Entry No. 15 — the Helena file — filed under: art-immersive

Chip Clawson Sculpture Garden (Ode to Edward James)

Ceramicist Chip Clawson has spent years turning his Helena yard into a private surrealist environment inspired by Edward James's Las Pozas in Xilitla, Mexico. Behind wooden gates studded with his colorful ceramics, a curved path winds past columns and spires that tower roughly 20 feet, ceramic 'fossils' embedded in concrete arches, walls, benches, and beds of vegetables, bristlecone pines and chokecherries. It's an artist's lifelong obsession built in concrete and clay rather than a polished tourist stop.

The move: Call ahead to arrange a visit and wander the spires together with the artist as your guide.

📍 Before you go Private garden, not generally open to the public. Call the artist at 406-459-6429 to arrange an appointment. Best in the growing season.

• 📍 Helena
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 202 Pine St, Helena, MT 59601

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24