The COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup came to Minneapolis in February 2024! Theodore Wirth Park is a vibrant place to explore world class ski trails in the heart of the city we love and it was an amazing location to host the world’s best athletes in cross country skiing. This was the first world cup race to be held on U.S. soil in over twenty years. I was honored to be commissioned with designing and crafting the athlete awards for this World Cup event. As well as designing the concept for the venue’s The Alpine Tower makeover.
To learn more visit the Loppet Cup Spectators guide.
Loppet Cup Awards
The Loppet Cup athlete awards visually express the uniqueness of Theo Wirth Park’s spectacular nature crowned by the Minneapolis skyline. To honor nature and our connection to the land, I acknowledge the original stewards of the Očhéthi Šakówiᶇ territory: the Dakhóta (Eastern Dakota), Dakȟóta (Western Dakota), and The Lakȟótiyapi (Lakota). Through this work and my work at the Loppet Foundation, I aim to be a steward that ensures those who have been historically and continue to be excluded, have access to the land and the magic of nature. These plates share and honor the practice of the Mingei, or the art of everyday beauty / art for the people, that has captivated the ceramics community of Minnesota and imbued our region. The plates are a celebration of the athlete’s work, our region’s landscape, and artistic history – crafted into an object intended to be enjoyed in use or rest with function always in view.
Click Here for a behind the scenes video of the process.
Alpine Tower
I conceptualized the deign of the colorful Alpine Tower near the center of the race venue. The Loppet had an old tower that desperately needed a makeover and I had an idea, so I made a drawing. Then my coworkers and some amazing volunteers—all women—made it a reality. The colors were inspired by the brand colors for the Loppet Cup and the Loppet Foundation.
Click Here for a behind the scenes video of the process.
World Cup Art Activations
To learn more visit the Loppet Cup Spectators guide.
Loppet Cup Plates for Spectators
Want to take home a plate like the winners of the Loppet Cup? Designer and crafter of the World Cup 2024 Awards, Kate Fisher, made a limited edition of plates similar to those presented to the winning athletes. The design of these commemorative pieces captures the spirit of Theodore Wirth Park’s nature and trails crowned by the Minneapolis skyline while echoing the branding color of the event. Available only during the March 2024 pre-sale, all plates were handmade by Kate in her studio