DETROIT LAKES — A new large-scale bamboo sculpture celebrating one of Minnesota’s conservation success stories will be unveiled later this month at Ortenstone Gardens and Sculpture Park in Detroit Lakes.
Created by collaborative artists Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, known as The Myth Makers, “Dancing for Joy” is a sculpture inspired by the return of the Great Egret to Minnesota after decades of population decline, according to a news release from Project 412.
The Myth Makers: Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein
Contributed / The Myth Makers
An opening reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held from 10-10:15 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Ortenstone Gardens, 1646 Randolph Rd. in Detroit Lakes. The artists will be on hand to discuss the sculpture. Following the ceremony, The Myth Makers will lead a bamboo sculpture workshop, where participants can learn the techniques used to construct their large-scale installations.
The workshop is open to ages 12 and older, with younger children welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Pre-registration is required because class size is limited. A suggested donation of $25 per person will be collected at the workshop by cash, check or Venmo.
The sculpture pays tribute to the bird’s recovery following the ban of DDT in 1972. Once pushed to the brink of extinction by plume hunting and pesticide use, breeding Great Egrets had nearly disappeared from the region by the 1950s. Today, more than 1,000 nesting pairs have been documented across Minnesota.
Constructed from bamboo, paint, wire ties, reflectors and other mixed-media materials, the sculpture reflects The Myth Makers’ signature style of creating large-scale, site-specific installations from natural materials. It is designed to weather over time and gradually become part of the surrounding landscape.
Dodson and Moerlein have collaborated for 16 years, completing more than 50 public art projects across 19 states as well as Switzerland, Vietnam and Taiwan. Their work explores the connections between art, ecology and community.
“Dancing for Joy celebrates an important environmental success story,” said the artists. “It reminds us that positive change is possible when communities come together to protect the natural world.”
Detroit Lakes Tribune newsroom