So Minnesota: Franconia Sculpture Park in Chisago County

They say art is in the eye of the beholder.

There’s a lot of art to see at Franconia Sculpture Park in Chisago County.

The 45-acre park showcases strange, unusual and sometimes odd works of art.

"I think people love being able to have an accessible free outdoor museum in rural Minnesota," Chief Curator Ginger Sculick Porcella said.

The park was started by artists nearly twenty five years ago and it has attracted nearly 1,000 artists from around the world.

One sculpture has a connection to an important day in America’s history.

In the summer of 2000, artist Michael Richards had a fellowship at the park. Richards created the sculpture "Are You Down," cast from his own face and body. It raises awareness of the Tuskegee Airman’s impact on World War Two and the history of achieving civil rights for African Americans.

Richards was killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

"Over 25 almost 30 percent of the works that are made here at the park are made by artists of color," Schulick Porcella said. "It’s something we’re really supportive of."

The park is open 365 days a year.