Residents of a picturesque Minneapolis neighborhood are set to partake in an annual tradition: the sharpening of a massive No. 2 pencil. Rising 20 feet tall, this whimsical sculpture, created from a once beloved oak tree at the home of John and Amy Higgins, serves as a symbol of community renewal and ingenuity. The tree, which had succumbed to storm damage, evoked a deep sense of loss among neighbors. However, rather than viewing it as the end, the Higginses embraced the opportunity to give the tree a new life, transforming it into a unique work of art that has captured the hearts of locals.
The ceremonial sharpening of this oversized pencil has become a vibrant communal event, drawing hundreds to the scenic Lake of the Isles neighborhood. Along with the sharpening, festivities include live music, costumes where attendees dress as pencils or erasers, and unique performances such as those from Swiss alphorn players. This year, the event takes on special significance as attendees will commemorate the late music legend Prince—who would have celebrated his 67th birthday—by distributing purple pencils, further embedding the event into the cultural tapestry of the community.
The Higginses’ vision for the sculpture went beyond mere aesthetics. They sought to create a piece of pop art that resonates universally. Enlisting the expertise of wood sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad, they decided on a classic Trusty brand No. 2 pencil, a symbol that connects people across various walks of life. Amy Higgins emphasized the accessibility of a pencil, stating that it invokes memories of school, work, and creativity, allowing everyone to interpret its meaning in their unique way.
Ingvoldstad echoed this sentiment, highlighting that art should invite personal interpretation. Whether someone’s reaction is positive or negative, the essential goal is to foster a space where individuals can explore their feelings and associations with the piece. He believes that the pencil sculpture serves this purpose well, offering a platform for reflective thought among those who engage with it.
The celebration is imbued with deeper symbolic significance. John Higgins explains that the ritual involves storytelling, with references to the pencil’s dull tip transitioning to a sharp point signifying renewal. This metaphor of renewal resonates deeply, as individuals are encouraged to reflect on the transformations in their own lives. Writing metaphorically becomes an act of fresh beginnings—a love letter, a simple thank you, or a list of aspirations to achieve. This theme of renewal seems to resonate strongly with attendees, fostering community bonds through shared experiences.
One unique aspect of the pencil sculpture is its ephemeral nature. Each year, a giant custom-made pencil sharpener—transported to the event—shaves off a few inches from the sculpture. The unpredictable lengths add an element of charm, inviting acceptance of impermanence. Ingvoldstad reinforces the notion that rituals often require sacrifice, suggesting that the community’s engagement comes at the cost of the sculpture’s stature. This, however, becomes an offering to both the attendees and the collective experiences of the past year, turning the act of sharpening into an endearing and transformative community ritual.
