The Arvonne Fraser Library in Dinkytown is commissioning two public artworks for its north and south stairwells.
Hennepin County Library and Forecast Public Art, a nonprofit organization promoting public art, partnered to select the artist.
Mid-career and established artists who live in Minnesota had until Friday to apply, according to the Forecast website. The artists must be recognized by peers, have produced independent work and be 18 years or older to be selected for this project.
Forecast Director of Learning, Grants and Research Jen Krava said once the committee looks over applications, three finalists will be notified on Dec. 16 and receive a stipend to develop a concept of the art. Of the three artists, one will be selected in late January to complete the project.
The committee consists of eight members from Hennepin County, the library board, a Fraser library representative, and a student and professor from the University of Minnesota, said Jessica Shaykett, a Hennepin County Libraries’ community engagement team member.
A Hennepin County Library Board policy mandates that the art mural be created by members of the public, Shaykett said.
“As part of that policy, it’s been decided that any major capital project that happens in the library system there will be a public art process,” Shaykett said.
Shaykett said she hopes the selected artists will incorporate part of the surrounding community near the library like the University, the indigenous community and the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood into the art.
The design’s concept must incorporate the community’s character, a sense of inclusivity and accessibility and require minimal upkeep, according to the Forecast website.
Krava, who is also a landscape architecture adjunct professor at the University, said she is excited about an art project being done so close to the campus.
“We’re super excited for this project to be happening, especially, you know, it’s so close to the U Campus. It’s right in Dinkytown,” Krava said. “We’re just excited to be able to add to that community.”
The Fraser Library underwent renovations in 2018 and the Hennepin County Library is adding in the art murals that were supposed to accompany the renovations, Shaykett said.
Shaykett said public art in libraries is an opportunity to bring the community together.
“Libraries are public spaces. Having art in the library is really an opportunity to enhance the library experience and create a really positive kind of public environment,” Shaykett said. “Our library’s mission is to nourish minds, transform lives and build community. We see public art as contributing to that mission that art is a part of lifelong learning and intellectual growth.”
