BURNT MATCHSTICK

BURNT MATCHSTICK's Journey

Prized as the largest – and one of the most well-known – works by Minnesotan sculptor and stained glass artist Karl Unnasch, BURNT MATCHSTICK was initially funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. It had debuted in 2015 at the Rochester Art Center as a temporary exhibit; then, in 2017, it was moved to Newport Beach, California, for a lengthy appearance at the Sculpture in Civic Center Park exhibition. While there, the L.A. Times named it a favorite of both the arts panel and the public through an online survey. 

Meanwhile, Minnesota community-builder Greg Konsor heard of BURNT MATCHSTICK’s availability for permanent placement and became interested in securing it for his expanding project, Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail. The site hosts rotating exhibits in its art gallery, weekly music performances, an open art studio, community events, and a café featuring offerings from local providers. Outdoors, the expansive grounds offer space for walks, exploration, and reflection – and, in October 2022, they also became this iconic sculpture's forever-home.


Images of BURNT MATCHSTICK at the Art in Motion site are expected shortly - stay tuned.



Foreground & background photos: Cat Thisius
Background photo on top block: Cat Thisius