FAQ’s

Who is organizing this fundraiser?

While touring the ART WALK grand opening, participants watched as the summer sunset hit and beautifully illuminated the side of Synchronous, they caught the glances of the people driving by, and watched as the artist turned the globe of creaking gears. The buzz among those present was that this luminous piece was like a “gateway” to downtown, announcing that Red Wing cares about community art.  Later, committee members approached Downtown Main Street with their idea to “crowdsource” the purchase of the sculpture. Members of the fundraising committee led by Joyce Peterson include: Terese Bjornstad,Peg Hansen, Brian Peterson, Jillynne Raymond, Jude Rooney and Anna Toegel. Downtown Main Street is providing project management support and their online fundraising platform.   Downtown Main Street Red Wing is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so your donation is tax deductible.

Why is your support so important?

Art in the Heart of Red Wing ART WALK launched in 2021 with seven sculptures in Downtown Red Wing that are on loan. Two permanent sculptures were purchased by local foundations.  It was an immediate success, garnering a great deal of interest from Red Wing residents and visitors. This public art project provided one more great reason for people to spend time in downtown Red Wing. Generous funders in Red Wing have committed to this pilot project involving renting sculptures. One way to make the sculpture ART WALK permanent is for Red Wing residents to get involved in a grassroots fundraiser to begin purchasing sculptures for permanent placement. 

Community residents can be that catalyst by participating in a crowdfunding venture!

Why was Synchronous selected to be the one to purchase with raised funds?

This sculpture has received rave reviews because of its beauty and the way it fits harmoniously with its highly visible location.  It received the most votes for the People’s Choice Award. It is also one of most affordable sculptures in the ART WALK where some of the others are listed at 2 or 3 times the expense. This project is an excellent place to start with a grassroots fundraiser!

Who are the artists?

Tim James & Aidan Demarais

This sculpture represents the merging of efforts between angular, round, smooth and textured surfaces: ultimately depicting the ever-elusive state of harmony. Gears, sprockets and pulleys were compiled and welded together to form the sphere.

ABOUT TIM JAMES & AIDAN DEMARAIS

Art has profoundly affected the life of Tim James for as long as he can remember. He started creating artwork realistically, until a two-year journey to Athens, Greece influenced a transformation to abstraction. James was born in Mankato, Minnesota. He received his Master’s Degree in Education and his Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Minnesota State University. His artwork can be found in a variety of media around Southern Minnesota including six pieces in the permanent collection at South Central College. His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions over the years, and he has been the recipient of regional awards. Much of Tim James’ inspiration comes from being an art teacher at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.

Being an Industrial Arts instructor is a profession that Aidan Demarais chose for many reasons. It gives him the freedom to be creative, the chance to help others, and the opportunity to be a leader. Recently, the creative aspect of Aidan’s teaching profession compelled him to experiment artistically with different mediums. For as long as he can remember, he has made furniture, welded projects, constructed buildings, poured concrete, and repaired mechanical equipment. This hasn’t changed, but now he lets the materials he’s working with guide him to the final product. For example, when Aidan makes a piece of furniture, he lets the natural beauty of the wood, the knots, the bark, and the grain, determine the outcome. While helping to create public sculptures, Aidan used these same techniques with metal.

Who will own the sculpture once purchased from the artist?

The funds raised will be provided to Downtown Main Street to purchase the sculpture from the artist,  Money raised also covers the expense to replace the existing plate and pedestal.   Once the purchase is complete the sculpture, plate and pedestal will be donated to the City of Red Wing to add to the permanent art that is FREE for all to see.

What if we do not reach our fundraising goal?

If the total fundraising goal is not met, the funds donated will be used directly for expenses related to the purchase of a future sculpture. 

Once purchased will the sculpture remain in the same location?

It is proposed that the sculpture remain in its current location on the corner of Main Street and East Avenue.  If for some reason this is not feasible then a new location will be selected in a public space in downtown Red Wing.

When Highway 61 (Main Street) was reconstructed a few years ago, the city made improvements to the road and pedestrian design by extending the curb line in some locations to allow for additional public amenities. Those enhancements provide a terrific location for an upright sculpture to be placed on the East Avenue corner of the intersection with Main Street. Synchronous fits the space perfectly in terms of size and scale and one of its best features is the way it reflects sunlight at this location as the sun sets to the west. This sculpture helps to reinforce the Main Street gateway as an entrance feature to the core