DRIPPING SPRINGS BABBLE: DRIP TRIP: BENINI SCULPTURE RANCH EVENT ON SUNDAY

DRIP TRIP: BENINI SCULPTURE RANCH EVENT ON SUNDAY

In February of last year we visited Benini Sculpture Ranch, an art oasis near Johnson City. After winding our way down country roads, an arrow directed us to a gravel road to the “ranch” where we immediately began our art-filled journey of larger-than-life sculptures. Some sat on concrete blocks, some hung from trees. Steel, limestone, aluminum, bronze, wood, concrete, granite, glass. Every conceivable material had been welded, chiseled, pounded, twisted, painted, and shaped into massive pieces of art. Between the five of us there could not be more divergent views on entertainment, politics, and the nutritional value of onions, but we were unanimous in our appreciation for this place. And it didn’t cost us a dime. We have recommended a trip to the Benini Sculpture Ranch to anyone visiting Johnson City, and this Sunday should be a particularly fortuitous time to stop by. On June 20, starting at 2:00PM, the ranch will host The Rites of Summer: Celebrating Creativity. This event promises to bring together a diverse group of artists and creative types. The day's activities and participants include:

Beat It!
The new Orishic Djembe sculpture by George Smith that was eight months in production, weighs 5,000 lbs, and has 5 drumming stations. Learn about this dramatic piece here .

Drink it!
Hill Country winemaker Don Pullum will bring wines from Torre di Pietra and Sandstone Cellars, and share his love for winemaking and Shakespeare,

Sip It!
RC Beall of Austin Coffee Traders will share his love for, and the history of, coffee.

Smell it!
Make your own herbal blends and learn from Melanie and Fred Van Aken of Heron's Nest Farms why grapeseed infused calendula is relevant.

Get It!
Statesman humorist and journalist superstar John Kelso will be autographing copies of his book.

View It!
Photographers including Bob Stickney, Bob Root, and and others show the ranch and sculptures in unusual views. New paintings by Italian artist Vittoriana Benini (in attendance) and Jacqui Faye from Phoenix will be in the main galleries. Several sculptors whose works are currently featured on the ranch will also be in attendance.

For directions to Benini Sculpture Ranch, click here.