About this artwork
A kinetic stainless steel sculpture that moves gracefully with Minnesota's prairie winds. Standing 15 feet tall with copper-tipped spiraling blades, it represents the enduring spirit of the Great Plains and the continuous motion of history.
The Story
Funded through a National Endowment for the Arts grant and the Rochester Art Commission, this piece was Whitehawk's first permanent installation in Minnesota. The 12-month fabrication process involved traditional Ojibwe metal-working patterns etched into the base.
About the Artist
Ojibwe sculptor from the Leech Lake Band, creating kinetic works that honor the relationship between indigenous peoples and the natural world. His pieces are held in collections at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Smithsonian.
Prairie Wind Sculpture
James Whitehawk