Wooden Sculpture Garden of Romano Gabriel
The Wooden Sculpture Garden of Romano Gabriel – Eureka, California
Old Town Eureka is proud to be able to offer a chance for visitors to see the Wooden Sculpture Garden of Romano Gabriel.
A little bit about the creator: Romano Gabriel, a carpenter and gardener, took 30 years of his life to make the hundreds of brilliant and arresting objects he placed in front of his home on Pine Street in Eureka. Gabriel fashioned his brightly painted trees and flowers out of vegetable crates, adding droll faces and figures to create a fantasy for the delight of all that view his work. The finale is of an old-fashioned 4th of July fireworks display with pinwheels fixed by appearing to spin in a triumphant breathtaking burst. The creativity and talent of this man is hard to comprehend!
Some his creations were commentaries on contemporary people or events, political or religious, or even caricatures. Some pieces were animated by motors.
Many of his pieces of work were created from memories of his travels and his homeland, as well as from his favorite magazines. He also, apparently, saw his wooden garden as a propaganda instrument rather than purely as an object of artistic expression.
Although the creator has died, his works are still to be enjoyed by those area residents or the California Vacationer who happen to be fortunate enough to visit Eureka!
A true Eureka treasure, the incredible Wooden Sculpture Garden of Romano Gabriel is preserved at 315 Second Street in Old Town Eureka. Under the loving care of the Eureka Heritage Society, this unique contribution to the world of folk art continues to delight visitors and residents alike. The links below cover the history of the garden, show some photos of the art, and describe current efforts to provide a “facelift” to the exhibit.