Art in Nature: A Tour of Oregon’s Best Outdoor Sculpture Parks
From the cascading waterfalls of Multnomah County to the sun-washed high desert of Umatilla, Oregon is a haven for those with an affinity for the great outdoors. But the beauty of the Beaver State isn’t just found in its natural landscapes, but also in its distinctive melding of art and nature in outdoor sculpture parks. Let’s explore the best that Oregon has to offer.
1. Portland Japanese Garden
Tucked within the rolling hills of Washington Park, the Portland Japanese Garden has five distinct garden styles, each house various elegant sculptures enhancing the serene quality of each. Stark and dramatic bronze sculptures by Japanese-American artist Michihiro Kosuge bring a sense of tranquility to the lush greenery.2. Maryhill Museum of Art
Just across the border into Goldendale, Washington; the Maryhill Museum offers both an indoor museum and outdoor sculpture park. The Amphitheater features large-scale works peppering the surrounding landscape. The collections run the gamut from folk and tribal art to abstract sculpture, best enjoyed during the late summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
3. Pacific Northwest Sculptors Exhibition at Oregon Garden
Oregon Garden in Silverton, hosts the Pacific Northwest Sculptors Exhibition annually. This event showcases stunning three-dimensional art pieces meticulously created by local artists. Check in on their website for upcoming events and don’t forget your walking shoes, as this 80-acre park requires some leisurely strolling.4. Wilsonville’s Art on the Greenways
Art on the Greenways, located in Wilsonville, is a moving gallery of sorts. Sculptures are displayed along the town’s many pedestrian and bicycle paths, adding visual surprises as you traverse through dense foliage and across scenic local bridges.5. Newport Visual Arts Center
Situated on the edge of beautiful Nye Beach in Newport, the center offers rotating exhibits, including outdoor sculptures. Breeze-like Seaweed Dance by Lon Bruso and other sculptures add a unique twist on a typical beach day. Insider’s tip: clam chowder at Mo’s Seafood is a must after your visit.6. Salem Art Fair & Festival
While not primarily a sculpture park, the Salem Art Fair & Festival in Bush’s Pasture Park annually presents various outdoor sculptures. These artistic displays coupled with the setting’s blooming rhododendrons make for a unique cultural experience in Salem’s outdoors.7. Bend’s Roundabout Art Route
Bend’s Roundabout Art Route takes Oregon’s penchant for roundabouts and turns it into an art tour. Thirty-four artworks speckle the city’s intersections, providing motorists with a dose of culture amidst their daily drive. Grab the map from Visit Bend’s website for a self-guided tour.8. Patricia Barker’s Art Studio
Located in Newport, Patricia Barker’s studio features a captivating outdoor sculpture garden filled with her dazzling glass works. The colors of the glass reflecting in the coastal sunlight make this an enchanting stop, especially during the golden hours.9. ArtCity Eugene
ArtCity isn’t a location, but a project that turns the urban spaces of Eugene into galleries of human creativity. The sculptures, projected onto buildings or tucked inconspicuously in alleys, are textured with local stories and character.10. Eastern Oregon University Art Walk
For a blend of academia and art, take a tour of Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. The campus boasts an outdoor sculpture walk, where significant installations by regional artists are spread out across the University’s grounds.Oregon’s awe-inspiring natural beauty unites with artistic expression in Oregon’s outdoor sculpture parks. These immersive experiences encapsulate the state’s spirit of creativity and reverence for the outdoors. As you stroll through these parks and gardens, it’s clear Oregon’s art isn’t just a gallery affair – it’s a living, breathing part of our landscapes. Happy exploring, fellow Oregonians!