Standing before you is Together We Grow Mural. What story does it tell? It’s a vibrant mosaic. It bursts with color. This artwork declares community power.
Together We Grow Mural is located at Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street. Look at this corner. It’s transformed. The mural replaced a nondescript stucco wall. It was often marked by graffiti. Now, it’s a highlight.
Imagine 300 people infusing creative energy into this space. Each person made their mark. The mural embodies unity. It states the dynamic power of art. Art emboldens individuals. It unifies communities.
The Together We Grow Mural is part of the Semilla Project. This project is from St Paul’s Lutheran Church. The mural also marks Phillips Avenue of the Arts inauguration. This initiative rebrands the community. It exposes art that links community groups. It connects businesses and residents.
The Together We Grow Mural was dedicated on Saturday, October 26th. School children contributed. Kids from the Autism Spectrum Program at Andersen Community School participated. Senior citizens joined in. Families and block clubs added their talents. They learned mosaic techniques. Together, they created a 1400 square foot mural. It graces the La Mexicana building.
Patrick Cabello Hansel is co-pastor of St Paul’s. He says Phillips Community is blessed. It has incredible diversity. It has talented people. It has courageous people. Giving people tools empowers them. They create beautiful art together. They work together to build community.
The Semilla Project has completed 19 murals. They range from garage murals to large-scale mosaics. These combat graffiti. They enhance schools. They placed mosaic flower planters throughout the community.
The project partners with several organizations. These include Waite House and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. They also work with All My Relations Gallery. They collaborate with The Division of Indian Works and Community Emergency Services. They bring quality arts to people where they live. They focus on those lacking access. This includes people with physical challenges. Over 1800 people have participated in mosaic workshops. They have attended classes.
Greta McLain is the project’s lead artist. She’s created murals in many places. This includes Philadelphia and Memphis. She has worked in Boston and Buenos Aires. She’s made art in Paris and other Minneapolis neighborhoods.
McLain calls this mural an important gateway marker. It leads into Phillips Community. Youth groups pieced it together. Hundreds of volunteers helped. It took over a month to install. It shows the neighborhood’s commitment. They are growing their positive image. It demonstrates the collective ability of Phillips residents. McLain feels honored to lead the Semilla Project. She’s watched art grow in Phillips. This mural is a culmination. It started with small mosaic planter projects in 2010.
The dedication featured live music. Radio Pocho played. Axolotl performed. Holly Dunagan sang. Sister Species joined. Bomba Umoya shared their music. Alma Andina contributed. There were fun activities for children. Greta McLain shared spoken words. Sandy Spieler spoke. Claudia Valentino and Vicky Melchor assisted. Fatima Castro contributed. Marisa Carr participated. Patrick Cabello Hansel acted as MC.
Minnesota voters made this activity possible. They provided a grant through the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council supported it. Funding came from the National Endowment for the Arts. A City of Minneapolis Innovative Graffiti Prevention Micro-Grant helped too.
Remember Together We Grow Mural. It embodies community spirit. It showcases artistic talent. It transforms a simple wall into a powerful statement. It celebrates unity.