Painting the Twin Cities: Public Art, Community, and the Vision of Jack Becker
At The Pillars of Prospect Park, we’re always looking for ways to explore creativity and community, and we’re lucky to have a meaningful connection with someone who has helped shape both in Minneapolis and St. Paul: Jack Becker. A national leader in public art and a true civic visionary, Jack recently shared a presentation at The Pillars - offering insight into the power of public art and the stories behind the murals, sculptures, and installations that animate our cities. As a bonus, he even brought his own artistic creation - an eye-catching, creatively designed car that’s as joyful as it is inspiring. Check it out below!
Inspired by his visit, we’re dreaming up a new collaboration: transforming The Pillars bus into a temporary art installation. It’s a playful and engaging way to continue the conversation Jack sparked and explore what it means to turn everyday objects into community-driven works of art.
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, art doesn’t hide behind museum walls - it lives in the open. Towering murals wrap around buildings, sculptures peek out from park corners, and everyday infrastructure becomes a canvas for creativity. What makes the public art scene here truly special is its emphasis on collaboration and storytelling. Rather than viewing public art as decoration, our region embraces it as a tool for connection - a way to elevate voices, reflect histories, and build bridges between generations and neighborhoods.
The Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ), a district that brings creativity to life in every sense. Located near The Pillars of Prospect Park and Pillars Child Care, the CEZ is a haven for artists, makers, and entrepreneurs who turn ideas into action. During events like the CEZ Mural Festival, massive walls transform into storytelling canvases, each mural echoing the voice of the community it represents. What sets CEZ apart isn’t just the art - it’s the intention behind it. Artists are chosen not only for their talent, but for their capacity to connect with residents and elevate untold stories. It’s this kind of inclusive, thoughtful process that makes public art feel personal and powerful.
So much of this public art movement can be traced back to Jack Becker, founder of Forecast Public Art. Long before "placemaking" became a buzzword, Jack was doing the work - bringing artists into conversations about urban planning, policy, and public life. Under his leadership, Forecast became one of the first nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to advancing public art. Through research, and community engagement, Jack and his team have helped artists, neighborhoods, and public agencies design projects that are not only beautiful, but impactful and inclusive. His legacy lives in the murals we see, the conversations they spark, and the way cities now view artists as civic partners.
While other cities like Philadelphia and San Francisco boast impressive public art programs, Minneapolis and St. Paul, brings something unique to the table: grassroots energy and artist-led innovation. Local programs prioritize equity, mentorship, and community voice - ensuring that public art reflects the diversity and dynamism of the people who live here. Instead of following a top-down model, many projects in the Twin Cities embrace co-creation. Emerging artists are supported, residents help shape the vision, and the results feel deeply rooted in place.
Public art is more than a visual experience - it’s a statement. It can transform how we see our surroundings, honor histories, and bring people together. It invites everyone, regardless of age, background, or artistic training, to be part of the creative process. At The Pillars, we believe that creativity should be intergenerational and integrated into everyday life.
That’s why we’re so excited about the possibility of turning our bus into a traveling art piece - a symbol of joy, movement, and community storytelling. So next time you're walking past a mural or sculpture in the Twin Cities, take a moment to reflect. Somewhere behind that piece is an artist like Jack Becker, a community of storytellers, and a belief that creativity belongs to all of us.
Bob Dylan Mural by Eduardo Kobra in The Hennepin Theatre District - The vibrant Bob Dylan mural is the largest work of public art that world-renowned street artist Eduardo Kobra has created in the United States to date. It is also the most Instagrammed image in Minnesota. This five-story tribute to Bob Dylan was created in the fall of 2015 as a private commission. (taken from hennepinarts.org)