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Art Encounters is a year-long outdoor sculpture exhibit that showcases a number of sculptures, in various media and styles, displayed in highly visible areas in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Roxborough and Parker. The project is designed to promote public interest in art, develop community pride and draw visitors to the retail or civic areas where they are displayed. All art is for sale to the general public. The public is invited to view the art each year and vote for their favorite piece by visiting artencounters.douglas.co.us.

All Douglas County Art Encounters tours are available on Otocast. Download the free app for an audio guide along the way and learn about the art and artist at each stop!

Aureus Ruber by Michael Mladjan

Located on the south side of O’Brien Park

With a background in horticulture and arboriculture, artist Michael Mladjan has devoted his life to the plant world, but it wasn’t until he lost his forearm in a horrible accident that he took some art classes, fell in love with the process, and became a sculptor. Having also studied botany, his pieces are primarily realistic and representational plants and flowers. Latin for “golden red,” “Aureus Ruber” is located on the south side of O’Brien Park. We think you’ll agree that this piece adds a touch of color and whimsy to the park and we invite you to check it out in person!

Fugli’s Thorny Problem by Steve Landis

Located on the west side of the Discovery Park Stage

A sculptor from Loveland, Steve Landis shares that this piece was inspired by watching his granddaughters’ questions and reaction to the character Fuli, a female cheetah from the Lion King series. To him, sculpting is drawing in three-dimensional space. “As the idea and form becomes more definable, it starts to take on a meaning to me and allows me to explore what theme or image has been presented. This procedure is what I go through with each sculpture I create.” Steve was also the recipient of the 2022/2023 People’s Choice Award for his sculpture “Snowy Owl” that now resides permanently in Colorado Springs. “Fugli” is located on the west side of the Discovery Park Stage, perched and prime for some photo opportunities!

Love Wins by Janene DiRico-Cable

Located outside the PACE Center main entrance, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue

Janene DiRico-Cable shares that her sculpture “Love Wins,” which sits outside the PACE Center, is a happy result of very negative treatment during the COVID days when she and her husband decided to counter every negative action with something artistically positive. In fact, during that time, they produced sculptures and pallet wood furniture to donate to those less fortunate in Chaffee County. Love wins!

Salty the Sea Turtle by Janene DiRico-Cable

Located at O’Brien Park near the pool

Janene DiRico-Cable’s other sculpture, “Salty the Sea Turtle,” is located at O’Brien Park near the pool and is one of many “put your face in the space and smile” sculptures she’s created. She hopes “Salty” brings a bit of unexpected whimsy and ocean charm to our mountainous state.

Sioux Mother and Child by Garry Carlson

Located outside The Schoolhouse main entrance, 19650 E. Mainstreet

Artist Garry Carlson’s bronze sculpture, “Sioux Mother and Child,” was inspired by historical and cultural narratives surrounding the strength of women and maternal bonds within the Native American community. The weight and stature of bronze, he says, echoes their resilience despite hardship. “The sturdiness of the bronze medium paired with the gentle depiction of familial love seeks to reflect the resilience and tenderness inherent within these narratives.”

Split Decision by Andy Libertone

Located at the corner of Mainstreet and E. Mainstreet, across from the library and north of Town Hall

Colorado artist Andy Libertone’s architecturally modern sculpture, “Split Decision,” sits prominently at the corner of Mainstreet and E. Mainstreet. Andy is well-known to the local arts scene, having taught at many local institutions. He also is a founding member of Spark co-op gallery and has exhibited his work in galleries, institutions, and the public throughout Colorado and the west. The motivation for his geometric sculptures, such as this one, comes from a combination of his love of jazz music, architecture, industrial and, auto-based imagery. His large geometric, powder-coated steel sculptures demonstrate his artistic balance of solid forms, open spaces, and orchestrating colors in steel and wood—a challenge that’s proven to be a rewarding expansion of his artistic vision.

Unconditional by Mitch Levin

Located at the Southeast corner of O’Brien Park

Boulder artist Mitch Levin uses found metals whose patina tells the story of time. He especially enjoys the connectivity of humans and this piece is no exception, inspired by his visit to Paris, where he says the lock bridge there was the catalyst to this work. “I felt a traveling piece like this would leave its mark on the audience and in return they would indelibly leave their mark on the piece, as well as being part of the art process.” In fact, he hopes those who visit his sculpture will attach their own personal locks, thus connecting them in the aesthetics of his work. “Unconditional” is located at the Southeast corner of O’Brien Park.

Stop Pushing by Tim DeShong

Located in Xeric Garden in front of Old Town Hall, 20118 E Mainstreet, Parker, CO 80138

We are thrilled that we’re lucky enough to have Tim DeShong’s “Stop Pushing” in Parker for another year. This serene sculpture sits in Xeric Garden, just west of Old Town Hall. Tim sourced stone from Marble, Colorado, and says the name came about after feeling himself “pushing the limits and integrity of the stone”—a metaphor he applies to his own personal journey.

Sun to Moon Rotation by Mary Angers

Located near the gazebo at O’Brien Park

Artist Mary Angers’ “Sun to Moon Rotation” draws inspiration from how the sun interacts with the moon. Mary shares that this sculpture was the culmination of “experimenting with showing one of the cycles of life as well as a see-through component where the image reverses itself depending on what vantage point you have.”