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The Wooden Sculpture Garden of Romano Gabriel
A true Eureka treasure, the incredible Wooden Sculpture Garden of Romano Gabriel is preserved at 315 Second Street in Old Town Eureka. Under the loving care of the Eureka Heritage Society, this unique contribution to the world of folk art continues to delight visitors and residents alike. The links below cover the history of the garden, show some photos of the art, and describe current efforts to provide a "facelift" to the exhibit.
Romano Gabriel was born in Mura, Italy in about 1887 and worked with his father as furniture maker before setting off for America in 1913. Soon after his arrival in the United States, the artist served in World War I, then settled in Eureka where he worked as a carpenter and gardener, and built at least six houses.
He was known as an introvert, possibly using his "pictures" as his communication with the world.
Romano Gabriel died in 1977, ten years after he added the final touches to his wooden works. The day he died, notification arrived from the California Arts Council that the Wooden Sculpture Garden had been designated an important piece of folk art.