It’s probably not possible in one visit to see each of the 450 pieces created by Hank Nelson that are placed around the 55-acre rural site. It’s like exploring a park, and each view presents a different variety of sculptures. Some are carved stone, some granite, bronze, lapis, earthworks and metal castings. Hank challenges every visitor to use their imagination to interpret what they are seeing and experiencing. The volunteers who work at the Sculpture Park say there are stories behind every one of Hank’s pieces.
Hank Nelson began a career in the Navy, but recognized from an early age he had an inner creativity and wanted to do something with his gift. He took sculpting classes at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and, when he moved to the Seattle Area, he got a job at the University of Washington foundry. An instructor encouraged him to explore his talent working with steel castings and stone and suggested he purchase a large property where he could hone his skills as a sculptor and display his work. Most of his sculpting skills are self-taught. He has been shaping and creating things his whole life.
Hank purchased a 100-acre property on Whidbey in 1993. He moved to the island and immediately sold off 40 of the acres to purchase equipment needed for his work and for creating his vision for the site. He threw himself into his work. He used the proceeds from the land sales to develop the property that would become Cloudstone Sculpture Park.
Today, Cloudstone Sculpture’s tours, workshops and events are managed by The Cloudstone Foundation which is a non-profit whose primary objective is to educate visitors about three dimensional sculpture. The Cloudstone Foundation has seven people on its Board, including Hank, with Burt Beusch serving as the Executive Director. The foundation has organized a small crew of volunteers who assist with maintenance and tours of the property. Most of the board members serve as docents who give tours and provide fascinating details about Hank’s background and his incredible sculptures.
To arrange for a tour, go to: https://www.cloudstonefoundation.org/visit. Guided tours are $10 per person with a minimum total tour fee of $50. Tours usually take 1-1/2 to 2 hours. The grounds for the Sculpture Garden are uneven, with slopes and depressions and many gravel paths. If you are planning to do a tour, it is suggested you wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
For more details about Hank Nelson’s Cloudstone Sculpture , visit the foundation’s website at https://www.cloudstonefoundation.org/.