Colossal Head III // Amber Waves of Grain

Artists: Alicia Egeland, Carol Egeland and Linda Conneran (painting)

Commissioned by: City of Grand Forks (statue) and Visit Greater Grand Forks (painting)

Installation: 2015

Medium: Polychorme Concrete

Location: Visit Greater Grand Forks Visitors' Center

Made of recycled metal and concrete, this six-foot tall "blue head" planter first arrived at the Visitors' Center nearly a decade ago. It was originally re-painted by talented local artist Billy Rerick. As typically happens to all of us sooner or later, this grande dame was due for a little facelift.

When the time came to find a new artist, Executive Director Julie Rygg decided that instead of outsourcing this task, she would stay very close to home. In one of our always productive staff meetings, Marketing Coordinator Alicia Van Eps volunteered herself, along with her mother (Carol Egeland) and aunt (Linda Conneran), for this huge undertaking. Even though neither Alicia nor her family are trained artists, they are all very creative and felt motivated to give it a try. Just like that, Team Amber was formed!