CVB #11 - Redlin Art Center
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This cache is located on the grounds of the Terry Redlin Art Center. Take time to visit the art gallery while in the area. Please be respectful of the area and stay on the sidewalks as much as possible. Watch out for the geese, ducks, and fecal matter as well. Parking is located nearby. It is not necessary to enter the business, speak with employees or purchase anything as part of logging this cache.
This cache was placed for the Watertown Convention and Visitors Bureau to kick off National Tourism Week. Once you have visited 18 of the 24 sites and submitted the appropriate code words, you will have the opportunity to win two Watertown Gift Baskets: one valued at over $250 and the second valued at over $500. You will find the code words taped to the cover of each cache container. You may enter by submitting the code words online at www.visitwatertownsd.com. The online entry form will also ask for your name, address, and phone number.
The first drawing for the $250 basket will be held 1 June 2009. The drawing for the $500 gift basket will be held 30 September 2009. For a list of prizes visit www.visitwatertownsd.com.
Over 150 of Terry Redlin's original oil paintings hang in the impressive building at the junction of 212 and 1-29, which opened in June 1997. The building itself, inspired by the Egyptian Revival period, was designed by Charles Redlin, son of the artist. Charles wanted his dad to stop selling his originals and wanted a place to display and preserve his dad's artwork after he passed away.
The Redlins had initially bought land along I-494 in Minnesota and toyed with the idea of building the Center there; however, Charles had concerns that the urban sprawls in the Minneapolis area would swallow up the intrinsic beauty of the Center. They then had another idea: Terry Redlin wanted to build the Center in Watertown as a gift to the state of South Dakota and the people of Watertown because South Dakota had given him a scholarship for disable students and allowed him to go to art school.
Although Charles handled the design plans, Terry was involved in the details. Rather than one large room filled with paintings, the Redlin Art Center takes a unique approach to displaying Redlin's work. Visitors can meander down hallways lined with oak railings to view the paintings; the gallery is located on three floors.
The Gallery features Redlin's original oil paintings - every painting he has done since 1985 is on permanent display within the gallery. In 1999, the Redlin Art Center was informed of an auction featuring 15 of Redlin's older originals. Charles Redlin, as the President of the Redlin Art Center Foundation, felt compelled to purchase these special pieces for the Redlin Art Center. Because Terry Redlin sold almost all of his paintings between the years of 1977 and 1984, the Redlin Art center had not been able to display original work representing each year of Redlin's career. With the arrival of the "new" paintings, the Center now has paintings dating back to 1978. These paintings are part of Redlin's history - each painting tells a story and marks a specific time in the artist's life and career.
There is also an Early Art Room located within the gallery that features an array of drawings, paintings, and even foil etchings. This room was created to inspire artists of all ages by showcasing art from throughout Terry's life, including a free-hand drawing of Bugs Bunny dating back to 1943 when Terry was only six years old. From drawings Terry created as a young boy to art projects he completed as part of his college training, the "early art" features a variety of styles and mediums not typically seen in the art of Terry Redlin today. Palette knife paintings, foil etchings, watercolors, and pen and ink are just a few examples of what is displayed in the Early Art Room.
The 30 acres surrounding the Redlin Art Center have undergone a dramatic transformation. The grassy area has been excavated to create numerous waterways, earth has been molded and shaped into hills and valleys, and tress have been strategically placed. This is Terry Redlin's vision - many refer to the park as Redlin's living painting.
The park, officially titled, Terry Redlin Conservation Park, is meant to enhance the visits of the thousands of travelers that stop at the Redlin Art center each year. With over one mile of walking trails, eight bridges, six small gazebos, one large gazebo, and the Redlin Pavilion, guests of the park are invited to stretch their legs, walk their pets, have a picnic, or simply enjoy nature.
It is Redlin's wish that the wetlands and waterways he has created and enhanced will be full of wildlife. Because of his wish, wood duck houses and blue bird houses have been carefully positioned. the natural areas have been seeded with prairie grasses and wildflowers to provide cover and food for the animals that make the park their home. Corn feeders are also placed throughout the park for those who wish to feed the geese.
The Redlin Art center is open year round: Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Admission is free.
Common Instructions: Make sure you bring your own writer as there may or may not be one in the cache. There is no need to tear up or damage the area while looking for the cache. Please replace the cache exactly as you found it! As always, be stealthy when searching. Also remember to use common sense and caution while searching for the cache. You assume all risks arising in connection with seeking a cache or any other related activity. Enjoy!
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