Spoonbridge and Cherry — Attraction in Minneapolis

The past few days have been a time of anger, shock and disappointment regarding the Walker Art Center; emotions are running high and negative for many of us. But I wanted to make sure that amidst this harsh and hurtful drama, blame and dishonor didn't fall on those who did nothing wrong, and thus I wanted to give a shoutout to our friend the cherry. The cherry, of Spoonbridge & Cherry, is innocent, today and (as far as I know) most days. The cherry, in fact, has endured its share of discomfort. Usually ready to greet each day with a bright, mirror-shiny red smile, it's instead collected layers and layers of mud, silt, dust and detritus during the Walker's long construction process, to the point that it currently looks more like a cocoa truffle. Acclimated to being gazed at with love from the visiting public, it's been isolated for a year by bulldozers and trenches; I don't know that it's even able to get mail or messages. Even before the construction began, every few years (most recently in 2009) the cherry was spirited away under dark cover of night by a secret, unmarked aircraft carrier (suitable for cherry transport) to be repainted its own secret, copyrighted shade of crimson in an undisclosed location far away, and then stealthily returned again. This process took a few weeks from start to finish, and I can't imagine it feels good to have a life shrouded in such mystery. I sense this would leave most small fruits on edge. So, I encourage everyone to appreciate the cherry and its beauty, strength and resilience, despite the strife that swirls in its vicinity. The cherry feels your pain. The cherry...

I'm not quite sure why the Spoonbridge and Cherry can be reviewed on its own, rather than as part of the sculpture garden in which it sits, except for the fact that it is a large and very iconic sculpture that has become a symbol of the City of Minneapolis. In any case, I'm a big fan. I think art should be accessable, both physically and intellectually, and the S&C is both. Physically it could hardly be much more accessible, sitting in a public park. Intellectually, if you appreciate it on no other level, it is hard to feel a sense of whimsical fun in an enormous spoon with a cherry on the tip of its bowl, the stem of which, during the warmer months, sprays water into the pond in which part of the Spoonbridge rests. The S&C would probably be worth a trip all by itself, but there are also great views of the Basilica of Saint Mary's and the downtown Minneapolis skyline. And if that's not enough, there's the rest of the sculpture garden, including a huge blue rooster, and many...

The Quirky Charm of Spoonbridge and Cherry

The Spoonbridge and Cherry, located in Minneapolis' Sculpture Garden, is an intriguing and whimsical sculpture that sparks curiosity. This unique piece, created by artist Claes Oldenburg and his wife Coosje van Bruggen, features a giant spoon with a cherry perched on its end.

The spoon and cherry symbolize both the playful and everyday aspects of life. The spoon, a common household item, represents nourishment and the simple pleasures of dining, while the cherry adds a touch of whimsy and celebration. The sculpture’s flowing, dynamic design mirrors the idea of fun and spontaneity, transforming a classic, familiar object into something extraordinary. The combination reflects a blend of artistry and accessibility, inviting everyone to engage with the piece in their own...