Not all gardens are full of flowers. Some are filled with whimsical characters made of concrete. At least, that’s the case with the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden. Considered one of the best outdoor art exhibits in Wisconsin, the garden features dozens of statues that are as realistic as they are stationary. Take a look:
The James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden is tucked away in the Black River area of Sheboygan.
Kohler Foundation, Inc./Facebook
Like something from a fairy tale, the garden consists of a rustic cabin surrounded by dozens of concrete statues.
Nathan Flaminio/Google
The garden’s roots go back to 1942, when James A. Tellen began creating statues within the woods surrounding his family’s summer cottage.
Robin Bissell/Google
Tellen continued making statues until his death in 1957.
Deb Schneider/Google
Over the course of 15 years, he produced more than 30 historic, religious, and mythical figures.
Matt/Google
Today, you can meander through the garden and marvel at Tellen’s incredible talent.
Kirsten Balkorn/Google
As you head into the forested area that makes up the garden, you’ll find statues depicting everything from prairie settlers and Native Americans to woodland creatures.
Nathan Flaminio/Google
The statues vary not only in shape but in size, too. Some are life-size, while others are miniature. They all have a couple of things in common, though. For instance, every statue is extremely realistic, which is a Tellen trademark.
Deb Schneider/Google
And they’re all perfectly posed, making for scenes that are magical and somewhat surreal.
mike brunette/Google
Before we go, here’s a fun tidbit about the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden – there’s more to it than meets the eye.
mike brunette/Google Super critical of his work, Tellen buried the remnants of many of his early attempts in his yard (which is now the sculpture garden). It’s said that he enjoyed knowing that, at some point, the cement heads, which could be kind of creepy, would suddenly be discovered by visitors.
Kohler Foundation, Inc./Facebook
Nathan Flaminio/Google
Robin Bissell/Google
Deb Schneider/Google
Matt/Google
Kirsten Balkorn/Google
mike brunette/Google
Super critical of his work, Tellen buried the remnants of many of his early attempts in his yard (which is now the sculpture garden). It’s said that he enjoyed knowing that, at some point, the cement heads, which could be kind of creepy, would suddenly be discovered by visitors.
For more information, call the Kohler Arts Center at (920) 458-6144. You can also visit the Kohler Foundation website or Facebook page.
So, did you know about this whimsical sculpture garden? Ever visited? Know of another unique garden? Tell us in the comments section.
Looking for another unique site to add to your bucket list? Consider paying a visit to the FAST Corporation’s fiberglass mold graveyard.
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