The Latest Updates

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Reach out!

WRITE to MNDoT and our elected officials to urge them to support the Central Ave Art Walk in MNDoT's redesign of Central Ave. City Council President Elliott Payne is on board. Let's get everyone else! (CLICK for our email template.) (Design mockups here.)

DONATE to install the first piece of the Central Ave Art Walk. Artist Joel Sisson is working to instal Barrel Boy climbing the side of Recovery Bike Shop. This massive sculpture will be a billboard and a beacon, calling attention to our efforts in a fun and playful way. (CLICK to donate.) (CLICK to learn about Barrel Boy.)

JOIN US! Check back often for updates and meeting times. We are a small group. We need lots of ideas and a community vision for the Central Ave Art Walk. We need you! Tell us what you want the Art Walk to be. Tell us about your favorite artists. Lets make this together.

3/1/26

Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne is urging MNDoT to leave space for the Art Walk! (CLICK HERE).

This is a big deal. This is what we have been working toward for months. The City Council is our best tool for influencing the MNDoT street plan for Central Ave. When MNDoT reaches 30% design, they will take their plan to the City Council and ask for "municipal consent" or endorsement of their plan. MNDoT doesn't have to abide by the wishes of the city, but they don't want to fight with us either.

If the Minneapolis City Council wants the curb moved over a little bit, MNDoT is likely to listen. We really have a shot at this, people. Thank you!

Thank you, Holland Neighborhood for funding Barrel Boy. Thank you to the Lower Northeast and the Audubon neighborhoods for their letters of support. Thank you to the Arts District for being the champion of the Northeast. And thank you to the HUNDREDS of individuals who have written letters to City Council and our state representatives and to MNDoT. We still have a long way to go, but you are the people that got us here. And we wouldn't be able to go any further without you.

We are Northeast!

2/26/26

Barrel Boy TWO!

The Northrup King Building got jealous of Holland Neighborhood's Barrel Boy and has commissioned creator Joel Sisson to produce a second Barrel Boy for the burgeoning Northrup King campus!

Barrel Boy hasn't even been installed and already the Art Walk is doing exactly what we thought it would: inspire more art!

Talking about Barrel Boy placement with artist, Joel Sisson (left); Art District Chair, Josh Blank; Art Space Vice President, Property Development, Becky Carlson St Clair; and Recovery Bike Shop's Seth Stattmiller (taking the photo)
Barrel Boy two will play on an art pad behind NKB in a small park meant to be enjoyed by the families who live on the campus. We will get to meet him this summer!

12/15/25

Hennepin County Active Transportation Committee passes resolution in support of the Central Ave Art Walk (CLICK HERE).

11/20/25

The Holland Neighborhood Association has stepped up to install the first piece of the new Central Ave Art Walk!

We have been talking about it for months. The vote finally happened. Holland sees the benefits and is putting their money where their mouth is. Joel Sisson's Barrel Boy will be climbing Recovery Bike Shop!

8/28/25

We talked about all things Art Walk with Mayor Frey during our weekly walk (meet at Reco Thursdays 5:30pm). This is critical because Central Avenue is a MNDoT project and the state does not care if Minneapolis has an art walk. Minneapolis city leaders (like the mayor and city council) need to advocate for the features and amenities that residents want on their section of Central Ave (or it just won't happen).

Next week will be our third (of 3) explorations of Central Ave as a future Art Walk. All are welcome. We would like as many voices and visions as possible.

Art Walk meeting on Central Ave

8/15/25
Attended the Dauntless Indigent Geography art opening at the Sculpture Factory. Talked up the Art Walk and handed out cards. Brought some artists and arts supporters up to speed.

8/14/25
Josh Blanc (NEMAD board) and I met with Council Member Payne and got some updates from his meeting with Public Works. They are now discussing advocating to MNDoT for an additional 4 feet of sidewalk/boardwalk space for the Art Walk.

8/13/25
Got Art Walk business cards printed (finally). Went to the Sheridan Neighborhood ice cream social and connected with MN State Senator Doran Clark (NE Mpls) who suggested writing a bill together for the Central Ave Art Walk.

8/12/25
Went to Counsel President Elliott Payne's office hours just to do a quick check in.

8/11/25
Attended the Minneapolis Arts Leaders Gathering & Vibrant Storefront Art Walk and connected with Mary Altman and Ben Johnson of the Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.

8/2/25
We had a table at the Central Ave Open Streets! So much fun talking to everyone.

Holland Neighborhood's chalk walk and talking Art Walk and skate parks at Open Streets 8/2/25

7/29/25
We met with Mpls City Council members Elliott Payne and Michael Rainville today. The city council will be meeting with MNDoT to discuss the street plan designs so far. This is how we will get the space we need for the art walk and street market.

Rainville was at the St Anthony East Neighborhood board meeting where we asked the board for a letter of support. They have the letter and will review it.

7/20/25
Met with artist Joel Sisson and NEMAD board member Josh Blanc to discuss attaching Barrel Boy to the Recovery Bike Shop building.

7/17/25
Met with the Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association. The Holland Neighborhood Art Walk Committee was formed and will be keeping Holland up to date and making recommendations.

6/30/25
Northeast Minneapolis Arts District writes about Barrel Boy's appearance in the Northeast Parade.

6/17/25
Barrel Boy "walks" (bikes, actually) in the Northeast Parade!

Barrel Boy in he NE Parade 6/17/25