Spirit of Community
About the Sculptor - James Pedersen received his MFA from the University of Minnesota. He had a successful career teaching Art for over 35 years. He has been producing artwork since 1969 Working primarily in mild steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and glass to abstractly represent landscapes that add playful splashes of color texture and contrast to suit the subject and design.
About the Sculptor - Ryan Pedersen studied Fine Art and Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University and completed his Art degree from Minnesota State, Mankato and MED through the University of St. Marys. Originally he worked as a helpful hand in his father’s studio, learning the process and developing a passion for creating sculptures. Over the years working together the relationship naturally developed into a productive partnership of more than 30 years. Today the collaboration continues to provide new opportunities and new ideas and designs.
Motzko Family Tree
About the Sculptor
Addie Motzko, a Minnesota native has resided in Minnesota most of her life. She is an artist in all media, specializing in metal sculpture. Addie’s work is influenced by organic shapes found in the natural world that translate themselves into subconscious and abstract forms. She is interested in the contrast between the natural and the man made world. For example how organic shapes that represent nature can be cut from pieces of flat steel and then shaped and welded together to create abstract and organic forms. The steel is a canvas that presents emotions, ideas, thoughts, and experiences that exist on a subconscious level and transform themselves into a 3 dimensional work of art. Addie's work can also be figurative and inspired by real people as well as human qualities that influence and motivate her. Addie’s work has been exhibited at The Creators Space Gallery, The Gallery at the Zeller Studio, One Division Gallery, Plymouth Primavera, Solar Arts Building at the annual Art-A-Whirl event, Hutchinson Sculpture Stroll 2016, Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Guild of Metalsmith magazine and Annual Blacksmith Guild Conference, and at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Addie is the recipient of the 2018 Primavera Award, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Award of Excellence at the Plymouth Primavera Art Show. Addie has experience teaching art as the Welding Constructor and Studio Monitor at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, student teaching Visual Art and Art History at Willmar High School and Minnewaska High School as well as the Art Coordinator for Port City Development Center in Portland, Oregon teaching art to adults with developmental disabilities.
Sculpture Statement
My great grandfather immigrated to Delano from Poland and started Motzko's General Store. Many Polish people lived in Delano at the time and the store supplied the local community with Polish foods and goods. The store continued and survived for many generations. My father and his siblings grew up and lived above the store which was located along the river where the current sculpture park exists across from the Peppermint Twist. The sculpture I created is titled Motzko Drzewo Rodzinne which translates to Motzko Family tree. It is based on Polish folk art design and was created to honor the Motzko side of my family who has lived in and served the Delano community for generations.
Trumpeter
About the Sculptor - Willicey Tynes
“I am a public art artist, sculptor, and painter. My approach to my art-making lives in the realm of intuitiveness, imagination, and an occupancy of space and time. In my mind's eye, I like to see my projects completed from start to finish, which helps me to envision the end results. I have created several large-scale works across multidisciplinary platforms, exploring environmentally based projects in which nature collaborates with the artist in a symbiotic relationship. My growth as an artist is led by a strong desire to create a visceral connection that conjures up not only aesthetics but an emotional connection with nature, conservancy, and the human spirit.
My artistic foundation births from growing up in the Bahamas and my journey continued after immigrating from the Bahamas to Minnesota. This presented many challenges and when I arrived in Minnesota, I found myself navigating the few opportunities available for a black male immigrant in the Arts. As a person of color and an immigrant living in a fractured society, I have seen firsthand what it means to not be included. So, I sought to create opportunities. I started an artist guild, joined various arts boards, and became a teaching artist through the Central Minnesota Arts Board. I taught residencies, workshops, and mentored students in more than 15 different schools in the central Minnesota area and Twin Cities. This allowed me to work closely with various nonprofit arts organizations in the Twin Cities area completing more than 20 art residencies. I then ventured into the realm of public art creating works here in Minnesota and abroad. As an artist of color, I am seeking to continue to build meaningful relationships with my community through my art.“
Learn more about the artist and sculpture HERE
We Are All Downstream
About the Sculptor
The creative process fascinates me as much as the final artifact. As a community-oriented artist, I know the power of art to hold space for difficult conversations, express intersectional identities, clarify community priorities, even heal. In my artwork, I appreciate the tensions between politics and aesthetics: where creation and education come together, where transformation is possible. I create public art at the intersection of nature, identity, and culture as a portal for truth-telling, relationship-building, and justice-doing. I am exploring forms related to water and watercraft that reflect historical and cultural identity, especially connected to ancestry and immigration, and to complicate and situate whiteness. My recent work examines our ancestors’ relationship to water through forms related to the watercraft that carried them as Indigenous, enslaved, voyageurs, immigrants, settlers, exiles, and refugees. I appreciate these forms as metaphors for the construction of our identities across time, geographies, stories, in relation to the larger world and to each other.
Sculpture Statement
Rivers connect us in powerful ways, yet we often neglect or abuse our waterways. This sculpture alludes to the familiar architecture of human engagement with the river, yet integrates natural forms to remind us of nature's resilience. The form is a built structure, but nature has been incorporated or perhaps is taking over what is a cultural artifact. "We Are All Downstream" represents our interdependence with each other and with the natural world. The sculpture depicts the rippled sand of the river bottom on vertical structures, alluding to the forms of trestles, bridges, and docks along the river. The green emblem atop the sculpture is a symbolic semaphore that calls us to consider our place and our impact on the natural world. Cattails grow from the center representing the resilience of nature to overcome human structures. A blue ring represents water that both reflects and obscures. Water reflects our impact on the river as we assert dominance or find ways to live with nature. It also obscures the cultures and stories that have been submerged intentionally in a narrow view of history that tells only some stories. Stones in four natural hues are gathered in the quadrants of the base, representing the four directions of Dakota tradition, urgent stories rising to the surface, and the necessary diversity of our communities as we find a way forward together.
Project Redefined
Sculptor Gabrielle Raye Cordes
My goal with “Project Redefined” is to take and mold the traditional context of the “White Picket Fence” or the “American Dream” notions that it implies. Many aspects of our society are changing, however that doesn’t mean that our past and present can’t inform the future. I want to promote Delano’s previous and positive community values while also highlighting and kickstarting the positivity and progression for the community’s future. The original fence structure represents the past and present, while the reformed “White Picket Fence” sculpture represents the compelling and bright future for the city. Historical and Geographical Ties The fence references the rural and suburban history of the city of Delano. The community input is directly includes the current members of the town and their thoughts on the future.
Delano Labyrinth Project
Lisa Gidlow Moriarty is a professional labyrinth designer and master labyrinth maker. With a Fine Arts degree in Design, Lisa has 40 years of experience in large scale fiber and fabric installations, and has been making labyrinths professionally since 1999. She has built over 100 labyrinths internationally. She shared her expertice and guided the Delano Labyrinth Committee in creating the Delano Labyrinth. (www.pathsofpeace.com).
The Delano Labyrinth Project was founded by a collaborative effort between community members and the Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture dedicated to seeing a Labyrinth built in the local Sculpture Park. They are committed to an intentional, meditative walk being available to our community, and all that visit Delano.
Sculpture Statement
A labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool that involves walking a path as it winds in a circular pattern toward the middle of the circle and than out again. This is not a maze. In many ways the walk is a walking meditation, a symbolic pilgrimage, the journey being as important as the destination.
Labyrinths have been used around the world for thousands of years as a tool for contemplation, healing, inspiration and relaxation. They are used by churches for prayer and meditation; by hospitals for healing and grief; and by schools to calm children and for conflict resolution. Walking with a group can be a time for shared intention or walking alone can be a time for personal, inner conversation.
This is a replica of the labyrinth in Chartres, France.
To stay informed with the Delano Labyrinth Project, visit them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/Delanolabyrinth.
Flood of '65
About the Sculptor
Born in Serbia, Zoran Mojsilov attended the University of Belgrade from 1975 to 1979. He later emigrated to the United States and now resides in Minnesota. Since the late 1980s, Mojsilov has regularly shown his sculptures at galleries, college campuses, and museums in this country.
His work is featured at:
DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Massachusetts, and Socrates Sculpture Park in New York. Recent one-person shows were given to Mojsilov by the Art Gallery at Rochester Community and Technical College, the Conkling Gallery at Mankato State University, and Thomas Barry Fine Arts, all in Minnesota. His sculptures are in collections at the North Dakota Museum of Art, South Bend Art Center in Indiana, and Runnymeade Sculpture Farm in California, among others.
Flood of 65
As if the water of the Mighty Crow River gathered pieces of Delano’s past and forever stitched them together into a sculpture. Zoran’s sculpture is reminiscent of the agricultural life, manufacturing and the railroad that made Delano what it is today.
While looking for appropriate pieces of granite at the old Delano Granite Works site for another Delano project, Zoran found pillars from a downtown Minneapolis building. These pillars have resided behind the Delano Granite Works site on the Crow River since the 60’s. He wanted to incorporate a pillar into a sculpture as a tribute to the Delano community before it was crushed for granite fill. He mentioned a project he had done with school children to a member of the Council for Arts and Culture. The idea was shared with the Middle School Art Teacher, and the project began. The owner of the granite works site was contacted and a column in four sections was generously donated for the project.
The “Artist in Residency” Grant helped financed the collaborative project between Zoran Mojsilov, Delano Middle School Art Department and other Delano organizations to create a sculpture as a tribute to the Delano Community, past and present. Zoran worked with each of the 7th grade art classes to expose them to the work he does as a sculpture as well as getting their input by collecting artifacts to represent the people of Delano and things they used to make Delano what it is today. The result is a large sculpture for a public site. The site and the configuration of the pillar designated by the city inspired the final creation of the “Flood of ’65” Sculpture
Hero
About the Sculptor - Gene S. Piersa
Since I was 5 years old, I've been dreaming about making art, visiting art, reading about art, and learning the tools of art. At 77 years of age, I've reached the sweet-spot of my life, living my dream, making sculptures. I did not plan to use repurposed metal but for the past 16 years, it speaks to me. I've learned to see and listen with my Heart.
Sculpture Statement
"HERO" has been called a "FIELD CROSS" by the military for generations. The image is used to honor individuals fallen during battle, using their actual boots, rifle, bayonets, helmets, and dog tags. The American Legion Magazine, May 2007, cover photo was a Field Cross. It ignited me to create this symbolic sculpture! "HERO" was my entry to American Iron Contest at the time, displayed at IDS Court several times, plus other locations. I am deeply touched when I read about losing our best young men and women in current wars. I included Hearts in my symbolic metal design, it seemed an appropriate connection for those lost and those who remain behind, family, children, friends. I watched on TV, President Kennedy's 1961 inauguration speech; "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country". I was an enthusiastic 17 year old when I joined the Marines in 1962. Honorably discharged as a Corporal E4 in July 1965. My Service did not require me to go to battle, except in my head.
Everlasting Garden
About the Sculptor - Nancy Wurzer
- As a longtime resident of Delano, MN, I’ve spent most of my “off time” in the garden and also going thrifting. Soon after retiring, I realized that my love for both could turn into a colorful new way keep me busy. Suddenly I found myself scouring shelves for old metalware, oddly shaped pans and trinkets, and teaching myself new skills like drill work, painting, sanding and welding. I’ve never considered myself to be an artist, but all of a sudden there I was…standing in paint-splattered clothes, holding my first creation of recycled garden art.
- To describe my artwork can be put simply: flowers that never die. Each piece is entirely unique. Layers of metal kitchenware, farm accessories, and other useful oddities are carefully hand-chosen, painted and secured together to create one-of-a-kind works of art reminiscing of flowers that can be tailored to anybody’s personal taste.
- I’ve learned to never pass up a thrifted item that catches a good second glance, and I live by the quote “Nothing haunts you more than the junk you didn’t buy.” Everything can be used somewhere and somehow; you just need the imagination and creativity to figure it out.
Sculpture Statement
A spiraling carousel of a metallic flower garden, representing the sustainability that our hometown of Delano has carried through history and the renewing of resources that has helped in that objective. My intent is to help beautify this town by bringing what is old back to life again, while using materials that speak generations of local farming, garden and homestead history for themselves. Because not only is Delano a place to grow, but it is a place to shine and to be more than what you thought you could be. Dimensions: 48"x48"x72" Weight: Appx. 250lbs (assembled) Materials: Wagon wheel from side rake (vintage farm machinery), metal poles/hardware, Assortment of vintage and not-so-vintage cookware/bakeware/kitchenware, spray paint
Gates to Historic Downtown Delano
About the Sculptor - Zoran Mojsilov
Born in Serbia, Zoran Mojsilov attended the University of Belgrade from 1975 to 1979. He later emigrated to the United States and now resides in Minnesota. Since the late 1980s, Mojsilov has regularly shown his sculptures at galleries, college campuses, and museums in this country. His work is featured at: DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Massachusetts, and Socrates Sculpture Park in New York. Recent one-person shows were given to Mojsilov by the Art Gallery at Rochester Community and Technical College, the Conkling Gallery at Mankato State University, and Thomas Barry Fine Arts, all in Minnesota. His sculptures are in collections at the North Dakota Museum of Art, South Bend Art Center in Indiana, and Runnymeade Sculpture Farm in California, among others.
Sculpture Statement
To help identify the entrance to Historic Downtown Delano, Zoran was hired to create sculptures from granite from the Delano Granite Works. The "Gates" were the result.
Silverado
Silverado was originally displayed in a saddle shop in the cities. It was purchased by John T. McQuay for his shop, Tumbleweed, in Ham Lake. In the late 90’s McQuay closed his store because of health reasons. Both McQuay and John Tackaberry were very involved in Zuhrah Shrine Horsemen and the horse world in Minnesota. Tackaberry, owner of Star West Chevy, purchased the horse and restructured it in his body shop.
Dr. James Turner was approached by John Tackaberry to paint the large, fiberglass horse to display at Star West Chevrolet and reflect on his interest in the west and his life long involvement with horsemanship. John is a fine horseman and a longstanding supporter and member of the Shriners drill team and the Hennepin County Mounted Patrol. The design process included many sketches and ideas including abstract patterns, clouds, and eventually, the group of mustangs being corralled by cowboys (and cowgirls). A couple of the horses pictured belong to Jame’s wife, Kristin Von Seggern, and the starry sky is in honor of Star West. The paint is a two part epoxy car paint with a clear-coat finish that had to be applied within 15 minutes of mixing so James had to work fast!
After it was painted and clear coated “Silverado” was dedicated to John T. McQuay and displayed at Delano Star West where the horse encouraged donations to the Minnesota Horse Council to help rescue and shelter horses. When John Tackaberry sold Star West, with the help of Cal Brandt, Silverado found a home in the Delano Sculpture Park.