Chanhassen, MN (April 30, 2015) – Calling all LEGO® lovers! The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the place for YOU this summer!
"Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks," 13 displays of large, nature-inspired sculptures made from LEGO bricks, will open on May 15 and continue through Aug. 30 in the Arboretum gardens.
"Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks," 13 displays of large, nature-inspired sculptures made from LEGO bricks, will open on May 15 and continue through Aug. 30 in the Arboretum gardens.
These exquisite sculptures – some as tall as 6 feet or more – are the creation of artist Sean Kenney of Brooklyn, N.Y. The exhibit arriving at the Arboretum will be the debut of an entirely new version of this traveling collection.
These will be brand-new, never-before-seen sculptures recently created by Kenney. With one exception – a beloved hummingbird sculpture from previous exhibits will be part of this new display.
Among the sculptures are depictions of a giant snapping turtle, a deer family, a monarch butterfly on milkweed and more, all arrayed on the Arboretum grounds. In all, 26 sculptures will be found in the 13 displays.
"We know this exhibit will inspire and delight our visitors of all ages – especially those who have spent childhood hours creating with those little LEGO toy bricks," said Ed Schneider, Arboretum director.
Previous versions of "Nature Connects" have toured botanical gardens, zoos and arboreta across North America. The exhibit will also include "LEGO Builds," hands-on activity sessions on designated Saturdays during the exhibit. These sessions will incorporate science and engineering principles and run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. These LEGO Builds are planned for May 16 & 30, June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25 and Aug. 8& 22.
Artist Kenney is one of just a few "LEGO certified professionals" worldwide who have been recognized for their constructing skill and enthusiasm. As an adult with a desk job for 10 years, Kenney would come home from the office every day and play with his LEGO bricks. One day, he decided to trade in his necktie and devote his life to merging his two passions – for LEGOs and visual art. Kenney also has written several popular children's books.
Presenting sponsor for this exhibit is Wells Fargo; exhibit sponsors are C.H. Robinson, Park Dental and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Additional support from: Emerson Process Management, Wagner's, Great River Energy and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest, is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and is located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educational facility. Open 363 days a year, admission is $12 for adults and ages 13 & older, free for ages 12 and younger and always free for members.
