Art for hire

Re-Framing a Norman Rockwell Concept Sketch

Recently, this Norman Rockwell concept sketch came into the shop to be re-framed. Rockwell would rough sketch a proposed painting, present it to a potential client, and solicit feedback. Hopefully, he would be awarded the project, complete the piece, get paid, and then move on to the next project.

Does the fact that an artist is directed what to paint diminish the art itself? Not at all. Artists who can support themselves solely through their creative output are rare. Taking on commissioned projects is only a small step from being a full-time commercial illustrator. The final result might not always be the artist's first choice, but finding opportunities to be creative within the boundaries of a client's expectations requires a unique skill set and artistic maturity.

This brings us to an exciting upcoming exhibit that was just finalized this week. The working title (subject to change) is "Tough Guys and Tough Cookies." It will showcase original art used for pulp magazine covers, which often depict dramatic scenes with someone in peril. This sub-genre of illustration art required artists to be efficient and productive. The paychecks were smaller than those of their peers, but it allowed them to make a living creating art.

This marks the third consecutive year we've had the pleasure of collaborating with Grapefruit Moon Gallery. The first two shows (original pin-up art and original Cream of Wheat art) were very successful. This exhibit will be a bit different but consistent with our mission of presenting 20th-century illustration art and its various subsets. More details will be shared next week.

The final chapter of the Central Park Bandshell construction

A Remarkable Day in Red Wing

Today was an interesting and memorable day, to say the least. The electricians arrived early to double-check the power and install the sound equipment for the bandshell, which had yet to be fully tested. People also showed up early to set up their lawn chairs before heading home again—it seems an unwritten rule that a lawn chair is a legally binding claim!

At promptly 3:30, the ceremonies began, marking the official opening of the Bandshell. The Jones Family Foundation was thanked for their generous donation to the City of Red Wing. This incredible gift is akin to having a second Sheldon Theatre, but as an outdoor venue.

Rosanne Cash

The festivities included several selections from Fiddler on the Roof (a teaser for an upcoming production) and a performance by Rosanne Cash and her husband. Their 90-minute set was straightforward, professional, and simple, featuring just two guitars—truly a class act. Following their performance, Roomful of Blues picked up the tempo for the next 90 minutes. The skies cleared (despite occasional rain), and the Sheldon Brass Band took the stage, playing mostly traditional John Philip Sousa music.

Sheldon Brass Band

The climax of the event was during Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Right at the crescendo, cannons began firing, and all the church bells in town started ringing. Red Wing boasts many church bells, and combined with the Brass Band and cannons, it created an incredibly moving experience. Several people began spontaneously crying, and it's hard not to get choked up thinking about it now. The Sheldon Theatre deserves immense credit for making this an unforgettable day in Red Wing history.

It's been fun charting the progress of our newest neighbor, but now it's time to move on to other curious topics.

Central Park Bandshell T minus 3 days

Red Wing Central Park Bandshell: Nearing Completion

The Red Wing Central Park Bandshell is almost 99% complete. The railings still need to be anchored, and the grass requires one last mowing. It seems perfectly sized for the park—not too big and not too small.

Bandshell-front

The six side walls pivot open when needed, and the inside ceiling has a complete lighting system. The purpose of the two round towers on each side isn't clear. They each have doors that, when opened, close the gap between the towers and the shell. These might serve as dressing rooms and off-stage space. One fascinating aspect of this location is that you can see a church steeple in every direction.

From the Bandshell

This is the view from the bandshell looking out. The balustrade wall was built in 1880 when Hamline University owned this land.

Bandshell-behind

Even the view behind the Bandshell is impressive. The activities begin on July 4th at 3 pm with The Sheldon Phoenix Theatre, followed by performances from Rosanne Cash, Roomful of Blues, and the Sheldon Brass Band at 9 pm (complete with cannon), culminating in fireworks over the Mississippi River. It's going to be awesome.

Green side up!

T minus 12 days.

It is 88 degrees and humid, but dry.

The landscaping and sod arrived this morning and by the end of the day all of the greenery should be installed. In speaking with some of the subcontractors, the project is slightly ahead of schedule.

For anybody who is curious about the mysterious little back door; it leads into a very narrow and small utility room. The circuit breaker box and the water meter are in this room. Which was kind of disappointing.

Central Park Bandshell T minus 17 days

Exciting New Addition to the Bandshell

Today, the first of 32 laminated and tempered glass windows in the back wall of the shell were installed. This promises to be one of the most striking design elements of the Bandshell, as it will open up the entire structure from both sides. The limestone blocks used are quarried in Winona, Minnesota, with each block hand-cut into a random pattern. The keystone blocks are manufactured in a factory.

Rain is forecast for the rest of the week.

Central Park Bandshell T minus 19 days

Bandshell Construction Update

It is hard to tell if the Bandshell is ahead or behind schedule. Today, the irrigation system was installed, and the concrete for the handicap access ramp was also poured. Fill was being spread by the hardworking Sentence to Serve crew. Sentence to Serve are nonviolent offenders who work on community improvement projects. There are mixed feelings about Sentence to Serve labor; on the one hand, working outside is better than killing time in a cell. On the other hand, it is an easy source of cheap labor for communities that can become too easy to use.

The sod is scheduled to be laid on June 29, which seems awfully close to the July 4th dedication. The entire park (one city block) will be re-sodded.

The ghost signs of Red Wing

A Testament to History

Red Wing is unique because it has such an authentic core downtown. This doesn't mean it's frozen in time. Rather, it has to do with having traceable roots. Buildings are typically not torn down; when they can be salvaged and restored, they are.

One of the lasting elements that are easily overlooked are the ghost signs of Red Wing. Sometimes called fading ads or brick-ads, they are remarkable in their staying power. Red Wing has many brick buildings, and there are several examples of ghost signs all over town. You need to look closely to see the Coca-Cola ghost sign. The Hotel Haven sign is pretty much illegible.

The corner shown above is Plum and East 3rd Street (SE corner) in Downtown Red Wing.