The SOLIDARITY STREET GALLERY brings together a diverse group of artists to the East Side of St. Paul to express their feelings on racial justice and equity. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis this summer and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the SOLIDARITY STREET GALLERY seeks to build meaningful connections between the community and local artists in a time of social isolation, through the unifying force of art. This COVID-conscious, outdoor event allows community members and visitors to socially distance while walking down Payne Ave and engaging with a variety of art exhibitions.

The event will feature the works of over 50 artists, at around 20 sites up and down Payne Avenue from Maryland Avenue to E Hopkins Street in East St. Paul. Some of the sites hosting exhibits are art studio venues and art organizations. Most, however, are regular businesses who are making their store-front windows, outside walls and parking lots available for a wide range of colorful art displays. This event will also host an interactive virtual gallery at www.solidaritystreetgallery.org, with much of the artwork offered for sale on that site. The East Side Freedom Library is one of the venues displaying artwork outdoors.

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED

To ensure the safety of community members and artists, masks are required at the event.

The SOLIDARITY STREET GALLERY art festival will also include several events and activities for the community, including children’s art activities, light musical entertainment, food trucks, and skateboarding demonstrations (hosted by Mantecoso and Caydence Records & Coffee). A poetry group associated with the East Side Arts Council will be facilitating interactive community poetry activities (#solidaritystreetpoetry). Community members are also invited to participate in a photo contest (#solidaritystreetphotocontest) and share their own visual impressions and ideas.

The event is sponsored and financially supported by PABA (Payne Area Business Association) and Public Art Saint Paul. The event is being organized in partnership with a variety of additional arts and community organizations.

The SOLIDARITY STREET GALLERY event is free and open to all.

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