I try to avoid driving on Hwy 65 when showing houses in Anoka County. The backroads throughout Ham Lake, Linwood, Blaine and East Bethel are more picturesque. But a shortcut to our favorite movie theater in East Bethel from our Ham Lake home has my family driving down a short stretch of the Hwy 65 service road quite often.
About two months ago, we noticed a enormous log standing straight up toward the sky and surrounded by scaffolding. There was the beginnings of a bear head on top of this huge piece of wood in the old Lefty Liquor's parking lot. Of course, since we were heading to the movies, I had no camera with. So I made a mental note that this chainsaw masterpiece in the making was one to watch.
About a week later, we drove past again. That mental note popped up but too late to remember the camera. Now the giant bear was complete but there appeared to be more to do. A few weeks pass and another can't miss feature film is showing at the Mueller East Bethel theater. As we pass rush to the movie house not wanting to miss the previews, that mental note once again came into my head as the bear was done. And not just completed but it was masterfully painted from head to toe and beyond. He was surrounded by several smaller bears, eagles and gnomes and a few uncut logs. It looked like a new chainsaw art business was in the making.
Wow-Now I had to get a photo before the bear was sold! So later that day we headed to the parking lot and shot several pictures of the bear. I loved the details as there are realistic stones, okay boulders, and a small pine in the base. Note how extremely tall he is from the shot that was taken from underneath. Using my 6 foot plus son to get perspective, I think this guy is in the 20 foot range!
Last Sunday, as my family packed in the car and headed to see the second Narnia flick, I realized the new chainsaw bear might become a more permanent fixture in East Bethel. Lefty's is under new ownership and is now Black Bear Liquors. So when people head north on Highway 65 through Anoka County, take a moment to wave and welcome East Bethel's newest artful roadside distraction!
Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Grrrr....Black Bear in Columbus
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: D'oh! Homer at Home in Centerville
- Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake
Don't be distracted when making YOUR important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota..JPG)
Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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I have loved your series on the unique sites around your area since you started. Great for people who relocate as well as visitors....who just may come back too. :)
Hi Teri,
I love these things you've written on. It must be funny driving by and seeing a standing log and knowing it's a future work of art.
Hi Teri - I love when you do these posts!
Teri, This one is truly unique.
Teri, I have always LOVED this series....and thought maybe you had run out of "Artful Distractions." It's a wonderful bear, you have some amazing sites there!
Teri,
What a great piece of art, must be a traffic stopper!
A 20 foot black bear! That should be easy to spot. I get up that way every once in awhile. Great post.
Teri ~ I just love your Artful Distractions series. Thanks for sharing the bear.
Sally--Thanks!! They are a lot of fun to write too!
Lynda--It was weird to drive by the head one day and then he was done almost the next it seemed...Amazing!!
Sandra--I am so glad you enjoy them!!
Mana--I thought so too...especially the base.
Carole--No there are more...I saw a very interesting one today that I will share soon...And a few in St. Paul I noticed awhile back but haven't gotten down to photo. Many are covered in the winter to protect so now I will be adding to the series soon!
Cynthia--I am certain that is the goal of the new shop owner!
Pam--Keep an eye out to the east when heading north on 65 just past Ham Lake and you can't miss him! :)
Marzena--You are very welcome!!
Teri, I have always wanted to visit Minnesota and have been reading your blogs and it looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for posting such great information.