S.P. DINSMOOR Garden of Eden (1907-1928) // 113 tons of cement, 40-foot tall trees to hold the dozens of larger than life religious and political figures; located in Lucas, Kansas complete with concrete house, concrete barn, concrete pyramid, concrete spring, and a concrete mausoleum
For the past few years I’ve been doing my best to make it to Garden of Eden. Lucas, Kansas isn’t particularly close to where I live… but we live in the Midwest so everything is within driving distance. A perfect and wonderful way to cap off an incredible art road trip where I was fortunate enough to see a castle, political sculptures, antique native art and the Museum of International Folk Art.
“Dinsmoor (1843-1932), a retired school teacher, Civil War veteran, farmer, and Populist Politician, began building the Garden of Eden and Cabin Home in 1907 at the age of 64. He fashioned 113 tons of cement and many tons of limestone into his eleven-room limestone “log” cabin home and the 150 surrounding sculptures. The sculptures and design of the house reflect Dinsmoor’s belief in the Populist movement and his religious convictions. The Garden of Eden is located in Lucas, Kansas, a community of less than 500 people, but the Garden of Eden attracts over 10,000 people a year.”
Kohler Foundation
For more photos of art environments across the Midwest, check out the FolkArtwork Art Environments page.
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