The Minneapolis Arts Commission selected three public art projects to be recognized with the first annual MAC Awards. The projects include a colorful park bench crafted by youth in North Minneapolis, a Nicollet Avenue mural project that increases awareness of the city’s heritage with historic images of the city (yes, our own Walldogs on Nicollet Project!!), and the installation of dramatic photographs in a downtown skyway to give voice to the Minneapolis immigrant community. Â
 The Walldogs project created ten murals along Nicollet Avenue in the Lyndale and Kingfield neighborhoods during July 2008, which were painted by local and national artists, as well as community members. The murals depict elements from the history of the city, including the city’s historic and current skyline, the work of Joseph Nicollet, the Nicollet Baseball Park, the former park building at Nicollet Field (now MLK Park), and the historic street car system.Â
The Walldogs on Nicollet Project won the Award for Celebrating the City through Public Art.   As stated in the award, “the recipient of the Award for Celebrating the City through Public Art has contributed to the visual character of the community through a work of public art. Through the work, the recipient has fostered the city’s sense of spirit, heritage, and/or diversity. The recipient strives for high standards of quality of public art, and has created work that has become a symbol for the city.â€Â
The Minneapolis Arts Commission was chartered in 1974 with the mission to strengthen the arts and enrich cultural life in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Arts Commission works closely with the staff of the Department of Community Planning & Economic Development-Planning Division, Cultural Affairs and shares their goal of developing a strong and vital arts community throughout Minneapolis.Â
KFNA is honored to receive recognition for this outstanding project. Thank you Minneapolis Arts Commission!