Cultural Connecticut: The Sculpture Mile

By Frederick H. Hockla,

Ormond Beach, Florida

In my travels around costal Connecticut from the mouth of the Connecticut River heading west I discovered two very interesting and nationally significant Sculpture exhibitions that I think the traveling public would enjoy. They are going on in both Ivoryton and Madison, CT. The sculptures can be viewed by walking or driving, but I recommend walking.

The one in Ivoryton is called the “Sculpture Mile Ivoryton” and is located on Main St. Ivoryton which is easy to get to from Exit 3 off Route 9 and just a mile West of the Essex Steam Train. The works become visible on both sides of the street traveling west toward Ivoryton center where the Ivoryton Playhouse is located.

The other exhibition is called the “Sculpture Mile Madison” and is located at the Stop & Shop Plaza , in Madison Center, easy to get to from Exit 61 off I95 in Madison CT and also along the Boston Post Road.

These exhibitions are in place for the next 24 months and best of all FREE. They are sponsored by the Hollycroft Foundation whose goal among other things is to place living art by famous Sculptors outdoors along the pathways and highways for all to see and enjoy. Their website is http://www.hollycroft.org/ they have free escorted walking tours in Madison CT. every Saturday at 11am from May through November that begin at the Stop & Shop Plaza . The tour guide provides a little history on each piece with background information on the artist who created it.

Free full color catalogues are available at all local merchants and public libraries, which includes a walking map, a photo of each piece and a brief biography of each contributing artist.

I have enjoyed this trip through Connecticut so much I had to share it with you, attached are several photos of the works on display. This area truly is Cultural Connecticut.