Beavermidji

If you're from northern Minnesota, live in Bemidji, ever lived in Bemidji, know anyone living there, etc you may have already heard about this. If not, well, here you are.

Yes, that's right folks. Those are beavers. Beaver sculptures to be exact. And here's a close-up.


This final beaver sculpture is part of the city's annual Bemidji Sculpture Walk and was the subject of a recent controversy centered around it's portrayal of the female form. The sculpture's artist, Deborah Davis, said she didn't intend her work to be sexual or offensive in any way. Unfortunately, Bemidji city manager John Chattin decided last Thursday to remove the statue after receiving about 20 complaints. 20? Out of over 15,000 people residing in the area?! That's what a lot of my friends and I said over the past few days on social networking site groups dedicated to reinstating the sculpture, Gaea, to her place among her beaver friends.

In the past, the city has displayed art portraying male genitalia without incident, and the decision to remove this statue was made by one man who refused to explain how he came to the decision or what kind of pressures brought him to it. I guess those 20 complainers had a lot of pull with him. All the same, we in favor of freedom of expression were heard; this Tuesday she was replaced! Welcome back, Gaea.


Also, leave it to the City Pages to post this tongue-in-cheek article announcing Gaea's return.