In my first Artful Durango post, I shared a small sampling of murals around town, particularly more recent ones. This time I will share some sculptural, or three-dimensional art around the city.
One thing I learned in doing this project is that it is very difficult to get good photographs of outdoor bronze pieces. The light seems to erase the definition in the sculptor’s lines. Perhaps I’d do better on a cloudy day.
“Semper Fi” by P. Davis. This rescue-dog sculpture is installed in front of the Durango Police Station on 2nd Avenue. It was initially on loan, but officially donated to the city in 2013.“Puck” by Elizabeth Macqueen (1984). This is one of two bronze human figures on 2nd Avenue. This one is interesting because it slowly rotates on its base. Too slowly to be discerned by a casual observation. Note in this image, he faces the sidewalk.In this image from a different day, he is facing away from the sidewalk entirely.The second human figure on 2nd Avenue is “Mudra,” also by Elizabeth Macqueen (1984).Not long after I moved to Durango, in 1987, I watched the demolition of the final remaining smokestack from the smelter in Durango. Some bricks and stones from that structure were used to build the base for this sculpture of a “double-jack” hand-drilling team. Miners used the steel rods and eight-pound hammer to create holes to fill with blasting powder. The sculpture is located in Santa Rita Park along the Animas River across from where the smelter operation once stood (1880-1930). The site was later used to process uranium during WWII. The tailings pile had to be removed in the 1980s to a site in Ridges Basin, where it was encased in concrete. It is now the Durango Dog Park. “The Basket Dance” by Glenna Goodacre (1987), stands in front of the Durango Herald offices on Main Avenue.This sculpture of a newspaper delivery boy also stands in front of the newspaper offices.This colorful drummer is a more recent installation, dedicated in 2016. “The Jazz Drummer” by Mary Ann Baker.This kinetic tree, called “Celebrate” by J. Gunnar Anderson, is located in Schneider Park along Roosa Avenue.These large horses flank the sign for the La Plata County Fairgrounds on North Main Avenue in Durango.“The River Potters” by Doug Hyde was donated to Fort Lewis College by the Arthur and Morley Ballantine family in 1994. It sits in front of Reed Library on campus.
The last three images show a structural art installation of “Reflection” by architect Volkan Alkanoglu. The community concert hall at Fort Lewis College is a large, blocky structure lacking nuance. This installation helped to break up the monolithic appearance of the building. It was donated by Richard and Mary Lyn Ballantine. Richard, son of Arthur and Morley, served many years on the board of regents for the college.
In this last image you can see more clearly that the yellow squares are two-dimensional and the blue “arrows” are three-dimensional.
Feature image:This is another sculpture in Santa Rita Park, “Parade Formation” by Mick Reber, donated to the city in 2003.
What a collection of artwork in one city … my boss recently traveled here and said there was a lot of sculptures (which is right up his alley), but never took any photos. My favorite was the newspaper delivery boy and his helper (the dog made me smile). That kid looks very real – great sculpture.
I snapped a photo of a plaque on the sculpture, but it was just a remark in it being a gift to the Ballantines (who own the Durango Herald). I expect it is another Glenna Goodacre piece.
These are all wonderful! I love that the styles are so varied. I think the rotating statue is my favourite. I wonder how long you would have to sit there to see a full rotation??
Myricopia 
Wow, how amazing that your town is so filled with art. I really enjoyed seeing these and particularly liked the last one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It really is a very artsy community. I think that last one is very clever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re so beautiful 😍😍😜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, these are wonderful! It was hard to pick a favorite, but I’d have to go with Puck because of his sutble movement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That does make him unusual. At least he doesn’t wink and whistle when you walk by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many different statues, in different styles. Puck kind of scares me, but Celebration I’m pulled toward. Make of that what you will
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think his feet look really weird, but it has to do with the viewing angle. The tree is rather whimsical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The newspaper delivery boy is precious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A bygone scene, I expect. I think most news delivery is electronic or by car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not so sure about some of the statues, but I love Reflection and Parade Formation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is tough to get good pictures of the bronzes. They look better in person. Glad you found something to love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, you have a lot of sculptures and statues!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And that’s just a sampling!
LikeLike
I love that kinetic tree
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is eye-catching!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Durango is such a fun place but my favorite quality of your town may be the public art found throughout the city. Thanks for sharing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I’m finding new stuff all the time. Mostly murals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A sense of discovery in your own community is the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is always something new to find in any neighborhood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Things don’t change much in my small town so it’s always a big deal when there is something new.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think our tourism economy and the relative youth of our population tends to drive a lot of business failure and entrepreneurial energy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you are right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The “Reflection” installation is really quite affective. Thanks for sharing these with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked! I’ll bet a lot of boxy buildings could use something like that.
LikeLike
What a collection of artwork in one city … my boss recently traveled here and said there was a lot of sculptures (which is right up his alley), but never took any photos. My favorite was the newspaper delivery boy and his helper (the dog made me smile). That kid looks very real – great sculpture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I snapped a photo of a plaque on the sculpture, but it was just a remark in it being a gift to the Ballantines (who own the Durango Herald). I expect it is another Glenna Goodacre piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was very lifelike – you see all those old-fashioned newsboys back in the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I think her method adds realism.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are all wonderful! I love that the styles are so varied. I think the rotating statue is my favourite. I wonder how long you would have to sit there to see a full rotation??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably all day.😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi
I visited your site. So you have a good knowledge & nice experience. Very nice & interested write up blog.You share art. I like.
LikeLike