Sesquicentennial

ARTIST: James and Ryan Pedersen

Permanent Sculpture

Personal Statement

• 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.
• 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. Mary's. 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 of working together the relationship has naturally developed into a productive partnership of more than 30 years. Today the collaboration continues to provide new opportunities, new ideas, and designs.
• The Pedersen’s have created various sculptures ranging from small wall reliefs, table designs, functional work, and large outdoor public sculptures, to very large commercial/private fabrications. They have exhibited their work throughout the MidWest region as well as several areas in Arizona participating in various competitions, exhibitions, and public displays. Both Ryan and James are members of the Minnesota Sculptors Society and continue to create and show work for private and public venues.

Sculpture Statement

• These Corten steel and aluminum planes continue the symbols of agriculture, railroads, rivers, and quarries, but play with defining the Sesquicentennial 150th in the negative spaces between each design.
• We believe we can help showcase the relationships and balance between the past, present, and future of Delano and enhance the outdoor environment with our approach to create a sustainable landmark to commemorate this town's 150 years of achievement. We design with a minimal, yet sophisticated palette, playing with a variation of metals, interpretations of pattern, texture, and forms inspired by the surrounding environment. These qualities of our work would highlight and represent the signature elements of the Delano community. Using some of the themes for developing distinctive design that embodies the historical character and contributions of agriculture, the railroad, the Quarry and the all connecting Crow River as it meanders through the area. We have developed our concepts to draw from the industrial and natural heritage to showcase how these historic pillars of the community have impacted and shaped the town. We believe our sculpture design can elevate the modern and historical significance to showcase the identity of the signature elements, and the Sesquicentennial.
• Our goal is to promote a sense of connection to them by creating a visual landmark for this special occasion and location. Through playful splashes of color, texture and symbolic form, our design is sure to spark the curiosity and wonder for visitors by supporting their exploration of the Delano Sculpture Park area, and to celebrate the Sesquicentennial in a modern way.

• Dimensions: TBD
• Weight: TBD
• Materials: Corten steel and aluminum

The Delano Annual Sculpture Walk is made possible through the efforts and grants from: