‘Arts’ Archives
Five Renowned Artists to Transform Midtown Greenway into Nation’s Best Cultural Bikeway
By MIDTOWN GREENWAY COALITION Photo courtesy: 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 HerreraCadex 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 [...]
A New Chapter for the Somali Museum of Minnesota
By LAURA HULSCHER Photo by Laura Hulscher On December 27th the Somali Museum hosted a joyous community celebration marking its move to a new larger space. After 11 years just 6 blocks west at the Plaza Verde building, its new location at the Midtown Exchange will provide more space to display its growing collection. Meanwhile, the Museum continues to work towards the long-term goal of a permanent building of its own.The celebration was a bright spot during the darkest week of the year. Somali food, dance, music, and a display of bags made by local Somali weavers were highlights. There was also a chance to view the new exhibits and interpretive displays exploring the history and culture of the Somali people and the Minnesota Somali community. Speaking at the celebration, founder Osman Ali emphasized that the 11-year-old Somali Museum has always been much more than just a gallery. It began cultural programming early on with intergenerational finger weaving workshops held at [...]
Thrones’ Eye View: The North Bench
The city has announced that it is dismantling Touchstone Plaza due to deterioration and safety concerns. Also known as “The Thrones,” this Phillips landmark sits at the northeast corner of the park, at the intersection of Franklin and Chicago. Its architectural sculptures were the product of a multi-year collaboration between the late artist Rafala Green, community members, and more than 80 local youth employed by the project in the 1990s. “Thrones” is a reference to a poem by Louis Alemayehu mounted on a plaque near the entrance. As a goodbye, the alley will be featuring close up photos of each of the Plaza’s sculptural elements in upcoming months. All photos by Laura Hulscher. PART I: The North Bench
