Jan WoodsThis is a sculpture of a young thoroughbred colt. He thinks he is king of the pasture and wants everyone to know it. The sculptor goes to breeding farms in Kentucky and takes photos in the pastures where the mares and foals and turned out. She notes that there is always one who stands out above the rest. This sculpture is inspired by one of those.
Ghost at the River
ChapelThis sculpture is made of cast bronze with inlaid marble and onyx. It depicts a buffalo kicking up dust as it runs toward a river. As they lower their heads to drink, their reflection forms a sort of ghost in time. While once plentiful but now endangered and scarce, the presence of great herds of buffalo on the plain are also a memory – not for people living today, but for the river.
Grown
Michael WarrickThis sculpture is a tribute to the artist’s son turning thirteen years old. It is part of a series Warrick began in 2008 that explores the connection between humanity and nature through representation of the human body from branches found in his yard. The branches are molded, cast into bronze, and assembled into the elements of the human figure.
Hudson's Voyage
C. T. WhitehouseThis vessel represents the relationship between timeless travelers and the Arkansas River. It is a tribute to the sculptor’s father. Born into a large farming family, there was no money for him to go to college. But after serving in the Navy, he went to college and a successful career. His voyage represents the journey of many Americans – the vessel carries all possibilities of life.
Infinity
Kathleen CaricofThis is the signature piece for the Sculpture Garden. It is designed to draw people to the garden. Standing over 10 feet tall, this sculpture consists of one inch thick steel which loops around to form a continuous abstract shape. It sits atop a column of grey granite. Caricof suggested the warm golden yellow hue represented “the warmth of the people of Little Rock.”
Interwoven
Mark Leichliter (Lick lighter)Where does it begin? Where does it end? This interlocking stainless steel circle is a complex exploration of the mathematical concept the Moebius Strip. It invites the viewer to explore the interlocking circles and holes as well experience how light reflects off the surfaces. Throughout the day the shapes and spaces create different shadows as well.
La Grand Pere
Dan OstermillerWhile in English, the name of this sculpture means “The Grandfather” it is the sculpture of a bear sitting up on its haunches. It is the patriarch of a family of bears and looks to be about to impart some wisdom, in much the same way that humans look to their elders for stories and knowledge. Ostermiller is known for his sculptures of wildlife. While this image shows a bear in a natural habitat, it also serves to remind us how alike actions between humans and animals can be.
La Paire D'Amour
Darrell DavisThis bronze sculpture depicts two ducts snuggled cozily on a bit of driftwood. The duo are taking a rest and enjoying each other’s company before they fly off again. Davis is known for his work depicting wildlife in bronze.
Las Brisas
Sandy ScottThis life-sized bronze pelican spreads its wings. Is it greeting visitors? Or is it about to take flight? Or perhaps it is in the process of landing? Scott is known for her realistic sculptures of animals, and Las Brisas is no exception. The brown pelican is one of Scott’s favorite birds, and she captures the details expertly.
Legacy
Clay EnochThis shows figures striving, straining and reaching as each generation struggles to enable the next to reach higher and farther. The DNA-like ribbon is the legacy passed from generation to generation becoming a raised standard.
Liberation
Charles StrainThere are many types of liberation. This sculpture represents the liberation of self, thoughts, behavior, dreams, and desires. It celebrates equal rights and the triumph over emotional struggles. It resembles a runner crossing a finish line and celebrating that triumph.
Little Sis
Jane DeDeckerThis bronze piece, which is located at the entrance of the Vogel-Schwartz Sculpture Garden, depicts a brother, aged four, and a sister, aged two. It is based on two grandchildren in the Vogel family. It shows the brother with his arm around the sister as they pose while taking a break from playing – but the sister looks like she is almost ready to break free and go back to play. It sets a tone for the Sculpture Garden to be a place for all ages to relax, learn, and enjoy time with family and friends.
Lopsided
James W. PaulsenThis sculpture was inspired by a friend’s pet French Lop, which is a large breed of rabbit with a calm temperament. Paulsen would observe it sit on the back of a couch for hours on end. This piece, cast in bronze, captures the relaxed, content gaze as it watches everything which passes by.
Matrix
David ZahnThis bronze sculpture is a visual representation of how human lives are so often being integrated with technology. While there is an element of machinery and harshness in the design, Zahn also ensures that a deep humanity is present in the man.
Meme
Mark Leichliter (Lick lighter)A “meme” is a piece of information that gets transmitted from one mind to another. This stainless sculpture takes that concept and expands on the concept that the idea moves from mind to mind like a wave. The grid inside represents all the different ways an idea can be changed when it moves from one person to another.
Mirage
Ted Schaal (Shawl)It was inspired by the sculptor seeing a desert mirage while driving in the west. A mountain appeared to be hovering in the sky. Shaped like two pyramids with a shiny orb in between, the top half is a mountain and the bottom is the foreground. The ridges in the bronze make stair step profiles like heat rising off the road.
Of Grace
Leo E. OsborneThis preening crane is cast in bronze. Osborne is known for his sculptures of wildlife. The lifesized bird stands majestically. Note how the head, neck, and top of the wings are very realistic but as the sculpture tapers down to the base the image becomes more abstract until wings and body merge into a single point.
Old Ringneck
Valerie SchaferThis is a portrait of a Native American artifact thousands of years older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The original artifact, found in Indiana in the 1930s, is small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. It was carved from a piece of hard stone with a ring created into it.
One After Another
Ken NewmanThis bronze sculpture is a reflection of being on the river during a mayfly hatch. It represents not only the mayfly and the trout and their relationship, but there are also two fish hooks which shows the influence of man in nature.
Girly Curl
Harold LinkeThe sculptor uses a unique process to create his white sculptures. He discards the details leaving only a plain surface that is then curved and stretched. This one depicts a young girl turning her attention embodied in a form without volume, clothed in flowing white.
Opus
Jim KellerAfter years of working with wood, Keller started creating sculptures in bronze in 2012. He is inspired by the wheel form. The circular shape and curves give his pieces drama and character which both blends in with the natural background and stands out from it. While some of Keller’s pieces are over six feet high, Opus is a smaller sculpture, but no less dramatic.
Play a Song
Denny HaskewThis sculpture is made of bronze with gold leaf and sits on a CorTen Steel base. It depicts a woman creating a song on a flute that she made. She is sharing it with someone for whom she cares deeply. It is inspired a Native American tradition.
Renewal Ritual
Denny HaskewThis sculpture is made of bronze sits on a CorTen Steel base. Haskew wanted to show the ritual used by a couple to renew their commitment to one and other. By using many colors or people in different conversations he shows society’s ability to sit down and converse with one another.
Resting Angel
Collen Nyanhongo (Nye an haun go)This is made from springstone, a native stone of Zimbabwe, where the sculptor is from originally. This piece portrays an angel at rest, as he notes: our angels need respite. They have weary eyes which must find solace from their task of witnessing our human drama.
Shard
Ted Schaal (Shawl)A shard is a small piece, part, or fragment. The inspiration for this sculpture is simply that. It is meant to be a small piece of something larger that has been broken off and presented in a useful way. It is up to the viewer to determine what that larger object may have been.
Shortcut
Jane DeDeckerThis bronze sculpture depicts four sisters and a brother at play. They are crossing a log together, but it also represents the journey in life that siblings and friends go on together. The sculptor notes that through her work she tries to capture the fleeting moments of life. Though made of a hard metal, this piece has a lightness to it.
Sisters
Adam SchultzWhether sisters by birth or by choice, there can exist a unique connection that women have with each other. This sculpture is a celebration of that special connection.
Sizzling Sisters
Wayne SalgeThis sculptor is known for the long lines and strong angles in his work. Cast in bronze, it shows three women engaged in the same activity but each doing it differently. Their angles and the shape of their hair depict motion although the sculpture is solid and unmoving.
Space Race
Merle RandolphThis sculptor works primarily in metal and stone and loves to experiment with combining the two. His pieces deal mainly with action and force. They have multiple parts and textures as well as highly polished surfaces. Inner strength and beauty are messages for each of his pieces.
Straight & Narrow
Lisa GordonThis sculpture is made of cast and fabricated bronze. Gordon places horses in a whimsical and ironic view of life. For her the horse is always at the center, but its portrayal carries and unexpected surprise. In this instance, the horse is walking on a balance beam.
Sun
Shelley Buonaiuto As part of her series based on the elements, this one shows a woman enjoying life in the sun. The woman is celebrating in total abandon to the joy of light.
Tango
Ryan SchmidtThis stainless steel sculpture represents the dance of life. It recognizes that life has both good and bad times in it. The shiny surface allows for both the literal and figurative reflection of the viewer and their spirit.
Textured Torso
Timothy RoundyThis bronze sculpture depicts a human torso with portions of shoulders and hips as well. At first glance it appears to be figurative but upon closer inspection the more abstract nature becomes apparent. Roundy combines smooth and rough surfaces and angles to give it a universality and show the torso in motion. The pose could be athletic, a morning stretch, or reaching up high for an object – something most people do multiple times every day.
The Awakening
Lorri AcottThis sculpture is made of bronze and shows three mythical creatures in the wild. The long legs representing rising above life’s challenges. The antlers reference the wild aspects of ourselves. Together these are essential to creativity and new, out of the box thinking.
The Greatest
Basil WatsonThe inspiration for this sculpture is the boxer Muhammad Ali, who would describe himself as “The Greatest.” In it, Ali straddles the globe and proclaims to the world to stand up. Watson was born in Jamaica to a family of artists. His works have been exhibited all over the world.
Tranquility
Casey G. HornMade of bronze and stainless steel, the inspiration for the piece was the Chinese character Ān (ahn) which means peaceful, content, safe. Horn notes, “You can derive a story from the composition of the character. It breaks down into two parts: ornamental roof and woman. Read in this way, ‘a woman is at peace in a beautiful home.’”
Vixen
Pati Stajcar (Sta [as in staff] car)The sculptor has a fox den behind her house where the mother fox, or vixen, brings her brood for a few days when they are around two months old. She and the father take turns hunting and watching over the kits, or young foxes. She is a stealthy hunter and wonderful provider for her family.
Woman
Nnamdi Okonkwo (Nahm dee Oh con kwough)This bronze sculpture was created to express and celebrate the grace, beauty, and composure which the artist feels is inherent in womanhood. It was specifically made to not reference any particular individual or group of females so that it could represent the universal qualities of all women.
Celebration
Nnamdi Okonkwo (Nahm dee Oh con kwough)This bronze sculpture shows three women sharing a joyful experience. It is up to the viewer to determine the setting – whether they are part of a larger group or simply a trio of good friends. No matter the location, it is obvious that these three women are experiencing joy from the top of their heads to the tips of their toes.
Every Word We Utter
Jane DeDeckerIn commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Arkansas approving the 19th Amendment, which recognized that women had the right to vote, Every Word We Utter was installed in 2019. It features Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Stanton Blatch, Alice Paul, and Ida B. Wells, all national leaders in the Women’s Suffrage movement. As time goes on, it shows the younger women building on the efforts of earlier generations. The sculpture also features two Arkansas women who played important roles in the Women’s Suffrage movement in Arkansas and nationally: Josephine Miller Brown and Bernie Babcock. Etched on the base of the statue are names of twenty-one other Arkansas women who were active in efforts for women’s suffrage.
Over the Moon
Craig CampbellThe inspiration for this sculpture comes from the phrase “over the moon” as a way to show enthusiasm and joy. That message is reinforced by the fact that the person jumping over the moon is dressed in the clothes of a court jester. This piece is meant to spread a bit of happiness to everyone who sees it.
Portage
C. T. Whitehouse and Leo E. OsborneThis silicon bronze sculpture is part of “The Woodland Nymph Series” made of nymphs by Osborne and vessels by Whitehouse. The winged abstract nymphs were carved from tree branches and then molded for bronze production. The vessels reflect Whitehouse’s interest in water and the role in plays in various parts of our lives.
Wolves
Jeff BestThe sculptor’s love of the outdoors has inspired him through the medium of wire sculptures. He repurposes barbed-wire taken from old fence posts and gives it a new life in sculptures. This handcrafted sculpture depicts some wolves.
3 Sparrows
Pete Zaluzec (Zal you zeck)This bronze sculpture was installed in 2009. The three sparrows are sharing a landing spot. Though they may appear crowded perched so close together, they are very relaxed. This can be seen by the way they have puffed out their feathers giving a full look. Two of the birds are tucking their heads in their wings as if they are about to take a nap while the third one keeps an eye out.
A Change in Direction
Darrell DavisThis sculpture is a metaphor about growing up. It was based on a time he saw a fawn turn away and no longer follow its mother, but head in its own direction. It serves as a reminder that we all reach a point when we have to take our own steps away from our family’s protective shadow.
A Dog for All Seasons
Ken NewmanDogs move beyond being a companion to being a true friends and part of the family. This sculpture captures the different facets a dog’s life may have. Great dogs seem to master the many different worlds of their owners including sporting, family, and service.
Abundance
J. G. MooreThis garden bell depicts a pair of mourning doves with wild sunflowers. The piece is titled Abundance because it is about the fall season when the favorite food of the doves is plentiful and allows them to prepare for migration. The bell is covered with sunflowers delicately cast. The birds atop the bell are nuzzling each other in a sense of affection and protection.
Afternoon Sun
Dee ClementsCreated in bronze, this is a contemplative sculpture depicting a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of three classical Japanese arts of refinement. It is focused on hospitality and respect between the host and the guests. In this sculpture, we only see the host holding up the cup to offer it to visitors. Clements captures great details in the folds of the robes, the placement of the hands, and the wisdom in the face.
Archer
Don RambadtThe sculptor has observed many Kingfishers over the years. Watching them fold their wings and drop from their perch with pinpoint accuracy was the inspiration for this title. Birds have always fascinated Rambadt, and he has studied their anatomies in detail.
Autumn Winds
Timothy NimmoThis is a pair of pronghorned antelope – a buck and a doe. In the early autumn, pronghorn mating season begins. Living in such a harsh environment in the hot, windswept plains, the sculptor was amazed that this sort of place could also create new life and new generations.
Bateleur Eagle
Pete Zaluzec (Zal you zeck)This bronze sculpture was installed in 2009. The Bateleur is an African species of eagle. The inspiration comes from seeing the live bird perched in a very relaxed manner, which is atypical of what we think of for birds of prey. The eyes of this sculpture may appear to be glass, but they are not. They have a high gloss lacquer finish so that they look wet.
Beginning Life
Kathleen CaricofMade of Colorado Yule marble on Black Granite, this sculpture is focused on nurturing hopes, dreams, and desires. Resembling a seed, the teardrop space in the center represents water which provides the energy to help the seed to grow. The granite on which it sits represents a gift from nature.
Bertha Belle and Clancy
Craig CambpellThis bronze sculpture showing a man and woman depicts a conversation between two old friends. This is another one of Campbell’s pieces which has a flair of whimsy. His focus is to express life through sculpture.
Big Bill
Tim CotterillKnown as The Frogman, this sculptor specializes in bronze sculptures of frogs. This bronze frog with a blue patina is sitting on a rock. With one leg dangling down, he could be relaxing – or he could be about to spring into action. It is up to the viewer to decide.
Birds of Happiness
Dee ClementsSince Red Crown Cranes mate for life, they are often a symbol of fidelity. This sculpture was inspired by the 50th wedding anniversary of some friends of the sculptor. This piece shows the birds in a playful, romantic mating dance.
Blade
Pati Stajcar (Sta [as in staff] car)The sculptor loves to spend times with animals and in nature. Her work reflects the images she sees. The mantis seems otherworldly to her. They gracefully sway like of blade of grass perfectly camouflaged.
Boogie
Nathan S. PierceAfter learning to work with his hands from his stonemason father, Pierce has now ventured into creating large sculptures out of epoxy coated steel which he paints bright colors. The use of the steel allows him to explore new shapes and structures. This piece was inspired by Pierce’s thoughts about communication in the 21st century. With so much of it being virtual through technology, our communication can be viewed as intangible and abstract. He uses the very tangible steel to represent this.
Boris
Daniel GlanzThis bronze sculpture shows Boris, a French Bulldog. As his owner stops and talks with people, Boris often cocks his head and listens to the conversation as if he understands everything. He moves his gaze from one person to another. This is the pose in which Boris is presented.
Brazil
Carol GoldThough a relatively simple design, this bronze piece captures motion and mood. It was inspired by a visit the sculptor made to Brazil. While there she noticed the great disparity between the very wealthy and the very poor. It depicts a cloaked figure looking out over its shoulder.
Bunny Bump
Laurel Peterson GregoryThis bronze sculpture depicts two rabbits dancing. For many people, rabbits represent innocence, play, and being in the moment. These bunnies are having fun doing The Bump which echoes the theme of lightness of heart and playfulness.
Butterfly Bannerstone
Valerie SchaferThis piece is inspired by Native American artifacts from prehistory. A banner was originally a small stone or wood counterweight used in an early weapon for hunting. The sculpture embraces tradition and commemorates that Native Americans inhabited this continent far longer than most people believe.
Camdeboo
Leslie Lehr DalyThis life-sized sculpture depicts a fantasy animal with horns like tree limbs emerging from a cone-shaped head. At first it may resemble a multi-point buck, but upon closer inspection one sees the whimsy of it and that it is not simply a deer with many, many antlers. The name comes from an area along the eastern cape of South Africa.
Cascade
ChapelThis sculpture, which is made up of steel, bronze, and marble, shows a cascade of crucible shapes. The center represents a place where different forces converge and interact. The contrasting colors of stone highlight the differences present in the piece.
Cat Tails
Dee ClementsThis bronze sculpture shows a Yellow headed Blackbird sitting atop a cattail. In the autumn, these birds spend time amongst the cattails as a stop on their migratory path. The sculpture shows not only the bird and the cattails but also the water surface.
Cecil
Wayne SalgeThis sculptor is known for the long lines and strong angles in his work. Cecil expresses strength, power, and balance – which is a difficult state to achieve in life. It presents this message in a whimsical way.
China Beach
Tien Hieu Sculpture Group (Tee-un Hue)This sculpture is hand crafted from marble. While the Sculpture Group often makes figurative sculptures of people and animals, they also create more abstract pieces like this one. The smooth lines and abstract shape are a showcase for the rich veins and colors in the marble. Viewing this from different angles gives the viewer completely different perspectives on the image and what it might represent.
Conversation with Myself
Lorri AcottIn this bronze sculpture the little person represents the part of all of us that is afraid, confused, and unsure. The larger figure represents our higher selves, which are the encourager and knows everything will be okay. The elongated legs represent overcoming life’s challenges.
Coral
Michael WarrickThis is part of a series Warrick started in 2006. It was developed from his enjoyment of plants and shells from the ocean. The image was taken from the expressiveness of plants. It is not of a specific species of coral, but a compilation of several formed into an interpretive portrait.
Dancing Pony
Kevin Box with Te Jui (Tay Juu)This work celebrates the delicate nature of paper in museum quality bronze. Based on origami, this horse dances and prances.
Daphne
Jane DeDeckerBased on the Greek myth of Apollo and Daphne, this bronze sculpture depicts the transformation of Daphne from a woman into a laurel tree. DeDecker interprets this myth to speak about the transitional stages women experience in life.
Evolution
Felipe Jimenez MarcelThis sculpture is made of stainless steel and CorTen steel. It shows different elements (such as energies or cultures) coming together in harmony and motion. The purpose of these elements converging is to create unity through movement and change.
Fiesta
Carol GoldThis was one of the first sculptures placed in Little Rock. It has simplicity and balance as it shows two women in motion. They are dancing together yet looking away from each other. Their poses suggest celebration and joy, just as the name Fiesta suggests.
First Glance
Denny HaskewThis sculpture is made of bronze with gold leaf and sits on a CorTen Steel base. Two gold figures show a man and woman who, upon seeing one another across a room, want to connect and reach out to one another. Disruptive forces are illustrated by the two dark intervening figures.
Forever a Rose
Denny HaskewThis bronze sculpture depicts a woman sitting in deep thought looking at a rose she holds in her hand which sits in her lap. It was inspired by a request the sculptor received to create a piece as a memorial. When asked to create a piece for someone’s memory, Haskew felt that the most enduring gesture he could do was leave a rose for this person. The piece was installed in 2009. It has quickly become a favorite location for photos as well as for weddings.
Forever Ready
Ken NewmanThis bronze sculpture depicts a Labrador waiting for the command to go into water. The artist shows two strong features of the dog, his intensity of discipline and his loyalty. You can also see the lab’s shadow which is cast on the water below. It was inspired by the over thirty years Newman has had labs.
From the Dust... Thunder
Darrell DavisThis sculpture speaks to a time when great herds of bison roamed the Great Plains creating great clouds of dust from which would emerge thunderous sounds. It was the thunder of tens of thousands of buffalo roaming across the open prairies. Once nearly extinct, buffalo have made a miraculous comeback. The sculpture is also a metaphor for the incredible resurrections that can occur after all is thought to be lost.
Uptown Saturday Night
Bryan Massey Sr.Sculpted in bronze, this piece is a balance of realism and abstraction. It reflects Bill Clinton’s saxophone playing days. It was created in 2009 to honor the fifth anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Center and Park.
Wherever He Wants
Darrell DavisThis piece shows a gorilla sitting and watching. It is based on an actual gorilla the sculptor observed. He would sit on a large rock in a regal pose and look at people in a manner that made it appear they were on exhibit.
White Step 30
Harold LinkeThe sculptor uses a unique process to create his white sculptures. He discards the details leaving only a plain surface that is then curved and stretched. This one depicts a person taking a step, while it is likely a dancer about to begin a dance move, it could also be interpreted as a person taking the next step into the future.
Whoo
Wayne SalgeWhile often known for his angular sculptures of people, the artist also creates animals. This owl is composed of bronze with a gray patina. Using strong lines and sharp angles, Salge uses a minimum of details to still capture the strength and beauty of the owl. The beak, wings, and talons all pay tribute to a bird which is alert even though this sculpture does not show the owl’s eyes.
Wise Guy
Tim CherryAs a sculptor, Cherry combines simplified geometric shapes and lines to create flowing forms. The smooth and round textured surfaces of this owl, as well as the positive and negative spaces, create interest and contrast.
