The Carlsbad Sculpture Garden, located behind the Carlsbad Cole Library, hosts many different exhibitions of art work. Escondido artists, Leslie and Paul Wilton’s “Reclaimed, Repurposed, Remembered” collection will be exhibited until June, featuring sculptures made of recycled and repurposed materials.

“The Cultural Arts Office opened in 1986 through a City Ordinance,” curator Karen McGuire said. “The Sculpture Garden opened a few years later and the staff worked with a local Boy Scout Troop to pour the concrete pads that the sculptures are installed onto.”

The garden is known for its very unique sculptures, drawing people from around San Diego County to come and showcase their art. It entices spectators to visit and learn about the artwork as well as the story of the artists behind the sculptures. Along with the whole Cultural Arts office in Carlsbad, the garden is a very well known area in the city of Carlsbad. It was established over 20 years ago and still holds the same standards it did when it first opened.

“Artwork usually focuses on the work of local San Diego County sculptors,” McGuire said. “All kinds of media can be featured including metal sculptures, bronzes, mixed-media (such as recycled and found objects that get used in the sculptures) and wooden sculptures. Their motivation is usually inspired by themes and subjects and materials that interest them”

One of the collections that stand out is the “Reclaimed, Repurposed, Remembered” exhibition.

“Creating brightly colored and imaginative metal assemblages from found and recycled materials, the artists combine, twist, fuse, fabricate, and paint a host of whimsical sculptures,” as featured on a sign in the garden.

Over the years, the sculpture garden has inspired people of different ages. The variety of artwork being cycled through the garden can appeal to everyone from high schoolers to any age adult.

“Even though I’m not into art, I love going to see the sculpture garden,” senior Boston Anderson said. “Everything has a story behind it, which makes it even more fascinating.”

Among all of the history Carlsbad has, the sculpture garden is definitely on the list. Its unique artwork brings people from all over the county together, and really presents a great, artistic reputation for Carlsbad.

“It is right here in Carlsbad,” McGuire said. “Seeing great outdoor sculptures in our very own backyard is unique.”