People's Choice Awards ~ You Can Vote NOW!

You can now vote for the 5th Annual Edina Sculpture Exhibit People’s Choice Awards of the Edina Public Art Committee (EPAC) following the most successful and largest artists’ reception at Pinstripes ever. 

We’re going high tech this year with QR Codes appearing on the artists’ plaques at each of the 11 new sculptures to allow for voting.  The plaques are expected to be installed in the next two weeks.  Free QR Code readers can be downloaded to your smart phones or tablets to allow you to vote.

Or you can choose to vote by paper ballots which are located at all three sites in yellow voting boxes (see photo).  The Promenade has two boxes, one at the north end behind the Pancake House and one behind Macy’s Furniture Store; at 50th & France, the box is near Lund’s parking lot and at Grandview Square Park, the box is next to the sculptures near the Edina Senior Center and Library. Starting in July, shoppers at the Galleria will also be able to vote there.

Here are some points to remember about the voting process:

• Anyone is allowed to vote, you do not need to be a resident of Edina.
• Each person can only vote once regardless of which of the two voting methods you choose, which is why it is important to include your name on the bottom of the ballot along with your contact information. This allows for a fair competition. We do not count those ballots without a name. 
• Voting is open now through Sept. 30th.
• Please leave the pencils in the voting boxes so others can use them.

Why vote? There are several reasons we want you to vote.

1. It helps EPAC to know the kinds of sculptures you enjoy.
2. It supports public art and sculpture artists who answer our call to exhibit.
3. It expands the number of artist who enter the exhibit.
4. It provides exposure for artists, public art and encourages people to explore our city.
5. It allows you to have a say about public art in Edina whether you live or work, shop or exercise, are a resident or visitor.

The top three winners of the People’s Choice Awards receive $1,000, $750 and $500 respectively in addition to having their sculptures remain on display for an additional year. Artists also then receive a $500 stipend for displaying their sculptures for a second year.

It is difficult to quote statistics documenting research how public art and sculptures impact the local economy. That would make a great research theses.  In my opinion, it impacts not only our economy, but also our quality of life and enjoyment of our surroundings. You just have to observe people walking by one of our sculptures to see the smile that lights up their faces when they see them.  Kids are more self expressed. They can’t help themselves and usually run up to the sculptures eagerly and touch them. I love seeing people taking their pictures by the sculptures. 

I invite you to post your photos here or on the city website or our Facebook page with you and your favorite sculpture. 

Winners of the 2012 People’s Choice Awards are all located on The Promenade: Bruce Stillman’s Oxymoron is at the north end of Centennial Lakes; Heidi Hoy’s Jack, the guitar player, is easy to find next door to the Guitar Center and Joel Carter’s The Healing, is close to the York Avenue bridge.  Carter has generously offered to donate his sculpture to the city which needs City Council approval. 

SCULPTURE STROLLS

Starting in July, a group of EPAC members and volunteers will be offering tours of the public art exhibit. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact the Edina Art Center at 952-903-5780 or www.

PUBLIC ART PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE

If you have a group that would like a slide show presentation about Edina’s Public Art, please contact me at 612-578-2422 or barbara.lavalleur@gmail.com.

Look for the Edina Arts and Culture Commission and EPAC entry in the July 4th Parade: a cute white and black Mini Cooper with lots of balloons. 

EDINA: Every Day I Need Art