The staff and leadership of the mPower Northside Arts Fest have announce the slate of local artists who will be participating in the inaugural mPower Northside Arts Fest on Saturday, July 26.
“When the FLOW festival ended several years ago, it left a hole in the creative heart of North Minneapolis,” stated mPower North creative director and muralist Melodee Strong. “With the new mPower Northside Arts Fest, we’re excited to activate multiple sites along the Broadway corridor to celebrate the people and places that make the Northside such a vibrant community.”
This talented and dynamic group of artists participating in the festival include: Elissa Cedarleaf Dahl, ChristopherAaron Deanes, Teneka Graves, Christopher Harrison, Leela Rose Jackson, Mia Jennings, Esther Osayand and Crystal Sokuu.
“We are thrilled to be working with such an amazing cohort of artists who have deep connections to the Northside,” Strong said. “I can’t wait to see what we create together and with the community.”
The public is invited to join this free festival and participate in activities suitable for all ages. Activities will include observing the creation of both moveable and permanent murals, creative craft stations, help paint a community mural, and an interactive scavenger hunt. The festival will also feature food and music provided by local community members.
Locations where artists will be creating murals on the day of the festival include: Sanctuary Covenant Church (Main event hub) – 710 West Broadway; Cub Foods Northside – 701 West Broadway; John B. Davis Center – 1250 West Broadway; and the former site of the 4th Street Saloon – 328 West Broadway
This a drug- and gun-free event for kids, families, and anyone wanting to spend a positive day creating community together! Except in the event of severe inclement weather, this is a rain or shine celebration. For info visit the mPower Northside Facebook page.
The mPower Northside Arts Fest is a Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity funded by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis, with additional support from the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, the Roho Collective and United Properties.