Learn about the 2024 Cultivate Arts artists

Cultivate Arts is a collaborative effort to activate spaces, build connections, celebrate diversity, and promote opportunity through local artist-led create placemaking projects along the METRO Blue Line Extension (BLE) corridor. In collaboration with Hennepin County, the Cultivate Arts program has selected 10 artists to engage the community through art. Learn about the 2024 Cultivate Arts projects below:

Zavien Neal: “Detail in Action!”

Zavien is a North Minneapolis artist who has been involved with BLE projects through Juxtaposition Arts. His engagement project “Detail in Action!” is an innovative project involving a series of live mural paintings. This interactive project invites community members to contribute suggestions and ideas related to visual elements and motifs, that may reference themes such as BLE, Metro Transit, North Minneapolis, or any recognizable aspects that resonate with the local community.

Sebastian Rivera: “You Are Our Future”

Sebastian is a Brooklyn Park resident, community leader, and a multimedia artist with deep-rooted ties to the BLE corridor. His community engagement project "You Are Our Future,” invites participants to envision, create, and embody the possible future for the community. Through interactive art installations and activities, participants will have the opportunity to imagine and contribute to the shaping of our collective future.

Malini Basu and Ivonne Yañez: “Gathered in Transit” – Community Installation & Screen Printing

Malini and Ivonne are Minneapolis-based artists with rich backgrounds in printmaking and textiles. Their collaborative project, "Gathered in Transit” – Community Installation & Screen-Printing, merges their skills to inspire community participation. These events invite commuters to engage in conversations about the project while adding their own drawings to a collage of a light rail-shaped installation.

Ifrah Mansour: “Halima’s Smile”

Ifrah is a passionate advocate for public transportation and is looking forward to blending her love for trains and art with the community. Her project “Halima’s Smile," features a unique puppet that invites participants to reflect on and celebrate the BLE. This project aims to create memorable moments in various locations along BLE, encouraging participants to share their dreams, destinations, and cherished memories, fostering a deeper sense of community and connection.

Constanza Carballo: “Community Print Press”

Constanza is a migrant from Argentina with deep roots in Minneapolis, where her career as a public community artist has flourished. "Impressions of the Community," is an interactive printmaking workshop that invites community members to ink, press, and personalize pre-made linoleum cuts. Reflecting the area's cultural diversity, this project offers materials in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and inclusiveness.

William Truth Maze Harris: “Sound Medicine Drum Circles”–Togetherness through Rhythm & Motion

William spent most of his youth growing up in North Minneapolis and was a pioneer within the hip hop community in the 80’s. "Sound Medicine Drum Circles," is an immersive experience in the wellness arts, combining mindfulness and breath work with West African-based drumming, rhythms, and technique. The project aims to promote "Togetherness through Rhythm & Motion," holding drum circles at various locations in the community with a goal to help people celebrate change, express themselves, and connect through the power of rhythm and motion.

Marlina Gonzales: “Stop, Look, Listen”

Marline has over two decades of experience using art for social change. Her project “Stop, Look, Listen,” will be an artistic engagement endeavor aimed at celebrating the vibrant lives of public transportation commuters in the Twin Cities metro area. Through interactive activities such as storytelling circles, selfies on the Blue Line and story performances, the project seeks to engage the community, foster appreciation for public transportation, and showcase the daily diversity among residents.

Jorie Kosel: “Wherever I Lay My Rug, That’s My Home”

Jorie is a costume designer, textile artist, actress, stylist, and hospitality professional. Her project "Wherever I Lay My Rug, That’s My Home," is a community woven tapestry that will travel through neighborhoods impacted by the BLE project. Using a portable loom, Jorie invites community members to contribute by weaving sections of the tapestry at pop-up events taking place throughout the summer.

Heavenlee Henderson: “Tote on the Blue” and “Plant the Train!”

Heavenlee is a resident of North Minneapolis and designer at Juxtaposition Arts. In the "Tote the Blue Line'' workshop, participants will use tote bags as canvases to depict their personal experiences and aspirations with Metro Transit. The "Plant the Train" workshop explores native plants' benefits in North Minneapolis through discussions and collage-making where participants will envision the BLE surrounded by greenery by fostering ecological awareness and inviting community design input.

Caron Learned: “Piece it Together” – Community Gathering Through Mosaic Art

Caron is a Twin Cities-based artist who is excited to bring her passion for mosaics to the local community of Crystal through a series of three beginner mosaic classes called “Piece it Together.” These classes aim to foster creativity and community engagement, inviting participants of all skill levels to explore the art of mosaic-making.