The arts community and the Maple Grove Arts Center lost a true friend nearly
two years ago in a workplace shooting in Minneapolis. Jacob Beneke was a board
member at the Arts Center and a key mover in arranging for the display of art in
area businesses. Beneke was also an abstract painter and mixed media sculptor
who incorporated found objects into art pieces that looked like robots, flowers,
windmills and other whimsical creations. “Jake’s passion for the beauty of all
creation lives in his sculptures and in the hearts of those who were fortunate
enough to know and love him,” says his wife, Iliyana.
Beneke was to have been the designer of the sign outside the Arts Center. As
he was researching signs, he discovered three large letters at an architectural
antique store and texted a picture of them to Arts Center executive director
Lorrie Link. “I laughed when I saw them,” says Link, “and told him that they
were very cool and that they were way too big for the building!” Beneke decided
to buy them anyway to be used at the Art Fair or on the sidewalk outside the
Center.
After his death, Beneke’s wife and parents felt that he would have wanted the
Art Center to have the letters, so they sit inside the gallery, not-so-subtly
reminding all who venture there of the ultimate purpose of the space.
Photographer and member Matthew Scherfenberg recently restored their power to
glow neon pink just in time for the opening of his show called Analogs.
See the enormous letters at the Arts Center. Stroll by for a visit during
gallery hours and enjoy the exhibits and the gift shop just inside the door.
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Check out the ART sign and all the classes and exhibits at:
Arts Center
7916 Main St., Maple Grove
maplegroveartscenter.org
