By Kate Bartlett
Deanna Curry is the creative force behind the much-anticipated Wonderland Sculpture Park in Kennedy, NY. Inspired by her mother’s artistic talent and driven by Deanna’s determination, the park is currently under development with plans to open in the near future.
The story begins with Deanna’s mother. “My mom is a self-taught artist who began this journey. My mom would come up with ideas from a single piece of scrap metal and my dad started as her welder. My interest grew as she taught me to see the “vision” in a piece. Later my dad taught me to weld and my mom learned to weld as well, so she could independently create a piece.”
Deanna loved creating sculptures that inspired her. “I just loved it. It was, and still is, a great creative outlet. My mother is my constant inspiration. She’s always trying new things and she’s the most creative person I know.”
metal mushrooms and other handcrafted items this weekend, August 19 & 20, 2023. You are invited to come check out the park, make a donation and bring a
small piece home with you.
Deanna has a collection with over hundreds of metallic artworks of all shapes and sizes. “It’s interesting to watch each piece take shape. I start with an idea, but it takes its own form during the process.” Some pieces take days, while others take weeks, smaller ones just a day or two. Deanna begins the process by welding selected pieces together, painting them, then letting ‘nature’ take over from there. “They are all unique in their own way. The patina takes over and we just watch it take form.”
A few of Deanna’s favorite pieces include her signature mushroom sculptures along with her mom’s impressive giraffe, which stands about 7 feet tall. The mushrooms are made of muffler pipes and canisters welded and painted, each one unique. Visitors will be able to find them throughout the park.
The sculpture park is on Deanna’s property of just under 20 acres in Kennedy, NY and is currently under development. “I quickly realized that it was never my intention to sell these pieces. The pieces should be appreciated, and a sculpture park became my aspiration.” Wonderland Sculpture Park will showcase hundreds of pieces with paths throughout the park, along with ample parking.
“I quit my job and bought this land out in the country to start this. This is the dream. The process has been very involved and labor intensive, but it’s worth it.” She hopes to attain non-for-profit funding and is going through the process to become a 501c3.
She has taken inspiration from other parks, like Griffis Sculpture Park in Ashford Hollow by Ellicottville, but her mom, and mother nature, are her biggest motivators. “It’s my dream to bring people to nature, to inspire people to get outside and connect with the earth. Through this, I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams. It isn’t an easy process, but if you keep determined, you’ll get there.”
For more information follow on YouTube at Creating Wonderland in Kennedy NY and social media @WonderlandSculpturePark. “I thank everyone for their support and encourage everyone to follow me on social media and YouTube. Even one watch, liking and/or subscribing, makes a big difference.” For anyone interested in donating, Wonderland’s GoFundMe can be found here https://gofund.me/50dd02bc.
Wonderland Sculpture Park is located at 4079 Wolcott Road in Kennedy, NY 14747. Deanna is having sale by donation of some of her smaller works including metal mushrooms and other handcrafted items this Saturday and Sunday, August 19 & 20, 2023. You are invited to come check out the park, make a donation and bring a small piece home with you.