Artistic Endeavors
Get Ready To Be Dazzled At The June 8 Park Hill Garden Walk
By Micki Amick
For the GPHN
Gardening is an inspirational activity, and the resulting blooms and colors and arrangements of nature also inspire artistic creation.
Gardens seem to naturally pair with art, whether as a major focal point or organically arising from the gardener’s own creativity. Every garden in the upcoming 25th annual Park Hill Garden Walk features art, including works chosen or created by the gardeners, as well as an array of artwork by local artists.
You will find sculpture in almost all the gardens at this year’s Park Hill Garden Walk on Sunday, June 8. There are monumental sculptures to discover in a church garden created as an outdoor sanctuary during the pandemic. There are quiet Buddhist statues in a lush, shady section of another garden and bright whimsical creations in still others. Many gardens make use of large or well-placed stones and other natural items, or upcycled items, as sculptural elements. There are even sculptural fountains that provide water for pets.
The artists participating in the Garden Walk will add plenty of additional sculpture as well. Look for the organic metal creations of James Dixon and the ceramic forms of Jean B. Smith.
You will find the work of two different glass artists who create works for both home and garden: Karrie McBride, specializing in blown glass and Susan Crane, specializing in fused glass.
Some works, like sculptor Nikki Pike’s sound totems, are hidden surprises in a couple of gardens. Open the doors to hear what she’s planted in there. You will also find her giant grass-like constructions in another garden.
Returning artists are bringing fresh work inspired by nature. Jennifer Ghormley returns with her woodblock original prints on home goods, but bringing new work with images of Colorado birds. Rebekah Robinson will be displaying her latest nature-inspired paintings. Tiffany Russell Miller will offer her researched and award-winning cut-paper sculptures inspired by wildlife. Vanessa Martin will again display her latest original prints with plant themes.
You will find Elaine Redfern again creating her functional pottery in a garden setting, and Kate Maley working en plein air on watercolor views of one of the gardens.
New faces this year include Ling Sigstedt, working en plein air on one of her oil or pastel landscapes; Joyce Neilsen, displaying mixed media whimsical and abstracts; and printmaker Carol Till with contemporary intaglio prints rich in natural images. We hope you will find lots of creative inspiration from our gardeners and artists during the daylong event.
The Garden Walk raises approximately $20,000 each year, providing support for the five different food programs at the nonprofit Greater Park Hill Community, Inc, our registered neighborhood organization that also provides critical resources, information and advocacy. If you are interested in joining the Garden Walk Committee, volunteering the day of, sponsoring a garden, or can suggest a garden for next year’s Garden Walk, contact Paula Marinelli at paulagardenwalk@gmail.com.
The Fine Print
2025 Park Hill Garden Walk
June 8, 2025, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Tickets go on sale beginning May 10 at:
parkhillgardenwalk.org
Tickets are also available at City Floral, Spinelli’s and the Park Hill Branch Library.
Once you purchase tickets you will receive a map with addresses of all the featured gardens.
Pricing
Adults: $15
Seniors (65+): $12
Day of Event: $20
Children under 12 years: Free