Animals on Parade, the second annual exhibition of wooden carousel animals, is being presented again as a holiday greeting card for the Twin Cities from Gerard L. Cafesjian is known for his role as the major benefactor who helped save the 1914 Minnesota State Fair carousel, now operated by the nonprofit group Our Fair Carousel in St. The exhibit of hand-carved animals produced from about 1890 to 1
930 features a wonderful menagerie of delightful carousel figures including a lion, tiger, giraffe, elephant, zebra, goat, ostrich, rabbit, rooster and more, all accompanied by the tunes of holiday band organ music. These rare wooden figures are prized as art objects and this is the only the second time this selection from the Cafesjian Collection will be seen by the public. European band organ figures and an early and unusual peacock are also included. Many of the animals were carved at the famous Dentzel carousel factory in Philadelphia, some by its master carver, Salvatore Cernigliaro, who came to America in 1903 at the age of 23 and introduced many new animals to this country’s menagerie carousels. One of Cernigliaro’s magnificent lions is a highlight of the exhibition. The proud and powerful tiger, at the entrance to the exhibition, once rode the carousel at Kiddie City Amusement Park in Queens, New York, and, with the exception of last year’s presentation, has not been seen by the public in nearly 60 years. The exhibition is located on the Skyway level of the Plymouth Building, 12 South 6th Street, suite 229, opposite City Center in downtown Minneapolis and will remain on view throughout the holiday season. The easiest way to reach the exhibit is through the Skyway from City Center. The exhibition is free and open to the public Monday through Friday 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM and Thursday through Sunday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM during the Holidazzle event beginning Tuesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 23, 2012. December 24 through January 6, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For more information, or scheduling a private viewing or event, please contact Deana Hansen at 612-359-8991, or Tamara Beckley at [email protected].
