On Friday September 3, we invite you to the penultimate Open Field event: the Harvest Picnic at 6pm. In the spirit of gastronomical celebration, we want to reflect on our favorite “ingredients” of the cultural commons and thank our Open Field participants with lots of cake. Sharing food is an important aspect of the commons, and cakes in particular are made to be shared, passed around, and enjoyed in good company. Cake and celebration go hand in hand at the Walker, where commemorative cakes have surfaced on every big anniversary. In 1972, the Walker commissioned a chocolate-covered cake for the first anniversary of the Barnes building.
Celebration of the 1st Birthday of the Walker Art Center’s Barnes building, May 13, 1972. Eric Sutherland for Walker Art Center.Celebration of the 1st birthday of the Barnes building, May 13, 1972. Eric Sutherland for Walker Art Center.The snow-covered Barnes building cake, May 13, 1972. Eric Sutherland for Walker Art Center.Celebration of the 1st birthday of the Barnes building, May 13, 1972. Eric Sutherland for Walker Art Center.
In 1981, the Walker celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Barnes building with a cake by Betty Nelsen.
Betty Nelsen assembling the 10th Anniversary cake of the Barnes building, July 12, 1981. Glenn Halvorson for Walker Art Center.Director Martin Friedman blowing out the candles on the 10th Anniversary cake for the Barnes building, July 12 1981. Glenn Halvorson for Walker Art Center.Crowd at the 10th Anniversary Party of the Barnes building, July 12, 1981. Glenn Halvorson for Walker Art Center.Ceremony for the 10th Anniversary of the Barnes building featuring a cake by Betty Nelsen, July 12, 1981. Glenn Halvorson for Walker Art Center.
In 1998, the Walker brought in a cake for the tenth anniversary of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This cake seems to be a more abstract representation of the Sculpture Garden (except the small spoon and cherry on top!). The Open Field cake may be either representational or abstract, but it will surely be delicious.
Cake cutting ceremony for the 10th Anniversary of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, September 12, 1998. Dan Dennehy for Walker Art Center.Crowd eating cake at the 10th Anniversary of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, September 12, 1998. Dan Dennehy for Walker Art Center.Director Kathy Halbreich with guests standing beside the cake for the 10th Anniversary of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, September 12, 1998. Dan Dennehy for Walker Art Center.
There have also been several artists cakes for exciting openings.
Cake for opening of the exhibition “Picasso: From the Musee Picasso, Paris,” 1980. Glenn Halvorson for Walker Art Center.Cake for opening of the exhibition, “Calder’s Universe,” 1977. Glenn Halvorson for Walker Art Center.
The Harvest Picnic will be a delectable opportunity to share thoughts on the cultural commons and favorite events, and brainstorm the perfect recipe for an Open Field. And of course, you will have the chance to take part in the long and honorable tradition of eating a commemorative Walker cake.
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