Beth Ford and the Starbucks Logo
A PR firm contacted me about sculpting a 90 lb block of butter for a celebration of Land-O-Lakes CEO, Beth Ford, being brought on to the Starbucks board of directors.Or so they said. See the Press Release below. And below that, a media piece about it.
Rough |
Rough |
Shaping |
Finished |
Detail |
Delivered |
The initial email I got regarding this commission:
"My name is Drew Hudson, and I work with a local union that represents Starbucks baristas and staff. We're planning an event in March to honor the addition of Beth Ford, Land O Lakes CEO, to the Starbucks board, and had the idea to commission a butter sculpture for the event...."
The press release that was given to me after the sculpture was finished:
About the Artwork:
We have imagined Land O Lakes CEO Beth Ford here as an artistic interpretation of the Starbucks leadership we need. Rooted in Starbucks' company culture, as evoked by the iconic siren's crown and hair, but choosing to stand with workers as her own, authentic self as evidenced by her open, friendly expression. And of course, we know Ford will always be true to Land O' Lakes and the farmers and workers that are part of this great midwestern coop, which is why the entire piece is carved from local Minnesota butter, by local artist and butter sculptor for Midwest Dairy's Princess Kay of the Milky Way program, Gerry Kulzer
About the Artist: Gerry Kulzer:
A sculptor and art teacher with decades of experience, Mr. Kulzer brings his love of making to organizations across the state. His live sculpture performances are fascinating and engaging. Enjoyed by people of all ages, his performances illustrate the importance of working with one's hands, the therapeutic nature of clay, and the love of creation. Kulzer's sculptures reside in numerous private collections. His freelance work with Brodin Studios has resulted in bonze monuments scattered across the nation and as far away as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As the butter sculptor for Midwest Dairy's Princess Kay of the Milky Way program, Kulzer brings regional recognition to Dairy products and the people who work tirelessly to bring food to our tables.
One of the articles about the event:
Minneapolis Starbucks Workers Deliver Butter Sculpture to Land O' Lakes CEO Beth Ford, Call on her to Stand with Workers.
Members of Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) gift a 80-pound butter sculpture of Land O Lakes CEO Beth Ford at their headquarters on Monday, Apr. 3, 2023 in Arden Hills, Minn. The union delivered the sculpture to Ford calling on her to work with partners and their union on a fair human and labor rights impact assesment. SBWU is asking Ford and the rest of the Starbucks board of directors to stop union busting, stand with workers, and bargain with the union in good faith. (Drew Smith/AP Images for Movement Catalyst)