510 Marquette Building - Wall Art in the Skyway

If you know me, you know I like anything that resembles candy. Art that resembles candy is no exception. This is in a little corner of the skyway that is decidedly off the beaten path.

Check out Speaking of Home, a 2008 example of public art that really illuminated the skyways.

But I'd also like to find some more secret art spots in the Skyway. They can't hide from me...

The Carnival that is Gaviidae Commons

When Gaviidae Commons is quiet, I am always amazed by the extensive decorations. They are carnival-like and remind me a cross between old fashioned ribbon candy and a Tim Burton movie.

Interested in leasing space in this venerable downtown complex? Check out their floor plans here.
And their website includes this fun fact:

80,000 trips are made daily by "downtown professionals" through the Minneapolis Skyway System.

Do you consider yourself a downtown professional?

Westin Hotel - Decorative Painting in the Skyway

Yes, you've walked under this numerous times and never seen it. You've been thinking about whether you have time to cash your check or whether its going to be Au Bon Pain or that Greek place or just a salad from the Macy's Marketplace. Pay attention, rat-racers. This is one of my favorites.

Interested in purchasing your own little piece of skyway love? Well, that opportunity may have dried up, but you could always stay at the Westin and enjoy B.A.N.K., their bar/restaurant on what used to be the main floor of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank.

Gavidae Commons - Photo Collage in the Skyway

This is one I've passed several times, but never noticed before I was in the Skyway and armed with a digital camera and a Flip camera. It is surprisingly subdued in comparison with the art/decoration that surrounds it in the Gaviidae Commons. More on that in a later post.

Here's a listing about Skyways in general Skyways - Wikipedia. Note that Minneapolis gets a picture in addition to their listing of cities with Skyways. How about Vilvoorde, Flanders and Paradise, Nevada? Would have never known.

Sixth Street - Sculpture in the Skyway Part Two

Here's Part Two of Michael Emmon's work. This one is called "Aura" and is unpainted stainless steel also from 1998. I think the building it's housed in is 15 South Fifth Street.

Nearby is a tiny jewelry store called J Roettger Jewelry that has an equally tiny display of handcrafted items that are quite beautiful. 

Want more info on the Minneapolis Skyways...  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis_Skyway_System

Sixth Street - Sculpture in Skyway Part One

I dig things that have purple in them, like king cake, grape jelly, and Grimace. And this Michael Emmons sculpture is no exception. "Revelation" is from 1998 and has a companion piece which I'll post next. He's a local artist, originally from Iowa. I believe this piece is owned by the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, or perhaps on loan to them.

Want more info on the Skyways?.... http://www.minneapolis.org/page/skyways-minneapolis.jsp