new artists. A list of all the sculptors exhibiting is available here.

Sculpture in the Park is put on by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council

• Friday is our Patron Party with a limited number of paid tickets available to the public for $75 each. The hours are 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Please call (970) 663-2940 for further information or to purchase tickets.
• Saturday is open to the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $8 (children 14 and under are admitted free) and the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday is open to the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $8 (children 14 and under are admitted free) and the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sculpture in the Park is the largest outdoor juried show and sale in the United States.

NO PETS ALLOWED (except service animals).

For more information, including parking and shuttles to get to the show, please visit their website here.

Colorado’s Longest Running Artisan Festival

Art in the Park 50+ Years Strong is also August 10-11, 2019.

The granddaddy of the art shows this month is Art in the Park. Sponsored by the Thompson Valley Art League/Lincoln Gallery, this show features over 200 juried artisans showing a diverse collection of excellent artwork.

This show is free to the public. Walk around and meet all manner of artisans, or sit and relax in their beer garden.

Loveland Fine Art Invitational

Still considered the new kid on the block, the Loveland Fine Art Invitational will be having their 5th show this year.

Beginning on Friday, August 9, this outdoor sculpture and art show brings three days of world class art, wine and entertainment to Loveland, Colorado.

Recently ranked among the top 100 Fine Art Shows in the United States by Sunshine Artists Magazine, the Fine Art Invitational features award-winning artists from across the Country exhibiting original works including Sculptures from the minute to the monumental – in bronze, stone, metal, glass, and clay –  other works include paintings, mixed media, etchings, woodwork, sparkling hand-blown glass, beautiful photography, carved stone fountains, handcrafted furniture, fine jewelry, and much more

The event is benefiting Colorado Kids Create, for providing Art supplies to Colorado Schools.

Friday 9:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. ($7 each) Patron Party  – Friday 5:30 p.m.- 8:30p.m. ($50 each)
Saturday 9:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. ($7 each)
Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ($7 each)

Tips for Maximizing Your Art Enjoyment Experience

Not in any particular order…

Be sure to pace yourself! Take lots of breaks, or you can be quickly overwhelmed.

Travel lightly! Bring only what you need to enjoy the day and leave everything ( and everyone ?) else at home.

Sit and people watch, enjoy the scenery, have lunch, whatever.

Drink lots of fluids. There will be beverages (alcoholic and non) for sale, or you can bring your own. There are also lots of water stations around. It is hot in Loveland and the altitude will affect you if you are not from the area, so drink up (more water than anything else.)

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will be walking on grass, and you will be walking and standing a lot! Better to be comfortable than fashionable at these shows.

Talk to the artists. Ask questions about pieces that you like. Ask before you touch or take photos (some will say yes, some will say no.)

Get the map or artist list. Mark the artists whose work really appeals to you and go back and spend more time there later.