Let’s take a walk on the north end of the River Trail along the Animas through Durango, Colorado. We’ll start with some art by the library. Most of the works in this post are metal sculptures, designed to work well outdoors.
I neglected to get the name and artist of this piece. The yellow globe at the top spins on its wire.This piece did not have a plaque identifying it. It is an obelisk with clematis vines. The tile below it says “Help Us Grow.”“InfinitI II Wind Harp” by Ross Barrable. Perhaps there was no wind while I was there. I don’t recall it making music.
Heading a bit north, as we approach the high school, I found an artist at work on this privacy fence, commissioned by the property owner. Parker just goes by one name. He’s done many murals around town.
This mural by Parker is not on the River Trail, but just another example of his work.
“Durango” mural by Parker Hi Art on the side of a Main Ave. car wash.A joyous figure near one of the footbridges across the river.Just behind the school is this hopeful, global-minded work.
And finally, near the 29th St. park are these two pieces.
“The Guardian” by Mick Reber. Another of his works is in Santa Rita Park, which I put in an earlier “Artful Durango” post.“Animas River Inspiration Wheel” with ceramics by Kim Adams and metal work by Jim Philpott. Next to the sculpture is a box with paper and pencils, inviting you to use them to draw or compose what the Animas River means to you. Then you place it in the top vessel and spin, sending your inspiration out to the universe. (There is another small sculpture behind this peeking out).
Programming Note: I am taking a break from blogging in May, but I have scheduled some reruns from years past you likely have not seen. I’ll be checking comments and reading blogs as I find time.
I love all the art that’s available. I think we need some local artists to create art for all our neighborhood walking paths. I wonder what the deer would think if they came across sculptures … I suppose they’d be happy if they could get food from them 🙂
Thanks for the interesting and enjoyable walk, Eilene. What’s your vision for the world, seems the best question and one for us to answer and relay to politicians.
Well, I’m on vacation in Maui right now—this is the fun part! May is more about having a lot of work and needing to take something off my plate for a bit.
I love the nameless sculpture at the top. But the Wind Harp is quite lovely as well and that Inspiration Wheel . . I really dig it. The Guardian . . so good. They ALL win. And those murals! Love it Eilene.
It’s difficult to pick a favorite from all these creations Eilene. I think I like the “Love” sculpture best with its meaning. Parker’s murals are awesome – what a nice welcome to the town at the car wash and I like how you spotlighted the steer skull – the privacy fence project looks ambitious.
To me, any mural is a huge accomplishment and he’s done quite a few. Lots of creative folks around town. I’m so glad the city helps them showcase their work.
These sculptures are fascinating. Who finances all this? Does the town buy them or do the artists donate them? Or does some private donor provide financing? It’s amazing how much art there is in one town!
I think some murals are privately funded. The sculptures are usually purchased by the city art commission (tax dollars). I do think a few artists donate their work, too.
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I love all the art that’s available. I think we need some local artists to create art for all our neighborhood walking paths. I wonder what the deer would think if they came across sculptures … I suppose they’d be happy if they could get food from them 🙂
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The art really does enhance the places we go in town. The deer, not so much!
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really awesome stuff! enjoy your well earned break!!
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Thanks, LA!
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Art outdoors is such a great concept. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your May respite.
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We are blessed with an abundance of outdoor art in Durango. I’m glad our city is on board with it and devotes dollars, too. Thanks, VJ.
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Welcome
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Those are some very cool pieces! Would love to hear the wind harp on a windy day…Those murals are gorgeous – Parker is definitely talented.
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I agree with you on all that. I’m glad I just happened to come across him on my art walk.
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Enjoy your break!!
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Thank you!
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I like that joyous figure sculpture! It must be hard to make something beautiful that can also hold up to weather outdoors.
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They’ve got the know-how, apparently! The weather is not as hard on the art as people, though. Vandals and car crashes do more damage.
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P.S. Have a good break!
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Thanks!
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Some great pieces. I like What’s your vision … ? best, but I’m intrigued by the concept of the last one.
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We have such a variety!
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I love outdoor art. Thanks for sharing these pieces. Enjoy your time off from blogging.
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Thanks, EA!
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Thanks for the interesting and enjoyable walk, Eilene. What’s your vision for the world, seems the best question and one for us to answer and relay to politicians.
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I agree. We need to be more vocal and seek out better representation.
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PS Have a fun time in May 🙂
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Well, I’m on vacation in Maui right now—this is the fun part! May is more about having a lot of work and needing to take something off my plate for a bit.
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I love coming across public artworks! My inner child particularly likes the ones that move. Enjoy your blogging break next month!
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Thank you, Liz! There are so many little delightful finds in my little town.
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You’re welcome, Eilene!
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I love the nameless sculpture at the top. But the Wind Harp is quite lovely as well and that Inspiration Wheel . . I really dig it. The Guardian . . so good. They ALL win. And those murals! Love it Eilene.
Enjoy your time away from WP.
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I can never choose favorites—such a variety and so creative! Thanks, Marc.
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They’re wonderful Eilene. Thanks for sharing.
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😊
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It’s difficult to pick a favorite from all these creations Eilene. I think I like the “Love” sculpture best with its meaning. Parker’s murals are awesome – what a nice welcome to the town at the car wash and I like how you spotlighted the steer skull – the privacy fence project looks ambitious.
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To me, any mural is a huge accomplishment and he’s done quite a few. Lots of creative folks around town. I’m so glad the city helps them showcase their work.
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Yes, it encourages more creativity which is a win-win for everyone. Enjoy your blogging break Eilene.
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Thanks, Linda.😊
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These sculptures are fascinating. Who finances all this? Does the town buy them or do the artists donate them? Or does some private donor provide financing? It’s amazing how much art there is in one town!
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I think some murals are privately funded. The sculptures are usually purchased by the city art commission (tax dollars). I do think a few artists donate their work, too.
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