NeighborhoodEast IslesLake of the Isles
Community celebrates Lake of the Isles Pencil's 5th sharpening
Thousands gathered in East Isles on June 6, 2026, to watch the annual ceremonial sharpening of Minneapolis' giant pencil sculpture.
The fifth annual sharpening of the 20-foot "Loti Pencil" ran from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at 2217 E Lake of the Isles Parkway, organized by the East Isles Neighborhood Association.
Crowds filled the street, sidewalks and park across from John and Amy Higgins' home; "There's thousands of people here to celebrate something so simple," one attendee said.
Artisanal pencil sharpener David Rees, author of 'How to Sharpen Pencils,' returned to oversee the sharpening after taking part in the first two parties in 2022 and 2023.
Sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad carved the yellow No. 2 pencil in 2022 from the trunk of a 180-year-old bur oak that died after a 2017 storm tore off its crown.
Treated as a "living" installation, the pencil loses several inches each year to a custom four-foot sharpener Ingvoldstad also designed.
NeighborhoodEast IslesLake of the Isles
Related stories
Neighborhood
Lowry Hill and East Isles Land on Patch's List of Minnesota's Most Expensive Neighborhoods
Lowry Hill and East Isles rank among Minnesota's most expensive neighborhoods according to Patch's analysis of Niche's 2026 data.
Neighborhood
The end is in sight for Loring Park dandelion fountain's drought
State lawmakers approved $1.8 million for Berger Fountain repairs, and Park Board crews have begun demolition at the dry Loring Park landmark.
Neighborhood
East Isles Plans a Summer Social With Food Trucks and Free Ice Cream
The East Isles Neighborhood Association holds its annual Summer Social on Wednesday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Joanne Levin Triangle Park, with a rain date of June 15.
The neighborhood, in your inbox
Free. No paywall. Pick the topics you want — we send what’s happening this week.