Opening Highlights
"Of the Earth" Exhibition
Date & Settting
The exhibition officially opened on June 10, 2025, with a public reception from 4:00 to 6:00 PM hosted at Ortenstone Gardens. Attendance was complimentary, though RSVPs were requested.
The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by members of the Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce, followed by a guided tour of the sculptures.
Attendance & Community Engagement
Over 150 people joined the opening gathering to explore Ziemska’s new works and celebrate her residency.
Local volunteers played a vital role in bringing the exhibition to life—collecting materials, building sculptures, and planting flora. In total, more than 100 volunteers contributed 550–700 hours and helped plant 7,000 zinnias, with plans for 100,000 more plantings throughout the summer and fall.
Artist & Sculpture Details
Olga Ziemska was introduced as the park’s first Artist in Residence, invited by Project 412 to create site-specific works exploring themes of nature, identity, and embodiment.
“Ziemska’s presence marks an exciting chapter for Project 412. We look forward to the thought-provoking work she will create during her time in Detroit Lakes.
The exhibition features three temporary sculptures in place:
Hear: With an Ear to the Ground – a horizontal head nestled into the landscape, inviting contemplation and sensory engagement.
Strata – a reclining human-form-like structure made of stone (river rocks) in gabion baskets, visually merging with the earth. Visitors are even encouraged to walk on it.
Ona – a towering 15-foot-tall female form whose “hair” consists of locally gathered sticks and branches cascading roughly 25 feet behind her. Her mirrored eyes reflect the surrounding environment—and visitors.
A fourth sculpture, designed to be permanent, will be installed later in fall 2025.
Why It Matters
- Art rooted in collaborative process: Ziemska’s use of natural materials and the help of local volunteers emphasizes the organic relationship between art, nature, and people.
- Sculptures as immersive experiences: Visitors aren’t just observers—they walk, climb, reflect, and interact with each form as they navigate the site.
- Long-term impact: With installation still evolving, the exhibition promises to engage new visitors and spark ongoing community contributions well into the future.
Video credit: Project 412 Marketing Team
Video credit: Brian S Merritt, Loans & Drones