By MIDTOWN GREENWAY COALITION
The Midtown Greenway, a beloved urban bike trail, is set to become even more vibrant with the addition of five cultural murals created by a talented group of artists. This exciting project celebrates community, creativity, cultural diversity, and the power of public art to inspire and connect.
This work is funded in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
The murals will be completed by June 2025, thanks to the dedicated work of these remarkable artists:
Cadex Herrera
Cadex Herrera is an internationally acclaimed artist known for his vibrant murals and social justice-themed artwork. Originally from Belize, Herrera gained worldwide recognition as one of the artists behind the iconic George Floyd mural in Minneapolis. His work often explores themes of identity, resilience, and community, making him a perfect fit for this project.
Geno Okok
Geno Okok is a Nigerian-born artist whose dynamic portraits and vibrant use of color capture the essence of his subjects. Okok’s work reflects his passion for storytelling and his commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. His murals can be found across the Twin Cities, each one a testament to his artistic vision and cultural heritage.
Constanza Carballo
Constanza Carballo is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Argentina, now based in Minneapolis. Her work often incorporates elements of nature and abstract design, blending organic forms with bold, geometric patterns. Carballo’s murals are celebrated for their ability to transform public spaces into immersive artistic experiences.
Melodee Strong
Melodee Strong is a Minneapolis-based artist and educator with a passion for empowering communities through art. Her murals often highlight themes of diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Strong’s bold, illustrative style brings a unique energy to her work, making her a standout in the Twin Cities art scene.
Natalie Shugailo
Natalie Shugailo is a greater Chicago-based artist specializing in intricate, nature-inspired designs that draw from her Ukrainian heritage. Her work often features detailed patterns and motifs that celebrate cultural traditions while embracing modern aesthetics. Shugailo’s murals are known for their meticulous craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
A Celebration of Community and Creativity
The Midtown Greenway Cultural Mural Project is an effort to enhance the urban landscape via public art, and celebrate the beauty and diversity of the cultural communities who live, work, and play alongside the trail.
The artists will use a variety of mediums, with a focus on aerosol art, as well as brushwork and other techniques to bring their visions to life.
Each artist will bring their unique perspective and style to the trail, creating a cohesive yet diverse collection of murals that reflect the spirit of the Greenway and the people who use it. These murals will join the existing murals and sculptures already in the Midtown Greenway, creating the nation’s best cultural bikeway.
“We’re thrilled to work with such an incredible group of artists,” said Soren Jensen, project coordinator and Midtown Greenway Coalition executive director. “These murals will not only beautify the Greenway, but celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our community so great, and bring even more people to the trail.”
The murals are expected to be installed by June 2025. Stay tuned for updates and unveiling events! For more information, please contact Soren Jensen at 612-879-0105 or soren@midtowngreenway.org.
About the Midtown Greenway
The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile urban bike trail in south Minneapolis, widely regarded as the nation’s best urban bike trail. With its dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, the Greenway serves as both a vital transportation corridor and a vibrant public space.
About the Midtown Greenway Coalition
The Midtown Greenway Coalition is the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Midtown Greenway as a community asset. The Coalition has played a pivotal role in advocating for the trail’s development and maintenance, organizing community events, installing gardens, enhancing safety, and fostering public art projects. Their mission is to ensure that the Greenway remains a safe, beautiful, and accessible space for all.
