Nestled in the rolling hills of Central New York, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park is a place where art, nature, and community come together in a truly unique way. Founded in 1991 by artists Dorothy and Bob Riester, this one-of-a-kind nonprofit organization has grown into a vibrant hub where artists continue contributing to the evolving landscape. Every year, visitors can experience large-scale, experimental outdoor installations that continuously change, inviting guests to witness the artistic process from concept to completion.

A Living, Breathing Landscape of Art

What sets Stone Quarry Hill Art Park apart is its living nature. Artists' work shapes the grounds, each adding something new and exciting to the landscape. From the foggy mornings to the evolving installations, the park is a place of constant change, where art comes to life, grows, and eventually fades. This cycle of creation and decay mirrors the natural world, making this space so unique.

Visitors to the park don’t just see finished pieces of art; they experience the entire journey of the process. From initial ideas and tests to the final work and its gradual disappearance over time, the art at Stone Quarry Hill is always in motion. Whether you love it, hate it, or something in between, every piece invites reflection, curiosity, and awe.

The Heart of the Community

The impact of Stone Quarry Hill Art Park on the local community is profound. It’s not just a park; it’s a cultural institution that fosters creativity and invites people of all ages to engage with the arts in an open and welcoming environment. By maintaining a free and open space for the public, the park brings art directly to the community, allowing anyone to explore and experience the magic of creative expression.

The park’s mission goes beyond simply displaying art. It strives to create a space that exists nowhere else, where people can encounter something different and unique each time they visit. As the park’s executive director explains, “I want people to have the same experience that I had. I want them to drive into the park and encounter something different, something unique, something that just gives you pause, makes you think, incites curiosity and awe.”

Salt Point: Helping Preserve the Legacy

We at Salt Point were thrilled to have the opportunity to help the park maintain its historic Hilltop House. Initially built in the early 1960s by Dorothy Riester, this house is a vital part of the park’s legacy, telling the story of its founders while offering a space for community engagement.

Salt Point supported the art park by completing two projects: renovating the plant room and refinishing the wood floors in the library. The plant room, an indoor garden space created by Dorothy well before indoor plants became trendy, had suffered from years of moisture issues. Salt Point encapsulated the dirt floor, added new windows, and gave the room a fresh coat of paint, ensuring it remained a lush and vibrant space for visitors.

Salt Point refinished the library's original wood floors, ensuring they are durable enough to withstand foot traffic while maintaining their historic charm. A new skylight provides a clear, beautiful sky view that enhances the space’s natural light. These renovations preserve the home’s history and create a more accessible, inviting environment for visitors to explore.

Honoring Dorothy and Bob’s Vision

We were excited to be able to partner with the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park to help them continue honoring Dorothy and Bob Riester’s vision of making art accessible to everyone. The renovations to Hilltop House allow the park to continue to open its doors to the public, just as Dorothy intended, while also providing a space to showcase its incredible collection of maquettes, archival materials, and works from visiting artists.

The park remains a place where community members can gather, reflect, and be inspired. Whether strolling through the outdoor sculptures or exploring the newly renovated Hilltop House, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the creative spirit that Dorothy and Bob instilled in this land. Stone Quarry Hill Art Park is not just a place to view art—it’s a place to experience, engage with, and be part of a community that celebrates the transformative power of creativity.

Learn more about Stone Quarry Hill Art Park and help keep its mission alive by donating on its website, sqhap.org, or experience the art yourself with a visit!