Public Art With a Purpose

I specialize in working with smaller communities navigating their first public art projects—from securing grant funding to final installation. My goal is to deliver not just a beautiful mural, but a successful experience that gives towns the confidence to commission public art again.

My process is simpler than you think, and what's really important for Minnesota- it doesn't depend on the weather. I prefer to paint my community murals on aluminum composite panels. These are weatherproof, waterproof, lightweight, and simple to install at any time of year.

  • 1

    Fund

    Panel murals are a surprisingly affordable public art endeavor for any municipality. In addition, the Minnesota State Arts Board in your area may provide funding that covers most of the cost of the project. You just provide the wall!

  • 2

    Design and Paint

    I use the provided information about your community to create a custom design that highlights the characteristics that make your community special. After the design is approved, I can begin painting the mural in my studio.

  • 3

    Install

    Installation is as simple as screwing the panels to the wall. Alternatively, the panels can be attached to an aluminum frame for a more finished look. Installation is to be carried out by city crews or the building owner.

FAQs

How long will a panel mural last?

Aluminum composite panels are waterproof, long-lasting, easy to install, and impervious to weather. Painting a mural onto panels has the added benefit of not needing permanent alteration to the building, and the mural could be moved if the need arose in the future. PLUS, they can be painted and installed year-round!

How is the mural installed?

If the wall surface is smooth and flat, the panels can be screwed directly into the wall. For a more finished look, the panels can be affixed to a simple aluminum frame. For rougher surfaces, the frame method is recommended. Installation is to be carried out by city crews or the building owner, and is not weather dependent.

What would we put on our mural?

Murals can tell stories, educate, and convey important messages. They can highlight significant events, individuals, or milestones in the town's history. Educational murals can serve as outdoor classrooms, teaching residents and visitors about local heritage or the natural areas that surround them.

Consider including these types of items in a custom mural for your town:

Motto
Date established
Events of historical interest
People of interest
Landmarks
Economic strengths
Natural elements
Activities and local festivals
Whatever makes you, you!

What does it cost?

A custom-designed 8’x12’ aluminum composite panel mural with UV protective coating and optional graffiti coating costs between $7000 and $10,000, with that cost increasing with the mural’s size or complexity.

The Minnesota State Arts Board offers grants through the Regional Arts Councils that support projects like a public art mural, for amounts between $7000-9000. It’s possible the bulk of your project cost can be covered by one of these grants.

What if I don't want a panel mural?

You’re in luck! My exterior mural season begins in May and runs through October. The winter months are a great time to get your design squared away and ready for outdoor painting in the spring.

An episode of the PBS series Postcards highlighted my work in Montevideo, MN in 2016: