5 things to know about Vandalia Art Park

Imagine taking a walk along a gravel path, breathing in the fresh air, and hearing the birds sing in the trees all while stopping from time to time to admire an impressive sculpture or learn a little more about local history.

This fun idea is a reality in Vandalia's Art Park where nature, art and community come together for a truly inspiring experience.  Here's a little more about it.

1.) Most of the sculptures are on display as a part of the "Art Parked" Sculpture Exhibit visiting from Midwest Sculpture Initiative. In fact, all of the featured artists are from the midwestern states Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.

2.) The first sculpture in the Vandalia Art Park before it even was an art park is "At Play in Geologic Time" by Matthew Weir, who was commissioned to create this piece as a part of the "Chiseled" Stone Sculpture Symposium in Vandalia in 2010. The front is a human brain sectioned into cubes. The back of the sculpture is a surprise you'll have to stop by and see for yourself!

3.) There is one other permanent piece in the collection: the totem poles that welcome you to the art park are the result of a community project called the Mosaic Totem Project that took place in 2015. Twenty artists each created one section, and in the end they were placed together to create the poles at the entrance.

4.) The historic photos that dot the pathway around the part are glimpses of early life in Vandalia. Even this collection will rotate from time to time, giving visitors a reason to stop by again and again. The current display at the art park will run through May 16, and will then be replaced by 8 new sculptures. The new exhibit will open at 1 p.m. on June 4.

5. ) There's even a bridge connecting the park to the Vandalia Historical Society, so visitors can make the most of their time at both parks.

Want to go?
WHAT: Vandalia Art Park
WHERE: 336 E. Alkaline Springs Rd., Vandalia
HOURS: Dawn until dusk, Monday-Sunday
INFO: Facebook
COST: Free

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