Garden of Good People, 2018

505 1st Ave S, St James, MN 56081 USA

 

Garden of Good People Mural was designed to highlight and honor the historic Saint James community space that is the Princess Theatre. The Princess shares the building with the community center and hosts many memorable community moments as well as serving countless essential functions. In addition to showing block-busting motion pictures, everyone finds a place at the Princess; seniors eat, play work-out, families celebrate, City Council deliberates and makes decisions, community meals are prepared, an impressive local art gallery is on display, change-makers meet to organize community, it's the command center for the annual Multi Cultural Fiesta, and more! The Princess Theatre is truly the epicenter of all that is great and growing in Saint James. The mural is dedicated to the countless amazing folks from all backgrounds that keep the community growing and thriving. To complete the composition, Community Building along with the street address will be displayed using antique marquee letters in the (now open) center building space. 

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Every community mural has a story, and for Garden of Good People I wanted to include at least the jist. Community members were asked to contribute to the mural design by various methods including art making and stories written in their native language. One idea/phrase was continually repeated and made a beautiful addition to the composition: we watch out for each other. Formally the words are 1/2" water-jet cut aluminum finished with a professionally painted (automotive) gold tone & acrylic paint was applied to poly-tab mural fabric.

 

Integral Supporting Artist: Arnold Carlson  

Key Contractors: Casting Creations Foundry

Key Community Collaborators: Cindy Torkelson, Pat Harris, Ever Vargas, Linda Buller, Amy Udvig, Rachel Yoder