By Doug Sitler
The magical and wonderful Griffis Sculpture Park, outside of Ellicottville is back open and ready to welcome visitors of all-ages. The United States largest sculpture park features over 250 sculptures spread out over 450-acres. Imagine an outdoor art gallery, with works of art in the forest and fields of the park. Unlike traditional art galleries, at “Griffis” the pieces are made to be touched, explored and even, climbed on.
There are a few new and familiar things on-tap at Griffis Sculpture Park during the 2023 season. Construction will begin this summer on a permanent “washroom” facility for park guests and visiting artists. Construction will begin in late June and the facility should be open by Labor Day weekend. Plans have been in place for the washroom for over three years. However, the pandemic played a major role in the delay.
Also new to the park starting in June, a small music series will take place throughout the summer. Details are being assembled and will be announced shortly. The music series will feature local artists playing their music in various places located within the park. A new “arts & crafts” series is also expected to be announced soon, where attendees can participate in making various arts projects that they can take home.
Starting on May 27th, every second and fourth Saturday, a guided tour will take place at 3pm. Enjoy a one-hour walk at the Mill Valley Road site of the park. Hear stories about the park and the pieces of art. The tour is included in the admission fee that is paid at the gift shop.
pieces are made to be touched, explored and
even, climbed on.
Returning for three evenings in 2023 are drum circles on Saturday nights at the Rohr Hill Road section of the park. Join drum instructor Stephen Bell for a 90-minute session. Stephen brings numerous drums for those who don’t have one. This is a great opportunity for first timers, or experienced drummers. The drum circles will take place on Saturday’s June 17, July 15 and August 19th.
After getting rained out for the first-time ever in 2022, the 10th Annual Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Festival will be making its return on Sunday, August 20th. Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors from Pittsburgh, will headline the festival. Donovan was a founding member of Rusted Root. The day promises to be filled with music, art, food and art vendors.
NIGHT LIGHTS at Griffis Sculpture Park makes its 11th return to the park, starting on Friday, September 8th. During NIGHT LIGHTS, a portion of the sculpture park is transformed with color lights, vendors, performances and more. NIGHT LIGHTS has attracted over 30,000 people over the past decade and has become a good fundraiser for the non-profit park.
For more information, you can find the park on Facebook or visit the website https://griffissculpturepark.org/