Memories, Magic, and Stories from Staff
Through all the hustle and bustle of summertime at Franconia, it’s nice to take a moment to sit back and reflect on what this place means to us. Read more from Franconia staff below as they reminisce on what makes this place special, magical, and memorable!
Alex Legeros, Executive Director
Photos by Brent Snyder
What do you think makes Franconia magical?
There’s something about bringing new art to life that requires a “eureka” moment – and during the hard ones, I’ve found myself saying “We only have to do this once.” Something we think about for months gets done in an instant, and worry vanishes. Maybe that’s part of the magic: in helping people do new things, we get to watch the horizon of possibilities expand in front of us.
But, that could help explain why crazy and exciting things seem to happen every day at the park. I’m close to finishing my third full year as park Director, time enough to tell you that’s true.
What is the craziest or most surprising thing that has happened to you while working at Franconia?
Right now I’m getting a chuckle thinking back. There was a beautiful evening I was giving a tour around sunset, and in the back of the prairie I was stunned to turn a corner and have a minivan driving towards me. As a friend yelled “Stop!” the driver rolled down the window. They said, “We’re driving through the statue garden. What, do you own the place?!”
I took a deep breath, smiled on the inside, and said, “Franconia Sculpture Park is a nonprofit and I’m the Director. Follow me out…”
Sarah Buezis, Education and Programs Manager
Photo by Jane Borstad, featuring Cameron Cameron sculpture
How long have you worked at Franconia?
About 5 years!
What has been the most magical moment you’ve had at Franconia?
Every day at Franconia holds a little bit of magic, but one of the most jaw-dropping days in my five years has to be the prairie burn that took place this April! Seeing huge flames whip around the prairie and smoke plume above the park was completely stunning. Interestingly, it reminded me of my very first week working at Franconia. On my third day, an electrical fire started from one of the transformers on our property and burned all the brush on the south side of the parking lot. We had to evacuate the park and the local fire department put out the fire quickly, saving all the structures and all but one sculpture! Hopefully just planned fires from now on!
What is your favorite program at the park?
I absolutely love leading the snowshoe tours in the winter! It’s a treat anytime I get to give a tour to adults and I think it’s the most beautiful time of year here. Last year we did the tour the day after a big snowfall and the snow in the park was completely untouched– just sculptures popping up out of a pristine white landscape. Plus there’s hot cocoa and treats after! What’s not to like?
Kelsey Wenberg, Visitor Services Manager
What is your favorite season at the Park?
Fall. The mornings and evenings are cooler, the trees and prairie look beautiful, our resident artists are here and new sculptures are being made, and the park is at its busiest.
What is your favorite sculpture to visit?
I love a walk through the woods. The atmosphere is different back there; it’s a little darker and a little cooler, and every sculpture you come across feels like a real discovery. Labyrinth is one of my favorite sculptures to visit back there because it’s easy to miss, but if you’re curious enough to be looking around, it’s surprising and gives you an otherworldly sort of feeling.
What do you think makes Franconia magical?
Franconia is magical because it is a place where ideas are worked into reality, and it happens in a way that is observable and actually not magic at all. Here it’s all on display, from where the artists live, to the work pad where sculptures are built, to classes and programs that teach new skills. Anyone can come here and get a sense that grand ideas are achievable. When folks think, “Now I see I can make my idea a reality, too,” I think that’s magical.
Heather Mashuga, Rental Events Manager
How long have you worked at Franconia?
I have been a staff member at the park for 2 ½ years, but have been a visitor and supporter for 13 years.
What do you think makes Franconia magical?
I used to bring my children there when they were little to explore or take an art class (I still have the wooden horse my son made about 10 years ago), and now on occasion they will come help with parking for bigger events. Throughout the years, the park has maintained its magic through the land, art, and people. I am grateful to have the park to make meaningful memories with my children and to be able to work at a place where I find purpose and comfort. It’s a vibe!
Ross Takahashi, Grant Writer
How long have you worked at Franconia?
Two years! It has been an honor going from an alumnus member of the residency program to helping the park acquire funding for other artists to experience the magic at Franconia.
What is your favorite season at the park?
Summers at Franconia are truly special. There is nothing like seeing the park in full swing. You can look every direction and see guests enjoying the sights and sounds, and resident artists are hard at work making their dreams come into reality.
Do you have a Franconia story to share?
In 2019, a tornado touched down a few miles from the park, and all the resident artists and staff took shelter in the basement. This led to an impromptu Dungeons and Dragon session lasting well beyond the storm. Seeing artists from different walks of life roleplaying together, creating characters, and exploring a fictional world was such a wonderful experience and one of my favorite memories at Franconia.
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Featured Image: Heather Mashuga