Surface takes years of handwritten data recorded by Army Corps of Engineers staff as the basis for a light show. Daily pool heights will translate into shifting colors projected on atmospheric effects created in the lock chamber. The spectacle will display the 52 year operating history of this iconic Minneapolis space through near daily observations by the people who tended it.
Illuminate the Lock is a 2-part series of artist interventions that use the 49 foot tall chamber of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam as a screen for artistic projections.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Viewing of Surface will work like a gallery visit, where visitors stroll around the perimeter of the lock chamber to view the projections. The average visit for Illuminate the Lock will last 20-30 minutes. Chairs are not allowed and please leave your dog and other pets at home. This is an industrial federal facility and pets, alcohol and smoking are not permitted. Kids under 12 need to be supervised by an adult at all times. The site is accessible. Some surfaces at the Lock are metal grates, please wear sensible shoes. Please ask staff onsite if you need a particular accommodation. We encourage people to bike or take light rail to the event. Parking is available at several nearby lots, including the Guthrie Theater and the Mill Quarter Parking Ramps. There will be food trucks near the lock.
Listen to The Soap Factory’s podcast episode featuring Aaron discussing Surface.
Presented by Northern Lights.mn, Mississippi Park Connection, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and as part of Here & There by The Soap Factory with support from St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
September 15 & 16
8-10:30 pm
Free
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock And Dam