The Toledo Museum of Art’s Georgia & David K. Welles Sculpture Garden is a place where sculpture and nature meld perfectly; where you can stroll along a pathway and have your own interpretive and tangible experience. The garden is home to 24 amazing man-made art pieces which harmonize beautifully with the flowing lines of the garden’s lush trees, shrubs and perennials. The greenery, a highly enjoyable component on its own, serves to enhance each sculpture by adding texture and soft color as sunlight dances across each piece’s surface. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. www.toledomuseum.org
Perspective
Park in the main lot and then pop into the museum to pick up a sculpture garden brochure. Walk the garden in the reverse order of the map to get the best views. Head toward Blubber (#22) around the corner from the UT Center for the Visual Arts (look for the Zen Garden behind the glass). I don’t want to disclose any more about the sculptures and spoil your own adventure, but I love the sense of arrival right before you head down the path to see #21 and a hint of what lies beyond. To truly enjoy your own individualized stroll, approach each piece slowly — take in your surroundings, the incredible branching and the rough bark of the oaks, hornbeams and maples, the flower fragrances and the artistry of how the pieces are set within the landscape.
Tasteful respite
When you’ve finished your tour, head to the TMA Cafe to taste the fabulous food crafted by Executive Chef Drew Ruiz and his skilled team. To recapture the garden feel, dine in the cafe's large glass windowed area or get your meal to go and lunch outside on the picnic tables you passed along the way. Drew’s favorite part of the museum is also the Sculpture Garden. “It expands my perception of what art can be, how it can beautifully blend in — how the garden brings each piece to life,” he says.
