Taconic Sculpture Park

August 30, 2014By 9

Artist Roy Hermes Kanwit in Spencertown, NY

While driving north on the Taconic Parkway, have you ever wondered about the huge white head you see high up on a hill?  Yes?  Me too.  So recently Cindy and our friend Joyce went looking for it.  And what we found is amazing.

First its the drive.  Winding dirt roads with the occasional house dotting the wild but beautiful landscape. And final, at the end of the road, you reach Roy Hermes Kanwit Sculpture Park. Getting out of the car, we were greeted by a very interesting and friendly man. He asked, “what brings you here?”

Roy’s Sculpture garden is an outdoor gallery over three acres of land that sits in front of his fairytale looking stone house which he built himself . That huge head of a woman, identified as “Mother Earth”, and is 19 feet tall, is called Gaea, after the Greek Goddess. Roy wanted to do something big you could see from far away. The inside of the head is hollow. With the help of a wooden ladder, you can reach an opening and enjoy the wonderful view south and west. The park is quiet and surrounded by the different sculptures. It’s a peaceful experience. Almost like meditating.

Roy is a real artist, working mostly outdoor on his sculptures. It is fascinating to watch him work; his face and arms suntanned and his special beard. His material is plaster and marble. He enjoys when you show interest and it is so easy to be carried away.

On average a few thousand people stop by every year. The connections to the sculptures are immediate: you can’t help but say ‘oh wow’. Personally I liked so many of them. They are beautiful, comforting, and earthy, and put you in a peaceful mood. So many of the sculptures would be wonderful in people’s gardens. Of course, Roy hopes that people will also come to buy some of the pieces.

Roy lives with his wife, Mary in the house. They have a daughter Ariana.

Next time you are in the area, don’t just wonder what that big head is all about. Get off the Taconic and visit the park. The pictures you find in my blog cannot replace the actual atmosphere.

Directions: Taconic Pkwy on Route 203 East. Signs will lead you to Stever Hill Road and the Park. (I believe unofficial opening hours are from 9am – 5pm)

To view slideshow click on picture

To view slideshow click on picture

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