Bemidji Sculpture Walk

The Bemidji Sculpture Walk premiered in the spring of 1999. It was developed by a team of volunteers working with the Bemidji Community Arts Center (BCAC), now the Watermark Art Center. The original theme of the Sculpture Walk was "Minnesota: its people, its diverse culture, its legends, and its natural beauty". Project developers intended for all sculptures to be installed outdoors in the Bemidji downtown area - from 2nd St. South, by the old Union Station, up to 6th St. North at the Beltrami County Courthouse, and from the Chamber of Commerce building on the Lake Bemidji waterfront at 1st St. and Bemidji Avenue inward 2 blocks to Minnesota Ave. It has since expanded beyond these original boundaries, while continuing to focus on creating premiere locations downtown.

• Enhance the Bemidji downtown area for its residents and for visitors
   
• Draw more foot traffic to the downtown
   
• Create a forum for the display of the work of local and regional artists
   
• Assist in the promotion of Bemidji as a regional cultural center
   
• Build a greater sense of community through display and discussion of the arts
   
• Enhance art education in the area,at all levels

• Lead the region in the procurement and display of public art
   
• Grow to become a successful and permanent non-profit organization
   
• Engender a greater solidarity among local arts organizations
   
• Secure a strong and lasting appreciation for all of the arts

Co-Chairs:
Dave Close

Mike Hanley
 

Secretary/Treasurer:
Melanie Mendez

Members:

Mitch Blessing

Lisa Boulay
Cindy Burger

Eric Carlson

Shawn Carlson-Underhill

Dale Dreyer

Russell Lund

Tim Nelsen

Molly Wiste