Tour the Public Art in Burnsville, MN

Did you know there are several bronze art pieces scattered throughout Burnsville? Maybe you have found them all or noticed a few and are curious about the rest. Read on to learn more about the public art pieces that call Burnsville home.

Sandlot at VanderLaan Field

Artist – Randolph Rose Collection
Commissioned by Burnsville Community Foundation. Installed and dedicated on October 8, 2014

A garden and statue at Alimagnet Park expand the presence of the late Rich VanderLaan at his namesake field. It includes paver bricks assembled to look like a baseball, a variety of colorful flowers and ground cover, and a statue of young baseball player at the center to signify VanderLaan’s lifetime dedication to youth and baseball.

Centrifuge

Artist – Foster Willey, Jr.
Commissioned by Burnsville Community Foundation in 2004

Featured in the Heart of the City, Centrifuge has become the focal point of Nicollet Commons Park. This abstract sculpture was created with elegance and grace for the City of Burnsville and the Burnsville Community Foundation by artist Foster Willey, Jr. The design of Centrifuge includes the stainless-steel bowl, a red granite base and the sandstone surrounding it. This sculpture is meant to symbolize the character and spirit of Burnsville.

Ascent Fountain

Artist – Foster Willey, Jr.
Commissioned by Burnsville Community Foundation in June 2016

Ascent, located at Nicollet Commons Park across from Centrifuge, was also created by artist Foster Willey, Jr in 2016. The sculpture was inspired by the late Kenneth J. Slipka, past President of the Burnsville Community Foundation, and honors service to community. The soaring eagles symbolize the accomplishments that can be reached through encouragement and motivation of others. The lone eagle represents how the guidance and wisdom of one person can impact a community. Ken was an outstanding example in all these areas.

Abundance

Artist – Mary Pat Lutz
Commissioned by Minnesota River School of Fine Art on July 24, 2004

Abundance was created by a student of the Minnesota River School of Fine Art, Mary Pat Lutz, in 2004. This artwork is located across from Nicollet Commons Park in the courtyard of the Grande Market Square complex. The piece depicts a woman carrying a basket of vegetables from the farmer’s market, symbolizing the abundance of happiness and life that overflows from the Burnsville community. Unfortunately, through the years, the basket has gone missing from the sculpture.’

The Pioneer – Ames Sculpture

Artist – Robert A. Larum
Commissioned and Donated by Ames Construction in 2001

The Pioneer is a sculpture that was created by artist Robert A. Larum and donated to the City of Burnsville by Ames Construction in 2001. Adjacent to the Heart of the City at the corner of Burnsville Parkway and Pleasant Avenue, look for this bronze sculpture of a farmer and two large horses. The piece portrays the history of farming while also representing the construction industry and commemorates the area’s transformation from a farming community to the fully developed community it is today.

Burnsville is home to a wonderful outdoor art museum. Take a walking tour of Burnsville’s beautiful art pieces and stop for a meal at one of your favorite Heart of the City restaurants for a day of local flavor and local flair! Don’t forget to tag your art tour photos with #MyBurnsville for the chance to be featured on our social channels. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram for more Burnsville fun!