Art Encounters is a year long Highlands Ranch outdoor sculpture exhibit that will be on display from June 2011 until June 2012. The project is sponsored by Douglas County and displays public sculptures not only in Highlands Ranch but also in Parker, Castle Rock and Lone Tree.
The sculptures for the Art Encounters program are made of differing materials and represent different artistic styles. The goals of the Art Encounters program are to promote public interest in art, promote pride in the Douglas County community and to bring visitors to the public spaces where the sculptures are displayed. In Highlands Ranch itself there are seven public works of art, one of which has been purchased by Highlands Ranch for permanent display. The permanent sculpture is a piece called “Enchantment” by Donna Romberger. This bronze piece portrays a young girl holding two birds in her hands and looking at them with wonder and curiosity. This beautiful piece of art is located outside of the Recreation Center at Northridge; make sure and stop to check it out next time you are in the area.
The other pieces of artwork, made of various materials and in various styles are located throughought Highlands Ranch. “The Good Life” by Victoria Parsons in located in Town Center North and portrays are large bronze rabbit. In Town Center South you will find a piece called “Traveler” by Anthony Guntren. This piece is in the shape of a traveling man and filled with metal ribbons to create a modern and sleek look. A piece called “Mongo” by Rollin Karg can be found at the Recreation Center at Eastridge and is made using glass and metal. The piece is abstract and shows a masterful use of materials. “Sentinel 3″, another piece by Rollin Karg, is being housed outside of the Recreation Center at Southridge. This piece is glass and metal as well. It too is an abtract piece but lends itself to a more delicate side than “Mongo” because of its flower-like glass pieces. Jud Bergeron has completed a piece called “Umbibo” that is located outside of the Douglas County Library in Highlands Ranch. The piece, made of different types of metals, shows a tribal sort of mask that is made simpler by clean and round lines. The sixth and last piece of sculpture that can be found in Highlands Ranch as part of the Art Encounters program is called “Flower Garden” and was made by Doyle Svenby. Svenby is a Colorado native and he uses urban materials in his work like concrete and metal. “Flower Garden” portrays large scale blue flowers growing from wooden columns. This piece is located in Civic Green Park.
All of the pieces being displayed throughout Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Parker as a part of the Art Encounters program are for sale. Visit www.hrcaonline.org to find out more about the Art Encounters program, the artists who have participated this year and in the past and about purchasing these lovely pieces of public art. These pieces of public Highlands Ranch art expose Highlands Ranch residents to art everyday and make visiting public areas an enriching experience.