November 06, 2017

It’s officially fall, and the weather has finally cooled down enough that a walk outside won’t leave you drenched in sweat. Lovers of autumn leaves, pumpkin flavored treats, and warm color schemes unite!

There are so many ways to welcome this beautiful weather, but our favorite is Sculpture Walk Springfield. Featuring 22 sculptures (26 if you count the four permanent pieces that were installed in Jordan Valley Park last weekend!) throughout downtown Springfield, taking a Sculpture Walk is a great way to guide your exploration of downtown.

The best place to start? Mother’s Brewery! A life size sculpture of a praying mantis greets visitors at the entrance of the brewery’s beloved grassy yard. Artist Doug Cox created the piece out of stainless steel. The very same steel can be found in the brewery in the form of tanks that hold Mother’s delicious beers as they move through the process of brewing.

After grabbing a brew, head toward Park Central Square down College Street. “Depth of Form” can be found outside of the bus station on Main Street. The artist, Jacob Burmood, created the sculpture using a complex process of cold casting aluminum. According to Burmood, he’s passionate about taking materials that are easily molded—like fabric—and freezing them in the moment. The fluidity of his sculpture beautifully contrasts with the architecture of the new modern bus station.

Continue walking East on College Street, and you’ll find Signate outside of the movie theater. The goal of this work is to create bridges, to signify relationships—between individual and community, private and public, cultural and natural—and to use the metaphor of figure, the chair, to exemplify the human spirit. It’s equal parts simple and thought-provoking. Read the full artist statement on the sculpture’s plaque to truly capture the full beauty of the piece.

Now, use your feet to guide you through the rest of downtown. With 23 more pieces between the bus station and Jordan Valley Park, there is so much to explore and see!

Find the map for Sculpture Walk Springfield at several area business downtown or download a copy on the Sculpture Walk website.