Public Art Saint Paul and Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies Announce Minnesota Rocks! the International Stone Carving Symposium
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Dec.15, 2005) — Stone. Its permanence and beauty have made it an essential element of buildings, fortresses, and monuments throughout history. Its use in structures like the Great Pyramids, Ancient Temples, Medieval Cathedrals, the Great Wall of China and even the Minnesota State Capitol has had a lasting impact on cultures throughout the world. Now, Public Art Saint Paul (PASP), a nonprofit organization, and Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies are bringing together fourteen master stone carvers from around the world and Minnesota for a unique event that celebrates creativity in its most basic form – an artist and a block of stone. The International Stone Carving Symposium will be known as Minnesota Rocks!
The mission of the Symposium is to promote international understanding through stone carving while educating the public," says Christine Podas-Larson, president of Public Art Saint Paul. The public will see artists at work, while learning about the creative uses of stone in art, in city building, and in homes."
From mid-May through June 2006, Minnesota Rocks! will shine a public spotlight on the ancient art of stone carving. Artists from Japan , Germany , China , Mexico , Zimbabwe , Finland , Egypt , Italy and Minnesota will work in an open-air studio on the lawn of Saint Paul College . The site, at the highly visible intersection of Kellogg Boulevard and Summit Avenue , will give the public a rare glimpse at the creativity and discipline required to work with this elemental material. Using stone from Minnesota quarries, the artists will create sculptures that will be permanently installed in public settings in Saint Anthony, Vadnais Heights and throughout Saint Paul.
Minnesota holds some of the earth's oldest, most desirable and valuable stone," says Steve Hedberg, who as CEO and founder of Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies, has worked around Minnesota stone all his life. Minnesota stone can be found in buildings and monuments all over the world, including The National Museum of the American Indian and at other sites on the Mall in Washington DC."
Given Hedberg's expertise when it comes to Minnesota stone, it's natural that Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies has signed on as the presenting sponsor of Minnesota Rocks! We're excited to support Public Art Saint Paul and this event in sharing the rich history of Minnesota stone and its presence not only in our state but throughout the world," says Hedberg.
In conjunction with the symposium, Public Art Saint Paul has entered into a partnership with the St. Paul Public Schools to develop a symposium-related rich curriculum aligned with Minnesota and National Arts and Science Standards. The curriculum, for third through fifth graders, will be introduced into classrooms beginning in January. About 3,000 students will take part in activities integrating science, arts and social studies. Options include architecture and geology tours and field trips to the stone carving site in May.
About Public Art Saint Paul
Established in 1987, the nonprofit Public Art Saint Paul is the compelling voice and prime mover in creating and caring for art in St. Paul's civic realm. Information about Minnesota Rocks! and Public Art Saint Paul programs can be found on www.publicartstpaul.org .
About Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies
Founded in 1987, Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies is Minnesota's largest wholesale and retail supplier of landscape hardgoods and masonry products including natural stone, manufactured stone, water garden supplies and custom stone fabrication. In addition to the Minnesota Rocks! International Stone Carving Symposium, Hedberg is proud to sponsor this year's Parade of Landscapes, the Luxury Home Tour and the Twin Cities Parade of Ponds, an event that benefits the Children's Cancer Research Fund. For more information, call 763-545-4400 or visit www.hedberglandscapeandmasonry.com .
Supporters of Minnesota Rocks! International Stone Carving Symposium
Organizations supporting Minnesota Rocks! currently include: Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies, The Minnesota Ceramic Tile Contractor's Association, The Ceramic Tile and Allied Crafts Union, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, the McKnight Foundation, The St. Paul Travelers Foundation Arts and Diversity Fund, Carmichael Lynch Spong, Bolger Publications, Mhiripiri Gallery, Saint Paul Neighborhood STAR, the St. Anthony Sister City Association and the Vadnais Heights Foundation.
Contact:
Tina Plant
Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies
(763) 392-5909
tplant@hedbergaggregates.com
Crystal Farstad
Carmichael Lynch Spong
(612) 375-8505
cfarstad@clynch.com
Christine Podas-Larson
Public Art St. Paul
(651) 290-0921
cpl@publicartstpaul.org