IMAGINE ART AT WAGNER LAKE

Imagine a family is traveling through the area and just happens to stop at Wagner Lake for a short break. They get out of the car to stretch and also happen to notice something that catches their attention on the hillside on the north side of the lake. As they look a closer they also notice that what they saw appears to be some kind of art sculpture that also has some kind of multi-colored design covering the shape. This causes them to want to know more so they look even closer and realize there is not just one sculpture, but two facing the morning sun. They decide to actually take a walk around the lake to check it out. Once there they realize the shape they have seen is actually two different painted buffalo sculptures. They notice the beauty of the designs, the colors and the creativity that went into the design. Imagine how they might feel about this experience, the art, setting by the lake and even how they might begin to imagine what the community is like. Imagine what they might talk about with their friends back home. Imagine what they think when they also notice a plaque next to the sculpture and then discover the art sculptures were created because of the cooperation and partnership that took place between the Yankton Sioux Tribe and Wagner Chamber of Commerce so this moment could be experienced. We all recognize that buffalo are an enduring symbol of the Dakota plains and one that everyone around the world is drawn to when they think about this part of the world. And imagine what they will think when they also notice that the design on these sculptures were actually created by area students. Now imagine one more thing, the name of the sculpture designer is your name. Would you feel great pride? Will people wonder who you are and what kind of person you might be like? Imagine how you would feel knowing your name is listed for all to see for years to come. What if, as a parent, the name of the designer listed on turned out to be your child’s name? Imagine how you might feel. Now imagine that next year you discovered a new and different designed buffalo sculpture appeared on the hill side. Do you think someone might make a return trip to visit and how often? Imagine who visitors might tell others about this community, what they saw, what they felt. Have you ever encouraged someone else to see something special? It is often said, “ If you build it, they will come”! Imagine who might come and where they might come from. There is no imagination needed when contemplating what this will do to help our community and the way we even see ourselves through others eyes. Could you be that student designer with your name on the plaque? Could the designer be your child with their name on the plaque? Just imagine!