Harbor Light mural named one of country’s best

Jun 20, 2018

A vibrant public mural at The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis last week was named one of the best in the country by Americans for the Arts.

Harbor Light muralThe mural features brightly colored waves and flowers, diverse cartoon faces, and words such as “Love,” “Peace” and “Laugh.” It can be seen along the north- and east-facing walls of Harbor Light’s administrative building, across the street from the facility’s main shelter and chapel.

Local artists Bianca Pettis and Erin Sayer finished the mural in August 2017, with Hennepin Theatre Trust overseeing the creation of the project from concept to completion. Additional support included:

  • Harbor Light residents helped Pettis and Sayer develop design concepts during several visioning sessions.
  • Youth from Kulture Klub Collaborative contributed to the creative process and helped set up the work site.
  • Minneapolis MAD DADS facilitated outreach with Harbor Light residents, hosted on-site barbecues, and cleaned up painting sessions.

The mural represents the first time that Harbor Light has collaborated with a theater organization. Considering the project’s success, it probably won’t be the last.

Portrait of Trish Thacker“This inspiring new mural triggered some important lasting effects,” said Trish Thacker (pictured), Harbor Light executive director. “(Our guests’) increased sense of inclusion in the broader community led to increased safety on our block, a demonstrated ownership of the mural by our clients, and the formation of new partnerships.”

Joan Vorderbruggen, director of public art and placemaking for Hennepin Theatre Trust, echoed Thacker’s sentiments.

“We … enjoyed deepening our relationships with our neighbors to manifest this new work of public art for the district,” Vorderbruggen said. “We’re so thankful to The Salvation Army for their leadership and participation on this project.”

Harbor Light is one of the largest homeless outreach facilities in Minnesota, providing food, shelter, clothing, medical assistance, and other critical services to hundreds of people every day.

Learn more about the Harbor Light Mural, including the award it won, additional photos, and a detailed description of the project.

Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community. Stay current on how The Salvation Army is changing lives in Minnesota and North Dakota by signing up for our e-Newsletters.


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