BLOOMINGTON
COMMUNITY M GUIDE 2024 2
26 | Bloomington Community Guide | 2024
Public art with a purpose
Bloomington has been intentional in its placement of public art , and the city has resources to guide residents and visitors to a variety of distinct and unique art installations around the city .
Known as creative placemaking , the art is intended to honor the existing assets , history and character of a place , and was created with community engagement . It has been focused on Bloomington ’ s redeveloping South Loop District , but the city is expanding its creative placemaking efforts citywide , an initiative of Bloomington ’ s strategic plan . Creative placemaking is not limited to art installations . South Loop creative placemaking has included one-time events , performances and workshops , temporary art and pop-up installations and an artful community garden that was installed last year . The garden , adjacent to Fire Station No . 3 on East Old Shakopee Road , is being put to use for the first time this year and features native landscaping , seating and banners .
A free-to-download audio tour provides self-guided exploration of more than 35 public art points of interest in South Loop , including detailed descriptions , photos , directions and audio clips , including artist interviews that tell the stories behind the artwork .
Among the most recognizable art installations in the South Loop District is “ Convergence ,” a sculpture in the roundabout at the intersection of Lindau Lane and 28th Avenue , east of Mall of America . It was designed and installed by James Brenner , who also designed the landscape surrounding the sculpture . Unveiled in August 2015 , “ Convergence ” is considered a landmark in a corridor that intersects pedestrian , automotive and light-rail traffic . The sculpture includes LED lighting , which illuminates it at night .
One of the largest pieces of creative placemaking in the city is the “ WE Mural .” At 752 feet long , it is one of the longest murals in Minnesota .
Located on two walls surrounding an Xcel Energy substation facing American Boulevard and 30th Avenue , the series of murals was installed in August and September 2021 by a team of local artists and artist groups .
Other creative placemaking installations in the district include “ The Goldfinch ,” perched atop a South Loop District sign in its oversized glory . Installed in December 2021 , the American songbird was chosen through a community vote . A second mural , adorning a retaining wall facing Wright ’ s Lake Park on the west side of Highway 77 , depicts Valley View Middle School students .
A nine-member Creative Placemaking Commission helps guide Bloomington ’ s initiatives by establishing strategies and approving work plans .
Information about Bloomington ’ s creative placemaking , including a South Loop public art map , is available online at tinyurl . com / bplacemaking .