The Price Sculpture Forest is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community sculpture exhibition park and habitat preserve, situated on a 15.1-acre parcel of land in Whidbey Island, WA. The Price Sculpture Forest opened its gates to visitors in 2020, providing a space where art enhances nature and nature enhances art. In Scott’s words, the park “provides visitors with a fun, healthy, relaxing, educational, and refreshingly unique experience. We inspire visitors by providing a new experience that emphasizes the dynamic, interactive possibilities of art with the beautiful, nourishing benefits of protecting and enjoying nature.”
This unique project was made possible through the financial power of real estate investing, as profits from real estate investments were accumulated over the years to purchase the land, establish initial infrastructure, and form a nonprofit organization.
Eva with Tyrannosaurus Rex by Joe Treat at Price Sculpture Forest
Photo by Dondi Budde of Oak Harbor
The Price Sculpture Forest serves a multi-faceted mission. It aims to create a unique and enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors on Whidbey Island, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and supporting the growth of the local arts community. Additionally, the park plays a crucial role in preserving a healthy, century-old forest close to downtown Coupeville and a large forested viewscape ridgeline in Ebey’s Reserve.
Beyond offering walking trails with immersive arts and environmental education, the Price Sculpture Forest seeks to become self-sustaining and integrated into the broader Whidbey Island arts and parks community. Future plans include the construction of a visitor center, partnering with arts organizations or galleries, and expanding ways to interact with art and nature.
The park's commitment to accessibility is evident in its free admission, accommodating trails, and a diverse range of programs catering to youth, seniors, classrooms, Scouts, and various nature groups. “The feedback from the local community, worldwide visitors, and media has been terrific,” Scott says. “The number of participants grows significantly every year, and we expand our art and nature offerings for everyone every year.”
Lichen Series Spore Patterns by Jenni Ward at Price Sculpture Forest
Photo by Jann Ledbetter
The Price Sculpture Forest's entire budget and source of funds comes from the cumulative small donations left in their donation box onsite in addition to the occasional grant, Scott says. Our $1,000 donation will go toward maintaining and expanding trails, art, and programs, and keeping the Price Sculpture Forest open to visitors.
Give to the Price Sculpture Forest
Playa Flowers by Jeff Tangen at Price Sculpture Forest
Photo by Jean-Marc Labrosse