On a snowy day in December, the Mrs. and I decided to make a memory – or rather re-create a memory from our early days of dating. Our anniversary was a day away and so we opted to make our way to Stillwater and then up picturesque 95 to Taylors Falls.

Before heading there, we stopped at Franconia Sculpture Park, at the intersection of highways 8 and 95. In our first few months of dating, we had made a stop here to check out some of the sights and artistry. Needless to say, the place has changed and grown.

It seems they have expanded the land they once held and built a new visitors center that includes a meeting hall and gift shop. The representative (Jessica) at the counter (an artist herself), indicated a restaurant is in the works.

There is also an gallery and bathrooms (something lacking in years past). The center is an excellent addition because it offers visitors the chance to check-in and learn a bit more about who supports the park and whose art gets included there.

A few things we learned at the visitor center

When you walk into the light-filled visitor center at Franconia, you’ll see a wall with names on it. They are donors who have made the park possible. (Note: the park is free to all). Some of the more well-known people on the wall include the Cowles family who once owned the StarTribune.

Other interesting tidbits we picked up from Jessica:

• The visitor center is attached to a farm house belonging to the Cowles. It was moved from its home in Wayzata to the park.
• 40+ artists live on-site during the summer months and 9 during the winter (2021 figures). Some artists are writers, etc.
• Artists are paid / supported to do their sculptures.
• Sculptures are on a two-year lease with the artists and the park.
• One of the only sculptures owned by the park is a work near the entrance.

Some photos from the visit

Out of respect for the artists, I’m actually not entirely sure I should be posting these photos. Though, some of the artists have hashtags near their artists statements that would assume they might appreciate attention via social media. So, taking that as a “go-ahead”, I’m including some photos from our winter trip through the park.

As an artist, I enjoy seeing others express themselves. There is definitely a lot of different expressions here. Some are quite abstract and can leave you scratching your head, while other pieces are playful. Take the art as it is and try not to get too confounded by it. There’s beauty / meaning in a lot of it.

If you’ve been to the Franconia Sculpture Park, I’d love to hear what your thoughts on it were and what you discovered.