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North Commons Park: Six artists commissioned to create works for new and renovated park buildings
 The north facade of the park's new field house will feature a large-scale artwork created by two of the commissioned artists
In partnership with the City of Minneapolis's public art program, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to announce a series of commissions for public art.
Five site-specific public artworks highlight the goals of MPRB's major project to transform North Commons Park into a Northside hub for arts, recreation, athletics and a host of community activities. The project includes a new water park and new fieldhouse to be constructed as additions to the park's existing community center, which will be fully renovated.
MPRB and the City of Minneapolis have often worked together to commission and care for public art in parks and public places throughout Minneapolis. More than 150 works are organized by location as self-guided tours on the shared Minneapolis Public Art Collections interactive map.
Read on to learn more about the six artists commissioned to create works for the new and renovated buildings at North Commons Park.
Roger and Changó Cummings
Urban architecture, design, Hip Hop and sustainability inform Roger's work, which has taken the form of large-scale sculptures, pocket parks, and functional enhancements to public space. He has explored and experimented with combining materials like aerosol paint, steel, stone, recyclable found objects, photovoltaics, tiles and fabric.
Changó’s work weaves through the realms of art, design, place-making, education, and regenerative community building. His hands-on design practice bridges the gap between design, theory, storytelling and real-world impact, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between education and community, with a focus on the Black/Indigenous Diaspora.
The father/son pair - Roger is co-founder of Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA) in North Minneapolis and Changó Cummins leads its Environmental Design Lab - was commissioned by the Minneapolis Art in Public Places program to create a large-scale artwork for the facade of the the park's new field house (pictured above), which will serve as a gateway for visitors coming to the park from the north.
More about Roger Cummings and Changó Cummings
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Briauna Williams
Briauna Williams, a North Minneapolis native, is a self-taught acrylic artist, muralist, and illustrator.
Through her art, she spreads joy and healing within her community, drawing inspiration from nature, storytelling, and deep emotions.
Her experiences at North Commons Park and Community Center, where she painted, played sports, and forged lifelong friendships, continue to influence her creative journey.
Williams is commissioned to create two-dimensional vinyl artwork for the windows on the east side of the North Commons Field House.
More about Brianuna Williams
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Geno Okok
Born in Western Nigeria, Geno Okok has been creating public art for over 10 years, including engaging community at West Broadway Open Streets for the past six years by hosting free art giveaways and activities.
In his younger years, North Commons Park was a place for playing basketball with friends.
Okok is commissioned to create a mural for the north wall inside the North Commons Field House.
More about Geno Okok
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Mia Jennings is a Hmong-American artist based in North Minneapolis, not far from North Commons Park.
She's been creating art for as long as she can remember, currently focusing on murals, street art, and digital art.
Though she works with a wide variety of mediums, her main goal remains consistent: to foster a sense of community through her work.
Jennings is commissioned to create a mural for the entry lobby inside the North Commons Community Center.
More about Mia Jennings
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Shade Pratt's work as FOLA is a vibrant reinterpretation of the familiar, where whimsical scenes unfold in lively narratives and reflect her deep passion for storytelling.
Emerging from a background deeply rooted in football (soccer), Pratt has seen, through coaching, how sports foster belonging, confidence, and purpose, especially among the youth of North Minneapolis.
This unique blend of athletic prowess and artistry forms the foundation of her creative journey.
Pratt is commissioned to create a mural for the youth lounge in the North Commons Community Center.
More about Shade Pratt and FOLA
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Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
612-230-6400 | info@minneapolisparks.org
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