Art & Entertainment in the Open Air
Art & Entertainment in the Open Air
Griffis Sculpture Park is Open for the Season and Announcing 2023 Events Schedule
“Campfire Smoke” by Ojars. Photos / Griffis Sculpture Park
For many of us that have been in this area for a while, spring tradition calls for a venture up Rohr Hill Road or Mill Valley Road (sometimes both in the same day) to reconnect with the amazing sculptures of Griffis Sculpture Park. One of the largest sculpture parks in America, Griffis Sculpture Park boasts over 250 large scale pieces dispersed over many miles of hiking trails (450 acres to be exact). It’s a truly unique attraction that invites you to explore for an hour or a whole day!
The park is open daily from dawn till dusk until October; the gift shop operates on weekends only (Saturday and Sunday). Though the park is free to wander, they do ask that you consider making a $5 donation for adults and $3 for seniors and children 5 to 12-years-old. You can pay at the gate or donate online by visiting griffissculpturepark.org.
One piece of three by Trevor King coming to Griffis Sculpture Park
ellicottvilleNOW recently spoke with Executive Director, Nila Griffis, about this year’s season and what guests have to look forward to. Nila cued us in about three new works of art being added to the park by artist Trevor King. Trevor is an artist out of Queens, NYC who works in a variety of mediums including sculptures, ceramics and video. He has many accolades including being awarded the Outstanding Student Achievement Award in 2015 from the International Sculpture Center. Trevor is currently working as an instructor at the Greenwich House Pottery and is the Ceramics Technician at Tom Sachs Studio.
Nila then went on to tell us about a few of the events planned for this seasoN:
Griffis Sculpture Park’s Annual Summer Festival – August 20
Ashford Cup Golf Tournament at Diamond Hawk Golf Course
Night Lights begins on September 8 and will run through October 14
SUMMER FESTIVAL
“Our Annual Summer Festival is our largest gathering of the year,” Nila explained. “Headlining the event for 2023 is Jim Donovan & Sun King Warriors from Pittsburgh. The band is best described as a blend of rhythm heavy roots rock, with a strong dose of big barreling drums. Jim is an original member of Rusted Root and co-author of their mega hit, “Send Me on My Way.”
Other bands on the bill: Buffalo’s beloved PA Line will be bringing their unique, harmony-packed, funky, folk rock sound that has been described as “Mumford & Sons meets Rusted Root.” Griffin Brady and Sly Boots Circus will showcase their world beat drumming. This Buffalo-based touring group outfits uplifting sounds and energy, bringing people to their feet. Olean’s Isaac Spaeth & Friends will perform an exploratory musical piece on Larry Griffis Jr.’s sculpture, “The Castle Tower.” Solo artists Ruby from Buffalo and Mikee Strongmen from Silver Creek will open the festival with separate performances. That’s quite the line-up!
“The event also features a vendor village, a kid’s crafts area, food stands, beer & wine service and more,” said Nila. “The Annual Summer Festival is a major fundraiser for our beloved sculpture park. Patrons are welcome to bring chairs and coolers, and a shuttle will be available to take guests to the top where the stage is.”
NIGHT LIGHTS
Nila also gave us some insight on one of the most anticipated events that takes place each fall. “Night Lights is how we celebrate the Autumn season at Griffis,” she said. “We work with Doug Sitler of SitlerHQ to produce a creative blend of lighting, sound, nature and sculpture. Guests are able to venture on an unguided walk of about 0.7 miles and view the park from a totally different perspective beginning at sundown. Some evenings you might even find some creative performers around.”
Night Lights begins in September and runs through mid-October. Cost of admission is $14 for adults, $9 for children age 7-12 and free for those under 6. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite.com as we get closer to the fall season.
In closing, Nila wanted to add, “Griffis Sculpture Park is owned and operated by the Ashford Hollow Foundation, which also owns the Essex Arts Center in Buffalo, NY. The mission of the Ashford Hollow Foundation is to promote the visual and performing arts as well as construct a dynamic relationship between the arts and education in Western New York to better its young people and the greater community. We hope that all visitors enjoy all the nooks and crannies of the park this year! Especially the top of the hill near the stage area; they are all a must see, including the tower and maze - Larry Griffis originals!”
Thank you, Nila, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing all of these wonderful details about the 2023 Griffis Sculpture Park season! We’re looking forward to exploring!
