The Bear Tree - Grand Marais, MN
Posted by: 
lenron
N 47° 44.948 W 090° 20.158
15T E 699679 N 5291855
Concrete bear tree statue in downtown Grand Marais, MN.
Waymark Code: WMC190
Location: Minnesota, United States
Date Posted: 07/13/2011
Views: 6
This concrete statue stands on the shores of Lake Superior in downtown Grand Marais, MN. Grand Marais is known as an artist's colony, as many talented artists of all mediums calls this home. There are also many art galleries in town. Nearby this statue is the scenic Lake Superior, lighthouse, sitting park, quaint shops, Coast Guard station and Artist Point.
The Smithsonian Art webpage describes this statue as:
Two bear cubs hold onto the sides of a tall, smooth column that represents a tree. One cub is at the very top side of the column and has his head turned to the proper right side. The other cub is slightly lower and is holding onto the opposite side of the column. The second cub's head is also turned to the proper right side
It is grey and color and towers above the city. There is a concrete base by the artwork and a plaque describing the artwork.
TITLE: The Bear Tree
ARTIST(S): Raymond J. Gormley
DATE: 1953
MEDIUM: Concrete
CONTROL NUMBER: IAS MN000035
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Shores of Lake Superior on Wisconsin Street
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
No differences, I can say this is tall and impressive but in my opinion, dull and not very appealing, quite plain. Neaby city park and lake shore and shops make it a nice area, flowers, sitting benches, veterans memorial and more. There is minimal moss and lichen on the statue, probably due to the moisture of the lake and the harsh weather conditions.
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Visit Instructions:
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