Hideaway in Deming Heights

One of the best things about parks in the Twin Cities is the presence of tiny doors for elves built into hollow spots at the bases of trees. They have hinges and latches, and when you open them, they reveal notes, toys, and other treasures people leave for the elves. There is one in Deming Heights park in Northeast Minneapolis, only a couple blocks from my house. The park is between the Audubon Park and Waite Park neighboorhoods, and is the highest point in Minneapolis.

Acrylic and mixed media on canvas, done in June 2011. The central tree and door, as well as the strips at the bottom, are fabric sewn and glued onto the canvas. The doorknob is a bead. The hill is a piece of a plastic filter from a broken space heater.