Hank Nelson purchased a 100-acre property on Whidbey Island in 1993. He moved to the island and immediately sold off 40 of the acres to purchase equipment needed for his work and for creating his vision for the property that would become Cloudstone Sculpture Park.
Cloudstone Sculpture Park is a sprawling 20-acre property that is considered “A hidden gem” on South Whidbey Island. Currently there are over 450 distinct Hank Nelson pieces at Cloudstone. These artistic works provide a variety of styles and creativity
Hank was a prolific artist and a pillar of the arts community who died in 2022 at the age of 84. Thanks to an active Board and several of Hank’s friends who are committed to following his vision, today the Cloudstone Foundation is not only maintaining his art in an environment he created for everyone to enjoy, but there are now workshops and educational events coming in the near future.
The Cloudstone Foundation is a non-profit that consists of a small crew of volunteers who assist with maintenance and tours of the property. Hugh Gerrard, the current President of the Board, and Moe Jerome, the Creative Director who was a close personal friend of Hank Nelson, are leaders in maintaining Hank’s vision and expanding his legacy.
The Cloudstone Foundation’s primary objective is to educate visitors about three dimensional sculpture, to provide ways for volunteers to help maintain the property, and to create a space for local artists to display their projects at a reasonable cost. Most of the Board members serve as docents who give tours and provide fascinating details about Hank’s background and his incredible sculptures.
Hank Nelson’s vision was to inspire people to use their imagination when viewing these works; those who have toured this property would agree that what is on display fulfills Hank’s vision. Hank’s stucco home is at the top of Cloudstone Hill and will become a conference center and a place for artists to work on their personal projects.
The theme for the park is “Nature and art collide across the 20-acre Cloudstone Sculpture Park.”
To arrange for a tour, go to: https://www.cloudstonefoundation.org/visit. Guided tours are $10 per person with a minimum total tour fee of $50. Tours usually take 1-1/2 to 2 hours. The grounds of the Sculpture Garden are uneven, with slopes and depressions and many gravel paths. If you are planning to do a tour, it is suggested you wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
For more details about Cloudstone Sculpture Park, visit the foundation’s website at https://www.cloudstonefoundation.org.
