Art and remembrance: Bloomington’s new public installations

Bloomington has recently seen the installation of vibrant ARTBOXES in the South Loop District and a COVID-19 memorial at Civic Plaza. These projects focus on public art and community remembrance.

ARTBOXES brighten South Loop District

Seven new ARTBOX designs have been installed in the South Loop District, with one additional ARTBOX at the intersection of Old Shakopee and Old Cedar, showcasing the creativity of local artists Ron Brown, Valencia “Leon” Currie, Ray Klempka, Keren Kroul, Patrick Liu, Taylor Lund, Rock Martinez and Daniel Song. ARTBOXES consist of wrapped utility boxes featuring designs by local artists. These designs turn everyday objects into an outdoor gallery, reducing tagging, beautifying neighborhoods, improving walkability and creating elements of surprise and delight. To learn more about these ARTBOXES and other public art in the South Loop, download the Otocast App at otocast.com.

COVID-19 Memorial installed at Civic Plaza

Bloomington Public Health, with support from Bloomington Creative Placemaking, commissioned a COVID-19 memorial art sculpture that was recently installed near the south entrance at Civic Plaza, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road. Artists Aaron Squadroni and Leah Yellowbird created a metallic quilt sculpture to honor lives lost to the pandemic. The artists and City staff facilitated community engagement activities at Hillcrest Elementary School, Creekside Community Center, Civic Plaza and Martin Luther Campus, Fairview to capture reflections.