10/23/2009 10:05:02 AM

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By Christina Killion Valdez
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 

After spending the summer hunting for, photographing and appreciating the unique flock of 18 giant geese scattered throughout Rochester, many people feared the birds would migrate this fall.

The 5-foot-tall, 525-pound goose statues decorated by area artists for the "Goose is Loose" public arts project were unveiled at Rochesterfest and slated for display until Thursday.

Bari Amadio, executive director of the Rochester Arts Council, which spearheaded the project, said she fielded phone calls from several people concerned that the geese would go away.

	What happened: The popular Goose is Loose public art display came to an end with a celebration Thursday. Why it matters: The goose statues raised more than $80,000 for the Rochester Arts Council. What's next: A brochure will map out the locations of the geese that remain on public display. The Arts Council expects to host another public arts project in the future, but not next year because of the time needed for planning and fund raising.

But there's good news for the goose lovers: most of the geese will remain in their summer homes. Some of the more delicate birds will move indoors, but remain on display.

"The fact is," said Mayor Ardell Brede, "these geese brought joy to both visitors to Rochester and to Rochester citizens."

The goose that was on display outside Ronald McDonald House will move to inside Mayo Civic Center. The "Bird as Bard" goose, which was punched and kicked late this summer while on display in front of the Rochester Public Library, will be moved inside the library, where patrons can watch as artist Leisa Luis-Grill works on the repairs, Amadio said.

"My feeling is that art should inspire passion," said Gregory Stavrou, president of the Rochester Arts Council, as he described each of the statues during Thursday's event. "I think this goose did that."

Four geese were auctioned Thursday by their sponsors, who initially paid $4,500 for them.

"The American Dream" by artist Gayle Dahl, sponsored by Edina Realty Home Services, went for $550; "Family-History-Community-Unity" by artist Jane Belau, sponsored by Olmsted Medical Center, went for $500; "Mother Goose Takes a Gander" by artist Laura Hanora Birdsong Rice, sponsored by Think Mutual Bank, went for $2,000; and "Goose in the Garden" by artist Karin Neuvirth, sponsored by Broadway Residence & Suites by BridgeStreet, went for $500.

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