Forty-two years ago, in the winter of 1984, two Loveland men sitting together on an airplane flying across the country agreed to promote an idea that would turn into one of America’s major outdoor art shows.
Bob Torson, then president of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, and C. Dennis Anderson, then CEO of the chamber, were returning from the convention of the National Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
“On the plane home, we just started talking about promotions we could come up with to drum up interest in Loveland,” Torson said in a recent interview.
Loveland then had a population of some 35,000 people — less than half of today’s population.
“We wanted to do something that emphasized our growing sculpture community that had been attracted to Loveland by nationally noted foundries,” said Torson, now 84, retired and living in Berthoud.
The chamber, Torson said, had already talked with local artists about doing something to highlight their talents and the noted local foundries.
The idea — organized in just a few months — was a sculpture show.
From those hectic efforts 42 years ago, Loveland’s Sculpture in the Park has grown into “the largest outdoor juried show and sale in the United States.”
The show attracts thousands of visitors from throughout the nation, plus international visitors.
This year’s show will be held Aug. 7, 8 and 9 at the Benson Sculpture Garden, 1125 W. 29th St.
“The key to that first year was getting the artists on board in a hurry,” said Torson, who owned the McDonald’s restaurant on U.S. 34. “We came up with the idea in the winter and we wanted the show to go on in just a few months — in August.”
Loveland sculptors George Lundeen, George Walbye, Dan Ostermiller, Fritz White and Hollis Williford enthusiastically embraced the cause; , remembering artists hatching an idea over drinks. Walbye lobbied then-Mayor Ray Reeb, who embraced the idea and got the City Council to endorse the show.
“Those five sculptors had experience as participants in other shows, and they helped us plan (the) show,” Torson said. “And they knew other artists who they got to participate in the first show.”
In total, 50 sculptors participated in the first show, which was not then juried.
City parks director Gary Havener was a key, Torson said. “We asked if we could use the park that is now the sculpture park, and he said yes.”
“We were worried that all the people walking on the lawn would kill the grass, but Gary just said ‘we’ll just water it more after the show and the grass will come back.’”
Havener joined Torson, Anderson and nine others as the founding members of the Loveland High Plains Arts Council. The others were Bonnie Asplin, Dorothy Cada, Richard Cunningham, Paul Haines, Lynn Hammond, Felicia Harmon, Susan Ison, Nancy Kain, Solveig Lark and Bryan Sennett.
Their names are inscribed in a plaque at the park that says “Thank you LHPAC Founding Board for starting ‘The ball rolling!’” The original board members also have handprints imprinted in concrete on the grounds.
Getting the ball rolling back those many years ago took many helping hands, Torson said.
The Colorado Department of Transportation loaned the new show security fencing.
Tony Taddonio, president of Mile High Foods — Torson’s food supplier at McDonald’s — donated hamburgers and buns. Small tents were found for each of the 50 exhibiting sculptors. McDonald’s also loaned the project a van — the “McVan” — that was used to take visitors from the park to foundry tours.
Torson said the Reporter-Herald was generous with news coverage in supporting the initial show.
Many members of the community served as volunteers, as they continue to do so today.
He remembers that about 2,000 people attended the initial show.
“Somehow we raised $50,000 that first year, with the proceeds going to buy sculptures for the park,” Torson said.
The first pieces selected for purchase with the show’s proceeds were Danny Ostermiller’s Friends Indeed (two bunnies hugging) and Walbye’s High Plains Warrior/Wind Song pieces. The sculptures continue to grace the park.
Dennis Sohocki, one of the original 50 artists at the 1984 show, is quoted on the Sculpture in the Park website saying of the first show, “It was like the Lil’ Rascals who said ‘Letap just put on our own show to support artists and allow our town to buy monuments!’”
From its humble beginnings — donated burgers, small tents and fencing — the show has grown immensely.
This weekend, under giant tents, more than 160 juried artists from all across North America will present their art to the world.
“George Walbye is amazing — he has had a piece in every single show, and he’s 95 now,” Torson noted.
Walbye, the dean of the show, calls Loveland’s show “the very best juried art show in the United States.”
“I can’t believe whatap happened,” Torson said. “I never dreamed that the show would grow so big and be so known nationally!”
What you need to know to go
Sculpture in the Park will be held at Benson Sculpture Gardens 1125 W. 29th St.
Friday: Patron Party, 3-8 p.m.; limited tickets sold for $100.
Saturday: General admission, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; tickets are $10, free for those 14 and younger.
Sunday: General admission, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tickets are $10, free for those 14 and younger.
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Loveland High School’s east lot will have parking for $5, a fundraiser for Loveland High School sports with entry from the east side as 29th Street will be closed at Taft Avenue.
Shuttle buses will run in a continuous loop from Orchards Shopping Center, 261 E. 29th St.; Olde Course, 2115 W. 29th St.; Cattail Creek Golf Course, 2116 W. 29th St.; and King of Glory Church, 2919 Wilson Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The last return shuttle leaves the sculpture show at 6 p.m. Sautrday and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Due to federal regulations, children 5 and younger cannot ride the shuttle, according to the website.
Handicapped parking is available near the entrance of the show.
More information: .
