Griffis Sculpture Park : Up Close to the Art

Photos / Griffis Sculpture Park

Since the early 60’s, the steel sculptures of Larry Griffis, Jr. and other international artists have been residing in the woods, fields, and even ponds of Griffis Sculpture Park. The park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails. Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature. Here, we highlight just a handful of present and past works. Come see them for yourself. 6 902 Mill Valley Road, East Otto, NY 14729 | griffissculpturepark.org

**WHICH CAME FIRST?**

**Name: The Egg, Status: Retired, Location: N/A**
It’s hard to believe that 12 years ago, the beloved “Egg” was burned away. A feat of great woodworking artistry, the weather and time had taken its toll on the beloved sculpture, so it was time to say goodbye and open the space for other works of art. Over 100 people showed up to the spectacle and gave a fond farewell as the “Egg” was turned into a pile of carpenter nails and ashes. The great riddle, the chicken or the egg? The egg went first.

**LOOKING AT THE STARS**

**Name: The Astronomer, Status: Live, Location: Mill Valley Rd**
A new installation brought to the park by artist Trevor King. King works on open-ended projects that ruminate on the endurance of the human spirit in the face of time and mortality. For him, the making of an object is an act of witnessing, and a medium used to articulate the poetic relationships between people, place, history, and the momentary. He also has two other pieces installed in the park for guests to figure out and enjoy.

**UP IN SMOKE**

**Name: Campfire Smoke, Status: Live, Location: Mill Valley Rd**
This piece is called “Camp Fire Smoke.” It was created during an international sculpture conference that took place at the park. This piece by Ojars is often mistaken as a tornado, but the artist actually very successfully mimics a smoldering camp fire, with the smoke rising up. Looking closely, you can see the amount of detail placed into each whirl of the plume. It’s located at the top of the Mill Valley Road section.

**TIME FOR A BATH**

**Name: The Bathers, Status: Live, Location: Mill Valley Rd**
The Bathers have made their home in the Mill Valley pond section of the park for many years. Depicting ladies in various stages of entering or enjoying a nice relaxing bath. The pond adds to the illusion that they are but a moment away from meeting the water. It’s a serene scene that can be viewed from any side of the pond. They are just a few of the “nude” statues guests will find within the park.

**SEEING THE FUTURE**

**Name: The Oracle, Status: Live, Location: Rohr Hill Rd**
The Oracle is 16 feet tall and weighs 2,100 pounds, created by Larry W. Griffis Jr. The Oracle is the seeker, the forecaster, the seer of things not seen by others. This mindful work speaks to the one who looks into the future and chooses the right path. Oracles were thought to hold both a blessing and a curse, as they saw whatever future was more prominent at the moment but could change at any given time.

**TO BE OR NOT TO BE…**

**Name: The Poet, Status: Live, Location: Rohr Hill Rd**
The Poet was created in 1967 by Larry W. Griffis Jr. This long-legged sculpture speaks to our writer’s side. Poems uplift the spirit, stir the soul, and question our most important aspects of life. At one festival in the late 1960s, a poet actually climbed the legs of the sculpture and stood in the body and recited his musings. It was quite a moment, and the gathered crowd enjoyed it immensely. It still stands in its place at the Rohr Hill side of the park.

**WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY?**

**Name: The Aquarian Man, Status: Live, Location: Rohr Hill Rd**
This 8-foot figure was created by the founder Larry’s first son, Larry Griffis III, who is also a sculptor. Larry first started in the toy business, creating for Fisher Price and Hasbro toy companies. Larry left the toy business to concentrate solely on sculpture. He has completed multiple commissions of figures, animals, and abstract sculptures. The Aquarian Man reaches out his hand inviting guests to share their thoughts with him.

**SAID THE SPIDER TO THE FLY**

**Name: The Spider, Status: Live, Location: Rohr Hill Rd**
The Spider is another in Larry Griffis Jr.’s bug series and is a wonderful representation of this arachnid. Notice the eight legs, lack of wings, and no antennae - these attributes are specific to a spider. Did you know spiders cannot chew? They use their fangs and stomach fluids to dissolve prey into a chitinous soup. This sculpture has long been a favorite for kids and adults alike to climb on for a daring photo session, with no chance of being digested.

AN ODD WAY OF THINKING

Name: Steel Abstract, Status: Live, Location: Mill Valley Rd

This is the work of John Bjorge, who creates works that continue to explore geometric angles and also displays John’s mastery of welding and finishing his sculptures. He used an angle grinder to smooth out all the seams that hold the sculpture together. A welded bead if laid down properly is almost like a line of toothpaste. Yet the next level of finishing is to grind it so the steel looks like it fits together seamlessly. His works shows abstract at its best.

EVER SEEN LABYRINTH?

Name: The Maze, Status: Live, Location: Top of Mill Valley Rd

This piece is a favorite for camp and school tours. The attractive, bright colors draw the students in from afar, as they enter the maze laughing and cavorting. The piece was created by Larry W. Griffis Jr and Wes Olmstead out of found object steel plates with the shapes already cut out. It’s whimsical and delightful to walk through. Reminding you that even if you get lost in the world, you will always find your way out.

Griffis Sculpture Park : Up Close to the Art