The Texas Sculpture Garden is an idea to create larger than life three-dimensional steel sculptures of artistic works by area artists and install them in a permanent location along US Hwy. 82 in the north Texas community of Ringgold in Montague County.

As you may recall, on January 1, 2006, Ringgold was devastated by an out of control wildfire that destroyed almost half of the town.  Much of the county of Montague was affected by this event and scars of this tradegy still remain.  The painful memories will likely linger for many years to come. 

This whimsical and colorful sculpture garden would not fix everything that needs fixing at Ringgold.  But it could possibly be a shot in the arm to get folks thinking about what could be with a dream and a little imagination.  Acting as a commemorative to the fire, the installation could become a point of pride and ownership for this historical Texas town and the entire county, as well. 

I spent most of the first nine years of my life living in Ringgold and I have many, many great memories of those days gone by.  I'm fairly certain that there are many more folks like me who have a "Ringgold connection" that could make similar claims.  Can you share the same vision that I have for this idea?  Of course, it will promote art, but more importantly, it will help put Ringgold back on the map for something positive . . . something possible . . .an opportunity to encourage Ringgold and the entire county to start thinking "outside the box" for what could be when enough folks pull together for the common good. 

Economic impact?  I believe that, over time, folks will travel from far and near to visit this unique site.  They will take pictures.  They will talk about it.  While in the area some will spend money.  Some will decide that our area might be a nice place to relocate.  Others will simply travel on and likely tell their friends and relatives about it.  In the long run, we all benefit. 

Phase I includes this:

*obtain sufficient interest to get funding for a survey, clearing the land, fencing on at least three sides, doing some low maintenance landscaping including pouring a sidewalk

Phase II includes this:

*invite creative artists to install larger than life sculptures either as a temporary loan or as a permanent fixture to the garden.

Where we are so far: 

A small fund has been started to begin the process.  It will take money, materials, and labor to see this idea become a reality.  Contributions of any nature will move us closer to reaching the goal of the Art Garden.  Every contribution will be recognized with some kind of permanent fixture yet to be determined.

I welcome your comments and suggestions to help this project become a reality.

E mail me at lglemonsartist@aol.com with your comments or suggestions.