A figurehead in Brackendale is turning 75 with a celebration that will give people a long-awaited peek at one of the most unique structures in the corridor. Thor Froslev is inviting friends and neighbours to the Brackendale Art Gallery, owned by him and his wife Dorte on Saturday (March 15). For many, it will be their first opportunity to step inside the sprawling structure's work-in-progress: the Eagle Tower Monument.The four-storey building, inspired by the shape of a bald eagle, was designed by renowned architect Henry Yorke Mann. While the tower was initially intended to serve as an Eagle Aide Station, the station has now been constructed next to the tower's base. Now the striking building has plenty of room to operate as an eagle interpretation centre, artist's studio and bell tower all in one. It is not yet complete, but with a half-circle door and winding staircase made out of refurbished wood, it is already entrenched in creativity.With his 75th birthday on the horizon, Froslev is old enough to pat himself on the back."It's fantastic," he says, while giving a tour on a recent Saturday afternoon. He throws his arms up at its base, mimicking the wing-shaped aluminum walls. The layering of aluminum and glass creates the effect of three eagles flying in a row. It has been many years in the making, he said, but the artist's suite is now getting finishing touches such as a sink and cupboard space.Its most outstanding feature is undoubtedly the unparalleled view it provides of the town."Some poor artist will get lucky," Froslev said as he walked through it.On its bottom floor will be the eagle interpretation centre complete with eagle books and computers. The resources are meant to help people learn more about the predacious birds that flock to Brackendale in record numbers each winter.Froslev will be starting tours of the tower at 4 p.m. during an open house, followed by cake and entertainment in the evening.The birthday celebration will also be a chance for Froslev's many acquaintances to come together. Having run the gallery as a theatre, studio and caf茅 for more than 30 years, he has a wealth of friends he hopes to see at the event, including some well-known artists such as musical performer Norman Foote."Who knows who's going to come out of the woodworks," Froslev said. The walk down memory lane will be enhanced by Leslie Alexander, who is currently writing a book on the gallery and will be there with a PowerPoint presentation on the gallery's history.The birthday cake will be cut at about 7:30 p.m., which Dorte predicts will be accompanied by a few roasts to Thor - an element he said he strongly objects to."No, no, no. Roasts are dangerous."Many details about the evening are still being ironed out, but Froslev said everyone is welcome to join the celebration.
