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There are a few public spaces in major corporate headquarters in the Twin Cities that are considered highly prestigious sites for artwork display. A select few artists ever land a commission for these.

Lindstrom resident, sculptor Ian Dudley, recently installed a work of his on the 50th floor of the Wells Fargo offices in downtown Minneapolis. The hanging cast sculpture is 12 feet long mounted on a one-inch thick aluminum panel.

Dudley is probably best recognized around here because of his Moberg piece, on Highway 8, in Chisago City.

Dudley said it was quite a task getting the huge piece into the elevator and then onto its 50th floor conference room wall; plus the wallpaper in the room runs about $4,000 a roll, so there was no chance for error when setting the supports. He shared, “It was very nerve wracking,” but the final result is breathtaking.

Dudley worked with painter Cyd Wicker, whose cityscape served as the inspiration for the sculpture. “She painted the shape, the bones” of what he created. It was a very enjoyable experience collaborating, and Dudley said he’d love to do it again.

Dudley also installed a lifesize three-dimensional sculpture in Fergus Falls in October 2005. (See photos.) The town fathers saw his Moberg-and-bicycle piece in Chisago City and sought him out. “Yes, it is nice not needing to have to explain your art anymore,” he commented.

His pieces are cast by American Eagle Bronze Casting in Osceola. He’s been working with them for about 15 years.

Dudley is known for his distinct style and for his ability to place sculptures into settings that are “real life.” He explained that he enjoys creating a piece that fits in with its surroundings, has a historic or natural tie to where it is, and he enjoys the challenge of using metal while at the same time allowing for the “impression of movement.”

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