There are not a lot of places in the Olympia, WA area to view stone sculpture, so when I found out about the Monarch Sculpture Park in Tenino (about 10 miles south of Olympia), I had to check it out. I went on a hot day in August a couple of years ago, and had no idea what to expect.
When I got out of the car, I saw a sign saying that it was open from dawn to dusk year round, so I figured I was good to go. There were a number of intriguing-looking buildings, including an A-frame home and what appeared to be studios and various meeting places, but not a soul in sight. A nice old dog came wagging up to me as if to say “I’m it, let’s go!” So I followed him along one of the winding paths down to the main yard, stopping frequently to gaze upon a variety of sculptures done in various media.
The park is huge – 80 acres in all, with the sculptures spread from the buildings at the top of the hill, down windy hillside paths, and into a lush meadow below. A happy little stream runs through the meadow, where large and small sculptures abound. Some of the art is interactive, such as a few bells, and the “sound garden” which has various oversized musical “instruments.” There is also a hedge maze in the shape of a butterfly that covers 2/3 of an acre.
On that first visit, I had mixed feelings, as I felt a bit lonely wandering around alone with only a dog and a couple of scruffy cats with which to discuss my opinions on the sculpture. This is a small price to pay, though, for such a pretty and verdant setting. I left that day determined to find out more about this intriguing place.
Well, it took me a couple of years to get around to it, but I am glad I finally contacted Myrna Orsini, the friendly and accessible Director/Curator. We had a nice chat about the place. Myrna is an accomplished artist, and has several of her own stone sculptures in place at the park.
Myrna and her financial partner started the non-profit Park in 1994, and in 1998 they hosted an International Stone Symposium. Eleven carvers, representing seven countries, participated. Their work became the start of the park’s collection. With their first open house that year, the park was officially opened to the public. The Park hosts guest artist workshops, has art classes and an artist residence program for emerging and established artists.
The works on the ground, unless permanently installed, are for sale. The park receives a 25% commission on sales from the grounds and from the gallery. Artists place their works on the grounds for a limited period of time. Some are there only a month, others are there for two years. They have an ongoing call out to artists to apply to exhibit their work. They like to have new works installed by May 15th for inclusion in the site map for the new season.
There is a new gallery with a side serving kitchen, an enclosed outdoor courtyard, a covered breezeway and storage dressing area. Monarch hosts art exhibits during the year and offers the facility and the grounds for weddings, receptions, meeting and parties. Also, the park has a covered outdoor pavilion that is the stage area when they have their annual open house.
On the third Sunday in August there’s an open house called “Art in the Park. The gallery is open and exhibits both painting and sculpture. Over 125 pieces of sculpture are exhibited on the grounds, artists display and sell their works, entertainment is onstage throughout the day, and there are food concessions. This is a family event, and they ask for an entrance fee of $5 as a donation. Other than that, access is free to the public, year round, from dawn to dusk.
The park is always in transition. They are clearing and making Nature Walks and adding new features, such as the Fantasy Garden. The Butterfly Garden and the Japanese Garden are meditative areas for visitors.
In the future, it is envisioned that the center for the arts will include a building hosting the exhibition halls, office, conference rooms, theater, gift shop, cafeteria, and living quarters for visiting artists in residence. There will also be an outdoor amphitheater for summer concerts. To accomplish this, Monarch needs financial backers who support the arts in our community.
In short, this place is bursting with potential for artists to come work, learn, and exhibit. Next time you are in the Olympia vicinity, check out this little jewel of a park.
If you would like more information about Monarch Sculpture Park, contact Myrna Orsini at 360-264-2408 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also visit their website at www.monarchsculpturepark.com.
