Photo: Heather Novak-Peterson
Public art at 50th and France displays history and unity.
Among the many updates happening at 50th and France is a new public art installation on display outside of the re-built parking ramp. The colorful composition by artist Heather Novak Peterson is titled “Garden Quilt” as it’s meant to resemble a pattern of quilts connecting components of Edina’s history and diversity. When pondering the design, Peterson recalls throwing on a quilt at home and having an “a-ha” moment–that a quilt is a perfect visual for stitching together a community made up of varying backgrounds and points of view.
Peterson’s creative process began with drives around the city to take in different visual characteristics and photograph landmarks. She then put brush to paper to develop a variety of patterns. She deconstructed the city logo for yet another perspective and also did some illustration over top of her photography to create additional visual elements. The result is a collection of wrapped panels that were installed as a single work of art by a collaborating sign company. Some of the panels light up at night to add just a bit more excitement and an urban evening vibe.
