Griffis Sculpture Park and the Ashford Hollow Foundation

Founded in 1966 by Larry Griffis Jr., the Ashford Hollow Foundation is truly the culmination of one man's dream.

In 1969, Larry Griffis' dream started to become reality with the purchase of around 400 acres in Ashford Hollow, NY, which would serve as the site for the Griffis Sculpture Park. Larry Griffis got the idea for this truly unique park while traveling through Europe with his family. He witnessed his family members climbing over and playing on ancient ruins and that inspired the idea to create a place where people could physically interact with art.

The Griffis Sculptue Park currently features 300 sculptures, created by artists across the world. They are aesthetically placed among miles of hiking trails in a variety of natural habitats including forests, ponds, wetlands, and alpine meadows.

Taking the day to venture to this unique part of WNY will be well worth the time, as it provides a great hiking opportunity as well as exposes you to an interactive art experience that you cannot find anywhere else. Around every turn, there's a new and exciting experience.

Beyond the beauty of the Griffis Sculpture Park, is an arts in education interactive learning environment where students of all ages experience the arts in a way not found anywhere else.

The Essex Art Center, a converted ice factory, was also bought by Larry Griffis and turned into artist studio space including his personal studio. Larry's son Simon Griffis later made a large space available in the Art Center for the Studio for Youth where students learn how to plasma cut and weld.

Larry Griffis started the Ashford Hollow Foundation and with the continued support from his family this organization has helped promote the arts in Western New York area and help create a unique arts experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

The Ashford Hollow Foundation's mission is to promote the visual and performing arts as well as construct a dynamic relationship between the arts and education in Western New York to better its young people and the greater community.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Griffis Park
• Ashford Hollow
• Essex Street Art Center
• Larry Griffis
• Simon Griffis
• Sculpture
• arts
• buffalo
• wny
• Aaron Smith