JayJay and Elsa
On Friday, March 22, 2024, Baraboo Public Art Association hosted the dedication of two new sculptures at Myron Park on South Boulevard - an adult giraffe named “JayJay” and a calf named “Elsa.”
In December 2022, Cheryl Eggert reached out to representatives of Baraboo Public Art Association (BPAA) to discuss bringing another animal sculpture to Baraboo. In conversation with Cheryl’s father, James Behnke of Ableman (now known as Rock Springs), Mr. Behnke described his wish to honor his late wife, June, and his mother, Elsa, with a commissioned public art sculpture.
Elsa Behnke, James’ mother, resided in Ableman where she raised her family of 8 children. Cheryl shared that Elsa was once a housekeeper for the Charles Ringling family home, which is now the Ringling Bed and Breakfast on 8th Street in Baraboo.
June and James married in 1988 and resided in Reedsburg. They shared an appreciation for history and a love of antiquing. June was also an artist who enjoyed ceramics, crocheting and later a great interest in quilting through Cheryl and her quilt tour business. James chose to bequeath this sculpture to the City of Baraboo after seeing the other notable works at Myron Park, which June enjoyed. June’s favorite animal was the giraffe.
The sculptor is Dean Allen Bloedorn of D2 Studio, Lodi. The giraffe pair is of welded aluminum construction and is the second Myron Park sculpture project that Dean completed for BPAA.
The Baraboo Public Art Association thanks James Behnke for his generous donation; Cheryl Eggert for bringing the project to the attention of BPAA and sharing insights about her mother and Elsa; the artist Dean Allen of D2 Studio; the City of Baraboo Parks, Recreation, and Forestry; the Baraboo Common Council, and Mayor Rob Nelson for support in making this project possible.
JayJay and Elsa now belong to the City of Baraboo for the enjoyment of all its community members and visitors.
