Best Sculpture Parks In Texas To Explore Art And Nature
Texas has a thriving contemporary art scene that collects world-wide talent and is often overlooked. As a burgeoning cultural hub, the artistry of Texas is spilling out onto the streets in the form of innovative street art and sculpture. We take a look at the best sculpture parks in the state.
The Sculpture Ranch and Galleries
Located in 140 acres of hilly countryside The Sculpture Ranch and Galleries has a distinctly Mediterranean landscape. A ranch once owned by President Lyndon B Johnson, is now in the hands of Greg Sullivan and Tracy Poe who have dotted the hillside with sculptural trails, leading the visitor to a selection of works by national and international artists. Many of the artists whose works are shown here – including the Rhode Island figurative artist Walter Horak – were particularly drawn by the representative possibilities the landscape offers. Alongside the work of Horak, the living deer and longhorn which pepper the countryside are represented in shining metal, completing the otherworldly feeling of the scrub. The ranch is open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 6PM. Many of the weekends are accompanied by talks by local and international artists and much of the artwork seen is available for sale.
The Benini Studio and Sculpture Ranch, 377 Shiloh Rd, Johnson City, TX, USA +1 830 868 5224
A contemporary art museum founded by the American minimalist Donald Judd, The Chinati Foundation’s ethos is founded on his own ideas of simplicity and the rejection of old, geometric forms. Built on a former military base, the site comprises 350 acres, collecting over 100 of Judd’s own works in addition to an installation by Dan Flavin and sculptures by John Chamberlain. The austere, almost brutal result is perfectly complimented by the grand Texas sky. As you might expect, the Chinati Foundation is a large site – it is not possible to see everything in one afternoon. Guided tours are available and indeed recommended, but potential visitors should know that these take upwards of six hours, including a two hour break for lunch. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Chinati Foundation, 1 Cavalry Row, Marfa, TX, USA, +1 432 729 4362
1. Dallas Museum of Art Sculpture Garden.
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2. Nasher Sculpture Center
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3. The Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden
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4. Loreto Park and Outdoor Sculpture
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