A New Public Art Work by Foster Willey Jr.
CENTRAL AVENUE CONTEMPORARY STELAE
Commissioned by the City of Minneapolis Art in Public places and the Department of Public Works, CENTRAL AVENUE CONTEMPORARY STELAE
was installed and dedicated in May, 2006. Stelae are upright monoliths associated with ancient cultures. The two stelae for Central Avenue are nine feet in height and are decorated with elements referring to the history of North East Minneapolis and Central Avenue. Each stele has a theme: the Shoreham Yard and Rail History (the 4020), located at 33rd and Central, and the Grain and Milling Industry (the flying wheat stalk) located at 35th and Central. The two stelae are made of precast concrete and have the appearance of native Kasota Stone. Each contains relief sculpture in bronze and terra cotta. On the top of each stele is a bronze crown ornament that also reflects the theme of monolith. Benches designed by the artist accompany each stele along with a surround of cobble stone pavers.
In 2004, Centrifuge (at left) was installed in Burnsville as the feature element in their new “Heart of the City Development”
at Nicollet Commons Park. The monumental bronze sculpture is abstract and includes a water feature. Centrifuge becomes the focal point of Nicollet
Commons Park and symbolically represents the character and spirit of Burnsville, a vibrant center expanding, growing and defining its identity.
Willey was awarded a commission by the Burnsville Public Arts Committee and the Burnsville Foundation.
The piece is located on Nicollet Ave. between Burnsville Parkway on the
South and Highway 13 on the north, just off 35W.
