Victoria M. Bunsen Memorial Sculpture Garden
Victoria “Vicky” Bunsen worked tirelessly for more than 25 years on the City of Westminster’s Staff as its staunchest advocate for historic preservation. Vicky began her career in the City Attorney’s Office and later moved into the City’s Community Development Department to devote herself full time to advancing the cause of historic preservation in the City.
Vicky was responsible for establishing the City’s first urban renewal area and urban renewal project with the redevelopment of the Westminster Plaza Shopping Center at 72nd and Federal Boulevard. This project served a catalyst for significant redevelopment in Historic Westminster and a much broader commitment to historic preservation of the very roots of the City, including the Rodeo Supermarket, the Grange, and the Red and White building.
Vicky successfully advocated for much needed infrastructure improvements to 72nd Avenue and Bradburn Avenue, including street lighting, and street, sidewalk and landscaping improvements.
Art, music and historic preservation were Vicky’s greatest passions. Vicky played a key role in the formation of the South Westminster Arts Group and the Historic Westminster Arts District She could often be seen at the Westminster Grange playing her beloved fiddle with her old time bluegrass band. The ongoing Art and Sculpture Shows and Historic Westminster Festivals are a direct product of Vicky’s efforts.
Vicky’s efforts were not limited to the original area of Westminster. Vicky went on to assure the preservation of The Shoenberg Farm and Dairy, the Semper Family Farm, the Mushroom Farm Water Tower and the Wesley Chapel Pioneer Cemetery.
It can be well said of Vicky Bunsen that she was the City’s “Mother of Historic Preservation.” Without her devotion, passion and commitment to historic preservation much of the City’s historic roots would be lost. Dedicating the Victoria Bunsen Memorial Sculpture Garden and the Fred Valente Humanitarian Park will serve as important and permanent reminders to the citizens of Westminster of the roots from which such a great City grew.
2023-2024 Sculpture on Loan Program
2023-2024 Sculpture on Loan Program - Voting has now closed
The sculptures displayed in the Vicky Bunsen Sculpture Garden are on loan from national artists. Sculptures are displayed for one year and the artist receives a stipend for the display period. Every year, the City issues a national Call for Entries in the spring and new sculptures are installed in the summer months. In addition to the sculptures on loan, the City also has two permanent scuplture installation. Please click the box to learn more about the sculptures and artists.
If you have questions, please contact Kate Cooke at kcooke@westminsterco.gov