Artist Name: The Milligan Studio
Media: Stainless Steel and kiln-formed glass
Date Created: Fall 2024
Location: Westgate Commons Park
History: The two 8 ft. tall half-moon gates feature the silhouettes of overlapping gingko leaves. The artists highlighted the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) due to its presence in the neighboring communities. It is a common ornamental and shade tree in the Twin Cities, frequently used as a boulevard tree due to its tolerance of both salt and urban pollution. Like most people who live in this country, the ginkgo originated elsewhere; it is native to China. In this regard Ginkgo/Light celebrates, in the words of the artists, “those who are ‘transplanted’ here and, like the ginkgo, adapt and grow deep roots.” The hope is that Ginkgo/Light will become a landmark that celebrates this diverse and vibrant urban village.
Funding for this permanent public art project was made possible thanks to the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department and a grant from the University of Minnesota’s Good Neighbor Fund.