Sartell Paper Mill Project
On Memorial Day, 2012, an explosion ripped through the Verso Paper Mill causing the death of one worker and injury to several others. This explosion also led to the permanent closure of the mill. The Sartell Mill Art Project was born out of a desire held by community members to memorialize the plant, its former employees and its importance to Sartell’s history.
The Project has empowered a team of local artists and fabricators to repurpose materials taken from the mill into art pieces. Artists were able to tour the plant during the demolition in order to remove some of the most interesting pieces, including gears, metal pieces and a large part of a metal coal chute. Finished pieces will be installed in Watab Park, Val Smith Park, and at a location near Sartell City Hall. Continue…
Public Art: Trunks
Trunks
This stainless steal bench-in-the-round pays tribute to the complexities of industry. Little Falls is known for their contribution to the lumber industry, but the supporting industries, like the clothing manufacturers home in the background, benefit and diminish as the industries change.
This work is meant to bring people to each other. A traditional bench, flat and facing a rigid location, is meant to hold people, side by side, shoulder to shoulder. This design, however, brings those who rest, to see eye to eye.
Sartell HS Metal Collaboration Installation, 2013
Part public art installation, part artist in residency, this installation brought photography, mixed media, and metal fabrication students together to create this “welcome sign.”
Bike Rack Project
Boys & Girls Club, Little Falls, MN, 2015
Youth helped design this bike rack in a Design Thinking Residency, leading the design to the “Caterpillar” concept. Fabricated off site with the assistance of Northside Welding of St. Cloud and All Pro Powder Coating of Waite Park, this project was supported by the Five Wings Arts Council.
Small But Noteworthy
Small But Noteworthy was a two-day art event that will take place in Little Falls, October 26 -27, 2018, featuring small artwork, poetry, spoken word performances, and more. The theme is “Small Art. Big Ideas.” With visual art (9x9” or smaller), poetry, spoken word, hip hop performances, open mics, and food, the community is celebrating what small can mean.