While Irving Arts Center is home to a wonderful sculpture garden, it’s not the only place in Irving where you will find great sculptures. Of course, there are Robert Glen’s iconic Mustangs of Las Colinas, in the newly redesigned and reopened plaza at Williams Square. But did you know, Irving also has hippo sculptures?!

It’s true… and you can see them yourself with a visit to Jaycee Park, just down the road from Irving Arts Center on Puritan Drive (near the intersection of Story Rd and 183). The hippo sculptures — “Hippo Fantasia” — were originally created in 2002 by local sculptor David Iles for the Irving Art Association (IAA) with funding provided in part by a grant from the Irving Arts Board. In November 2003 they were dedicated and donated to the City of Irving.

However, much like the Mustangs, the hippos were recently removed for conservation and restoration, while the City of Irving was in the midst of its Delaware Creek Channel Improvement Project. But like the Mustangs, they have been lovingly restored and have returned home to their original site.

In addition to the hippos, Jaycee Park is home to the Irving Art Association’s gallery, which is open to the public Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1 to 5PM. The Irving Art Association (IAA) acts as conservator for the Jaycee Parks Center for the Arts, and offers a variety of workshops, classes, exhibits and events in that space. To learn more about the Irving Art Association and their upcoming schedule, visit IrvingArtAssociation.org.

So next time you’re in the area visiting Irving Arts Center, why not make a day of it, say hello to the hippos, and our friends at the Irving Art Association and Jaycee Parks Center for the Arts!