‘Dialogue With the Wind’ sculpture complete

As part of a project led by Imagination Nation, and commissioned by the City of Durand, local artist Julie Dierauer recently completed work on the “Dialogue With the Wind” stone carving that rests in the park near the river. 

Dierauer began the project early in September last year, and worked on the sculpture on the weekends until the snow fell in November. She put in around 40 hours of work last fall, and as the stone becomes brittle when very cold, Dierauer had to give her carving tools a rest until June 9.

She carved for two to three hours per day, every day, for 10 weeks, making the project a 250-hour endeavor.

“I carved pretty much full time this summer,” she said. 

Dierauer’s design was chosen last fall after she submitted her idea for consideration. Her design was chosen by a judge, and approved by Imagination Nation and the City of Durand.

“One of the highlights of having this project awarded to me was that I was able to carve in public,” Dierauer said. “I was able to answer questions and educate the public on the process and the sculpture.”

Dierauer said she had somewhere around 100 visitors through the process. 

“Some were there a few minutes, others stuck around for 20 or so minutes,” she said. “There were locals, people from the Twin Cities, and some from out-of-state.”

Dierauer said it was pretty great to follow parts of the proposal.

“People got so see what was emerging as I worked to capture the essence of the water, trees, and tall grasses caught in the wind,” she said. “A dialogue with the wind was captured in the flow.”

Dierauer said she believes the piece speaks to the public.

“People are able to look at it and touch the sculpture,” she said. “Different imagery will speak to them, and people will get the message naturally.”

A dedication ceremony was held on August 26 at the sculpture site. Attendees included Durand Mayor Patrick Milliren, Jean Accola and Bill Hoeser from Imagination Nation, and friends of Dierauer. A small reception was held at the Cell Block following the dedication.

The sculpture was carved from Dunnville sandstone, which is indigenous to the area. Dierauer said she carved in all weather conditions.

“Ed Sabelko and his crew were very helpful to me, and Administrator Josh Eggleston and the City of Durand were very supportive and cooperative,” Dierauer said.

Dierauer completed the sculpture by hand, except for two hours with an electric chisel to gain depth, and 45 minutes with a disc grinder to shape the top. 

“The City very generously allowed me to use a generator,” she said.

Dierauer said her project went smoothly.

“It was a big project,” she said. “It was such a great process for me to become, in my own way, attached to Durand. I’ve lived here for six years, and this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Dierauer teaches art at Assumption Catholic School. 

“I’m going to continue to teach and do creative things,” she said. “This project was something I could put my heart and soul into.”

Dierauer said she felt great joy at Mayor Milliren accepting the sculpture on behalf of the City, and was delighted that the sculpture was called a “gateway to the City.”

“It’s a great compliment,” she said.