In 2018, the City initiated a selection process to seek qualified artists who submitted proposals for works of art to be installed in multiple locations along Preserve Boulevard, in conjunction with a significant road improvement project.

CJ Rench Design Studio was selected to design, fabricate and install four unique, large-scale groupings of colorful grasses native to Minnesota. The sculptures were installed in August 2020.

Minnesota Natives

Designed to be the centerpieces of Preserve Boulevard, these large-scale groupings of colorful Minnesota native grasses enhance the entire length of the boulevard and visually complement the surrounding natural landscape.

While the designs are based on the native grasses, they are not meant to be renderings or illustrations, but rather sculptural interpretations that use the plants as a starting point. Each of the four groupings of plants includes three individual sculptures, for a total of 12 individual sculptures that range from 14 to 25 feet in length. The materials used include stainless and mild steel, and UV-stablized Plexiglas® acrylic sheet. The grass stems and blades are flash-rusted to emulate a natural, weathered patina.