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We started the Sculpture Zoo for our grandchildren's amusement (and ours). Over the years we've added pieces by some unique artists, most found on our bike rides in rural areas and small towns. The owl on the entry post is by Henry Heller (see below.) Please note: some of the pieces are in the fenced rear yard, and can be viewed only on special Open Garden days.

Our favorite piece is the Monster by the front door, by Quinton (Q. J.) Stephenson (1920-1997). We found his "Q.J.'s Earth Museum" on the Peanut Ride, a bicycle ride that passes through Garysburg, NC. We had to beg Mr. Stephenson to sell us the Monster; he made them for the local school children to enjoy, not for sale.

His love of the outdoors began in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the depression. He worked as a drag line operator for a construction company for forty years, and hunted in his spare time, collecting fossils, indian relics, petrified wood and other bits of nature. When he retired in the 1970's he built a cabin near his house, decorated inside and out with cement plaques embedded with his finds. Then he began making freestanding sculptures using his own formula of shredded cedar in a resin base, with cypress knees, shells, real horns and teeth, walnut shells and a variety of other found objects. He opened his "museum" to scout troops, school classes and whoever else came by to visit.

Q.J. died two years after we bought the Monster; his widow has maintained the museum and is sometimes there when we pass by each year on the Peanut Ride. Stephenson's work is in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American Art, the Mobile Museum of Art and the Kentucky Folk Art Center. Bio ¦ Earth Museum info ¦ Smithsonian photo

We first found sculpture by Henry Heller (1914-2003) at the home of friends in Salisbury MD, where we stay every year for the Seagull Century ride. We traveled to an exhibit of Heller's work in Dover DE, and then to meet him at his home studio. His owl graces our entry post, and a whimsical frog fountain flows into our koi pond. More images and bio

The three owls carved into a branched cedar tree trunk are the work of Dean Fox of New Holland PA. We found his work display at a restaurant while riding around the Lancaster area. We rode to his home studio to see more of his work, and found this spectacular piece. At that time he was working a day job as a cabinet maker; we were delighted to learn that he is now doing wood sculpture full time. Our friendly bobcat and watchful hawk are his work as well. Stone Fence Gardens (see below) displays his sculpture. Bio

Our great bears and smaller wood sculptures are the work of John Wyvell, owner of Stone Fence Gardens. John does his sculptures in the wintertime and operates his garden center/gift shop during the warmer months, featuring other artists as well as his own work. He stages Native American performances, concerts and other special events, making this is a favorite stop along bicycle rides from Frederick or Thurmont MD.

The hand blown glass hummingbird feeders, garden raindrop ornaments, and the rondel over the front door are the work of Christopher Rich of Portland OR. For more of his work, visit www.RichGlassStudio.com. Two local fine craft stores feature Christopher's work: Waygoose Fine Crafts in downtown Bethesda and ZYZYX, on Old Georgetown Road. If you're in St. Michael's, Chris' work is displayed at Artisans of the World.