Sunny in DL - Public Art for Northern Minnesota

Bringing Public Art to Detroit Lakes and Raising Money for a Permanent Bronze Sailboat Sculpture

Something fishy began with the creative minds of two inspired organizers and a talented local artist in the fall of 2002. The artist created a 4' x 2.5' clay sunfish model. A mold was made and 50 fiberglass fish were cast. An enthusiastic group was gathered to call on the artistic community in and around Detroit Lakes. Seasoned and emerging artists were invited to submit designs that imaginatively celebrated the nature of the Detroit Lakes area. The response was amazing, with designs ranging from the serious to the whimsical. Selected artists were teamed with 47 sponsoring corporations, small businesses, individuals and organizations. 50 fish were painted, three designated for auctioning. An exciting ?Hook, Line and Sinker? party and auction was held in April of 2003 that unveiled the school of 50 decorated sunnies. Two fish were sold that evening. The third ?auction fish?, painted in purple and gold, traveled downstream to the Minnesota Viking's Spring Training camp. It was autographed by over 20 players and coaches and later auctioned off. Sponsorship and auction dollars covered artists' costs and raised money that will ultimately result in a permanent bronze sailboat sculpture near the Detroit Lakes public beach.

All 50 sunfish were set out in various public places in time for the 2003 Governor's Fishing Opener in Detroit Lakes. Throughout the summer of 2003 citizens and visitors to Detroit Lakes caught hold of an ?Official Sunny Map? and toured the scenic community to view the fish. Their attraction generated rave reviews in newspapers and magazines as well as in the eyes of the beholders.

The fish story doesn't stop there. In the fall of 2003 the ?sunnies? found winter homes and a new map was printed to announce their temporary locations. Throughout the winter, many of the fishy figures could be spotted peeking from the windows of area businesses. As summer arrives another new map will be generated as the ?sunnies? swim to their new locations. Some have found permanent homes in private places, but most will continue to brighten the community as publicly accessible outdoor art. For years to come, these creative creatures, with themes that run the gamut from surprisingly real to patriotic to humorous, will bring joy and delight to people of all ages.

Get the Sunny in DL Map to find fish around Detroit Lakes.