Edina Sculpture Exhibit is a Mix of Realism, Whimsy & Abstract

Eleven new sculptures have been installed at three locations showing a mix of realism, whimsical and abstract art for the 5th Annual Edina Sculpture Exhibit. 

A reception honoring the artists will open the exhibit on Wed., June 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pinstripes, 3849 Gallagher Dr. Hosting the event will be the Edina Public Art Committee (EPAC) with Barbara La Valleur, EPAC Chair.  Mayor Jim Hovland will speak about 6 p.m. All supporters of Edina art are welcome.

Three sculptures at 50th and France are Intersection by Steve Elliott, Wayne, NE, a stainless steel mesh abstract located near Lunds.  Look Closer by Nicklas Legeros, Edina, is a glass and bronze sculpture with a humorous caricature of his son, near the fountain across from the Edina Cinema. Jester Light, a whimsical purple and green upside down jester topped by a working light by Kimber Fiebiger, Minneapolis, illuminates the area in front of Sur la Table.

At Grandview Square Park, Number Seven, a life-sized horse made of steel horseshoes by Kristen Piersa Kregel, Bloomington, is attracting attention. Nearby is a burst of energy - Éclat d'énergie - by emerging young artist Brandon Lee, Minneapolis, a small bronze toned steel abstract. The whimsical Egghead, a Humpty Dumpty figure reading a book, by Kimber Fiebiger, Minneapolis, fittingly sits on a pedestal facing the Edina Library. 

The Promenade has five new sculptures adding to three People’s Choice Winners from 2012 and three permanent sculptures. A bronze life-size sculpture of two children playing, Leap Frog by Art Norby, New London, welcomes walkers and bikers at one end of The Promenade across from the Galleria. 

Standing Bear by Karl Friedrich, Rochester, is a six-foot, 900-lb. steel patina of circular rings. Escaped from the Depths, a two-piece blue and white steel and concrete dragon by Chris Gustafson, Watkins, appears to be crawling out from a manhole cover. 

Look and You Will Find It, is a fine bronze group of figures by Kate Christopher, Mahtomedi.  Slapshot, a 300-lb. plate steel hockey player by Judd Nelson, Wayzata, is near Yorktown Plaza off Hazelton Road.

For the first time, QR Codes will be included in artist plaques making it easier for viewers to learn more about the sculptures, artists, EPAC and the Edina Art Center. Details are being worked out to allow voting for the People’s Choice Award through the QR Codes. 

Each artist chosen for the exhibit receives a $500 stipend for displaying their artwork for the year. The public can vote for their favorite sculpture (one vote per person) for the top three People’s Choice Awards which runs from the opening in June to Sept. 31. The top three winners will be announced in October.  They will receive $1,000, $750 and $500 respectively and will be invited to display their sculptures for an additional year.

The Galleria will be hosting a photographic display of all sculptures open for People’s Choice Awards from July 1 through September 30th.

EPAC members and friends will once again be offering group and public tours of the sculpture exhibit starting in July. Check the Edina Art Center for schedules and more information at 952-903-5780 or www.EdinaArtCenter.com.