Central MN Arts Board awards public art grant to Elk River EDA

The Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) awarded a total of $53,719 in public art grants on May 9, including one for $8,000 to the City of Elk River Economic Development Authority.

The money will be used for “Where Energy Flows,” a 7-foot-by-4-foot mosaic created by local artist Carey Dean depicting an abstract representation of the Mississippi River view from Elk River to be displayed within the Furniture and Things Community Event Center in Elk River.

The EDA has already committed $10,000 to the project, and plans are to fundraise the rest, according to recent discussions of the EDA.

Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Inc. received $10,000 to support local Indigenous artists Holly Young and Giizh (Sarah) Agaton Howes, who will collaborate for the creation and installation of Indigenous artwork for the refuge’s Oak Savanna Learning Center Amphitheater.

The CMAB public art program provides funds for the completion of well-planned works of public art that are accessible to the public and supported by the community. An organization must provide a minimum of 25% in matching funds. Public art grants are provided through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Others to receive grants include the following:

• College of Saint Benedict, $14,854, for the creation of “Resonance,” a large-scale ceramic wall installation by alumni and artist Desi Murphy, to be installed in the Benedicta Arts Center at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph.

• Community Legacy Foundation, $10,315, for chalk artist Shawn McCann to lead local professional artists in creating large 3D chalk art displayed on the street during Chalk in Sauk June 22-23 in Sauk Centre. Artists will provide armature spaces to invite attendee participation and provide tips in design, colors, answer questions and encouragement.

• MontiArts, $10,550, to support artist Aryn Lill in the creation and installation of a mural based on Mississippi River scenery in the Monticello Community Center’s front hall.

The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties.