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??
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Wow, how amazing that your town is so filled with art. I really enjoyed seeing these and particularly liked the last one.
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It really is a very artsy community. I think that last one is very clever.
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They’re so beautiful 😍😍😜
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Oh, these are wonderful! It was hard to pick a favorite, but I’d have to go with Puck because of his sutble movement.
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That does make him unusual. At least he doesn’t wink and whistle when you walk by!
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For sure!
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So many different statues, in different styles. Puck kind of scares me, but Celebration I’m pulled toward. Make of that what you will
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I think his feet look really weird, but it has to do with the viewing angle. The tree is rather whimsical.
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The newspaper delivery boy is precious.
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A bygone scene, I expect. I think most news delivery is electronic or by car.
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Not so sure about some of the statues, but I love Reflection and Parade Formation.
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It really is tough to get good pictures of the bronzes. They look better in person. Glad you found something to love!
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Wow, you have a lot of sculptures and statues!
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And that’s just a sampling!
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I love that kinetic tree
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It is eye-catching!
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It is!
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💗
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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!!
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And I’m finding new stuff all the time. Mostly murals.
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A sense of discovery in your own community is the best!
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There is always something new to find in any neighborhood.
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Things don’t change much in my small town so it’s always a big deal when there is something new.
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I think our tourism economy and the relative youth of our population tends to drive a lot of business failure and entrepreneurial energy.
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I’m sure you are right!
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The “Reflection” installation is really quite affective. Thanks for sharing these with us.
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Glad you liked! I’ll bet a lot of boxy buildings could use something like that.
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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.
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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.
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It was very lifelike – you see all those old-fashioned newsboys back in the day.
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Yes, I think her method adds realism.
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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??
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Probably all day.😁
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Hi
I visited your site. So you have a good knowledge & nice experience. Very nice & interested write up blog.You share art. I like.
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