THE SCULPTURE MAZE AND GARDEN
In 1970, the first hedge maze of significant size was introduced to Santa Rosa. Designed and planted by Jack Leissring as a landscaping detail to one of Santa Rosa's most distinctive homes, a seven level majestic redwood castle designed by architect J. Carson Bowler. Featured in many architectural publications, the house remains distinctive, though having gone through several, alterations.
In 1974, Leissring acquired the McDonald Mansion, saving it from razing by developers who were intent upon replacing the structure and grounds with a sea of completely uninteresting condominiums. It is remarkable that in the year 1974, the Santa Rosa City Council had somehow backed the condominium project. Had the project been approved, it would have represented the third of a series of momentous errors in planning that have plagued the City. Upon taking possession of the house, Leissring designed and planted a larger hedge maze, about 1/4 mile in length, with a central goal displaying a large bronze minotaur he sculpted.
The grounds of the mansion became a sculpture garden and also a rose garden with many historic varieties. When plans were made to sell the house, exhibition space for more than 100 large sculptures was needed. Further, it was essential that the works be individuated, so that they might remain distinct, that the eye not have to compete with other works.
The maze was designed in the year 2002, steps were taken to obtain sufficient land for its construction; using 70,000 bricks, the structure was built by master mason, Bob Saling and his crew. The maze contains works by Michael Brenner, Dean Meeker, Michael Costantini, Michael Ayrton, Roger Barr, Robert Holmes, and Jack Leissring
Visitors to Santa Rosa examine the maze and sculpture garden by prior appointment.
This is a personal collection of sculpture. Thus, we discourage the casual visitor only because it keeps us from our primary purpose. Appointments may be arranged through our curator: julie@jclfineart.com.
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