In Minneapolis, residents are set to gather on Saturday for an annual event that has become a beloved tradition in the community: the sharpening of a towering 20-foot (6-meter) tall No. 2 pencil. This unique sculpture was crafted from a local mammoth oak tree belonging to John and Amy Higgins, which was damaged during a storm in recent years. Rather than viewing the loss of the tree with sorrow, the Higginses saw an opportunity to create something whimsical and lasting, thus giving the tree a new life as a piece of pop art.
The sharpening ceremony takes place on the Higgins' front lawn in the picturesque neighborhood of Lake of the Isles and has transformed into a major community spectacle over time. The event draws several hundred attendees, complete with music, festivities, and even participants donning costumes as pencils or erasers. This year, two Swiss alphorn players will contribute to the entertainment, and the Higginses are commemorating the late music superstar Prince by distributing purple pencils, coinciding with what would have been his 67th birthday.
After recognizing the potential of the damaged oak, the Higginses commissioned wood sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad to create a whimsical replica of a classic Trusty brand No. 2 pencil. Ingvoldstad noted that the beauty of the piece lies in the interpretations it inspires among viewers, asserting that appreciation for art can be personal, including negative reactions. He emphasized the importance of art that resonates with individuals, allowing for a breadth of experiences.
John Higgins articulated that the annual event aims to foster community togetherness, symbolic of renewal and opportunity. He noted, "We tell a story about the dull tip, and we’re gonna get sharp," suggesting that the act of sharpening the pencil represents a chance to create new memories, express gratitude, or address responsibilities. Each year, attendees engage in this communal experience, enriching the significance of the event.
During the ceremony, a large, custom-made pencil sharpener is brought up scaffolding erected for the event, facilitating the yearly sharpening process. The pencil itself is an ephemeral creation; with each sharpening, it becomes slightly shorter. Previously, the Higginses have removed anywhere from 3 to 10 inches (8 to 25 centimeters) from the pencil annually, but they remain flexible about how much to remove this year, embracing the idea that one day it may be reduced to a stub. Ingvoldstad remarked that time and life will dictate the sculpture’s evolution, contributing to its charm.
The notion of sacrifice, a common theme in rituals, also factors into this celebration. Ingvoldstad pointed out that through the act of shortening their creation, they are offering a "sacrifice" that connects to the community, suggesting that the diminished size of the pencil is an offering to those who come together to celebrate and share experiences throughout the year. This ritualistic act serves not just to sharpen a sculpture but to enhance the collective spirit and unity of a community that has bonded over this singular and imaginative tribute.
