The Community Conversation Series is a place-based journey across North Minneapolis that brings neighbors, artists, leaders, and local organizations together to explore the power of creativity in urban communities. Through a rotating exhibition installed at seven community locations, the series invites residents to gather, reflect, and engage with themes that shape our collective experience—liberation, reconnection, healing, narrative-shifting, and the role of nature in community life. Each conversation in this series centers the belief that art is not separate from community—it is community. It reflects who we are, the journeys we’ve lived, and the world we are working to create. Each site will feature works by our five artists and their themes:

• Charles Caldwell – Nature as a Social Phenomenon

• Jearicka Fountain – The Fight for Liberation

• Kevin Martinez – Finding Growth and Healing in the Outdoors

• Philipo Duyali – Nurturing Reconnection

• Ace Rice – Shifting the Narrative About North Minneapolis

At each stop, one highlighted artist's work will lead a community activity connected to their theme—offering space for storytelling, collective reflection, and creative engagement that uplifts the lived experiences of North Minneapolis residents.

The Stories of Connection art exhibit will be at NRRC headquarters (1303 Golden Valley Road) on January 8th from 5-7pm. Enjoy refreshments with neighbors and a conversation focused on Nature as a Social Phenomenon.