Past, Present and Future in Civic Plaza
04/13/2026 02:26PM ● By Skylar Leeson
Steamboat Springs Civic Plaza serves as a cultural gathering space at the heart of downtown, where three public art installations reflect the community’s identity and evolving story. Together, three sculptures represent Steamboat Springs’ past, present and future – honoring heritage, celebrating community and embracing innovation in a landscape shaped by nature and creativity. Three sculptures. Three artists. An entire town's worth of culture.
Past: “Bear Dancers” – Orland Joe
Orland Joe’s “Bear Dancers” honors Steamboat’s past through imagery rooted in nature and cultural storytelling. A Navajo (Diné) and Ute sculptor, Orland blends traditional symbolism with contemporary artistic expression, often depicting animals and figures in motion. The bear dancers evoke strength and rhythm, reflecting the region’s heritage and connection to the land. The sculpture celebrates enduring traditions and the deep relationship between community, culture and the natural environment that shaped Steamboat.
Present: “Tangled Web” – David Marshall
“Tangled Web” by David Marshall represents the present: dynamic, interconnected and full of energy. David is recognized for intricate metalwork and expressive abstract forms that explore motion, balance and structure. The sculpture’s interwoven elements reflect the relationships that define modern Steamboat, from outdoor recreation and tourism to arts and local culture. As viewers move around the piece, shifting perspectives emerge, mirroring the vibrancy, collaboration and layered character of the community today. “I am inspired by nature, by the trees and the branches and the whole way the mountain looks when you're out there,” David says. “I always think your environment affects how you are. Very luckily we live on a farm in Spain and near Steamboat Lake in Steamboat so I am very inspired by what's around me.”
Future: “Dropsy” – Ted Schaal
Ted Schaal’s “Dropsy” reflects Steamboat’s future through fluid motion and organic form. A Colorado-based sculptor known for contemporary abstract metalwork, Ted often draws inspiration from the landscapes and natural forces of the American West. “I reached out to the visual arts commission and sent the piece in,” Ted explains. “The piece is so big, I knew it was going to be a challenge. The challenge of pulling off my work is really what drives me.” The sculpture evokes water, movement and seasonal cycles that shape the Yampa Valley. Its smooth, flowing design suggests transformation and resilience, symbolizing Steamboat’s adaptability, environmental awareness and forward-thinking community as it continues to evolve.