Melanin in Motion Meet the Muralist – A Collab with the Greenway Coalition

Meet the Greenway Muralists: Cultural/Community Listening Session

Please join us for a cultural/community listening session with our mural artists, to help inform their mural designs. Melanin In Motion, Venture Bikes, and Coffee in the Midtown Greenway Coalition are hosting this free community event at Venture Bikes Midtown. The bike shop/cafe is on the Midtown Greenway at the entrance between 10th Avenue and 11th Ave, just North of The Midtown Global Market. You can also enter through the Midtown Global Market near the Allina Commons – Ask the security desk for directions or call us at 612 875 7803 if you have questions or feel lost.

The event is free, and food will be served. Please RSVP.

The bike shop/cafe is on the Midtown Greenway at the entrance between 10th Avenue and 11th Ave, just North of The Midtown Global Market. You can also enter through the Midtown Global Market near the Allina Commons – Ask the security desk for directions or call us at 612 875 7803 if you have questions or feel lost.

We will begin at 6:00 pm – give yourself time, and this event is open house style.

This work is partly funded by the Minnesota Humanities Center with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

The artists will be installing the murals in late May 2025. Please break bread while listening to the artists as they listen and hear your ideas, dreams, aspirations, and inspiration. You will be able to meet the muralists. The muralists are:

Cadex Herrera

Cadex Herrera is an internationally acclaimed artist known for his vibrant murals and social justice-themed artwork. Originally from Belize, Herrera gained worldwide recognition as one of the artists behind the iconic George Floyd mural in Minneapolis. His work often explores themes of identity, resilience, and community, making him a perfect fit for this project.

Geno Okok

Geno Okok is a Nigerian-born artist whose dynamic portraits and vibrant use of color capture the essence of his subjects. Okok’s work reflects his passion for storytelling and his commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. His murals can be found across the Twin Cities, each one a testament to his artistic vision and cultural heritage.

Constanza Carballo

Constanza Carballo is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Argentina, now based in Minneapolis. Her work often incorporates elements of nature and abstract design, blending organic forms with bold, geometric patterns. Carballo’s murals are celebrated for their ability to transform public spaces into immersive artistic experiences.

Melodee Strong

Melodee Strong is a Minneapolis-based artist and educator passionate about empowering communities through art. Her murals often highlight themes of diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Strong’s bold, illustrative style brings a unique energy to her work, making her a standout in the Twin Cities art scene.

Natalie Shugailo

Natalie Shugailo is a Chicago-area based artist specializing in intricate, nature-inspired designs that draw from her Ukrainian heritage. Her work often features detailed patterns and motifs that celebrate cultural traditions while embracing modern aesthetics. Shugailo’s murals are known for their meticulous craftsmanship and timeless beauty.

Please contact Soren Jensen if you have any questions: soren@midtowngreenway.org