Monarch Sculpture Park is a nonprofit 5 acre contemporary sculpture park and a center for the arts.  Located in South Thurston County, the park is a wonderful day destination on the Chehalis Western Trail.

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The park is free of charge for all to enjoy. If you are able to help financially, there is a donation box at the entrance of the park, as well as online, at www.monarchsculpturepark.org, donations are gratefully accepted.

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The park is open to the public after obtaining proper permitting from Thurston County.  We are currently restoring the grounds and would love for you to visit and be part of the transformation process.

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Monarch is open from dawn to dusk daily.

 

Park Amenities Include:

 

• Over 110 contemporary Sculptures

• Fantasy Garden

• Bird and Butterfly Garden

• Japanese garden

• Sound Garden (sculptural musical instruments

• Outdoor Sanican betwen trail and park entrance

• Easy access from Chehalis Western Bike Trail

• Butterfly Shaped hedge maze (currently being restored )

 

 

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Periodically there will be works of art on the grounds  that represent the unclothed Human form.

No public  vehicular access at this time on park property, walk in bike in only.   

 

Volunteers

We run on volunteer staff at the moment , but plan on having paid staff positions in the future.  If you would like to help,

we can use volunteers for: Grounds Maintenance, Conservation efforts and more email us at monarchsculpturepark@gmail.com

 

Contact

Myrna Orsini - Founder and director

John Brooks - caretaker, volunteer coordinator

360-264-2408

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Location: 8431 Waldrick Road SE, Between Old Highway 99 and Military Rd. Olympia, Washington State, United States.

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Mailing Address: PO Box 1125 Tenino WA. 98589, United States.

Use this address for: Contributions, Purchases, or any inquiries.

 

 

 

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1994

In 1994, artist Myrna Orsini with the assistance of Doris A. Coonrod, a retired Federal judge, began the first phase of creating Monarch by forming a Board of Directors and securing its non-profit charitable status. 

 

The second phase involved the purchase of 70 acres of land in Thurston County,

ten miles south of Olympia.  Later in 1997, an adjacent ten acres was purchased.  This piece of property

holds three buildings that include, the office, living quarters, ceramic studio and sculpting studio.

 

1998

In June of 1998, as a part of the Annual Sculpture Exhibition, Monarch held its first Open House. 

Demonstrations in stone, metal, wood and ceramic were given.  Over three hundred people visited the grounds.

 

That year at Monarch also saw the institution of the Visiting Artists Workshops, Artist Residency Program and the Student Mentoring Project.

 

In the summer, Monarch hosted an international Stone Symposia for Professional Sculptors. 

Artists from 9 countries participated. The artwork created formed a large part of the permanent collection. 

Select pieces are currently offered for sale to help finance our programs.

 

1999

In 1999, “Transcending Boundaries”, a conference to celebrate contemporary women

in the visual and performing arts was held at Evergreen State College. Betsy Damon was the keynote speaker.

 

Now & Then

The Center hosts an Annual Sculpture Exhibit on the grounds with new works added periodically

throughout the year.  Efforts are made to sell the work for the artists and to assist the artist and to keep the art affordable.

A commission of only 40% is assessed by the Center on each sale (30% for MAC Members).  These funds go onto the general operating budget of Monarch.

 

The Center is involved in establishing funding through grants, a donor base, MAC (Artist and Sponsor Membership program)

 and Events.  These monies will fund our new projects in arts, conservation, and education.

See our Membership and Donors page for more information.

 

Monarch maintains its non-discriminatory, drug free and smoke free environment with emphasis

on preserving the natural landscape.

 

 

Directions & Map

 

From Olympia,

- Take I-5 South

-Take Exit 99, turn east on 93rd Ave. SE

- 3.8 Miles to 3rd stop sign: turn south on

Old Highway 99

-2.3 miles: turn east on Waldrick Rd. SE

-5 miles to railroad tracks

-0.7 miles to Butterfly Tree, a multi-

colored iron Sculpture

 

From Yelm,

take a right at the Rainier store to

Military Rd.  Turn Left and right at Waldrick Rd.

after you cross railroad tracks.

 

From Portland or south of Tenino-

- I-5 North Take Exit 88 (507 into Tenino past Speedway)

- Go through Tenino towards Yelm

- Take Military Rd./Mcintosh Lake Road Left

- Left on Waldrick after crossing the river