Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.…
GMRPTC Update: MNPAiR — Bringing art to Minnesota’s parks
Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.
Over the past several months, the three Parks and Trails Legacy partners—Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Metropolitan Council Regional Parks—have collaborated on an exciting initiative to bring art into our park systems. This ambitious project, called MNPAiR (Minnesota Parks Artists in Residence), aims to foster creativity and community engagement within our parks.
The goal of MNPAiR is to place artists in three parks within each of the three systems to work closely with the community. Together, they will develop art pieces that create welcoming and inviting spaces for park visitors. Acting as the project facilitator, Forecast Public Art played a key role in coordinating the call for artist submissions. From a remarkable pool of 297 applications, they carefully selected 45 artists for the agencies to consider for their park.
Greater Minnesota Artists and Locations:
For the pilot phase of MNPAiR, artists will collaborate with communities in selected parks across three districts:
- District 3: Tamara Isfeld and John Sterner are working in Granite Falls Memorial Park and Douglas County Lake Brophy Park.
- District 4: Lindsay Buck is working in Sherburne County Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka – Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park and Wright County Robert Ney Park.
- District 6: Cassandra Buck is placed in Rochester Quarry Hill Park, Cascade Lake Park, and Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo.
Each artist is developing their project through public input and engagement, working in various mediums to produce art that is both participatory and inspiring.
Current Phase and Next Steps:
The winter months focused on gathering public feedback and exploring ideas, and now the project is entering an exciting phase—the creation of the artwork itself.
Greater Minnesota has launched a dedicated MNPAiR page on its website to keep the public informed. Progress updates, event information, and details about the summer reveals will be shared regularly. Visit GMRPTC – MNPAiR – Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to stay up to date with all developments.
Looking Ahead:
MNPAiR is envisioned as a two-year initiative. Following the completion of the first phase this summer, the partners aim to incorporate lessons learned and begin planning for year two in the fall.
Keep checking the website for updates, and don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the public events leading up to the final art reveals!
Related Posts
