Worthington Public Arts Commission

05/13/2025

This was so fun! Hard to believe it was already 10 years ago! :)
A couple new public art restorations will hopefully get completed this summer. The Soccer Ball sculpture, located at Buss Field has faded and slight rust needing work. The Celebrate Worthington Mural also has some cracks and a little peeling paint. This will also get a little repairs and repainting. This is necessary to keep it from getting worse. Look for the new signs to be placed soon, giving recognition to the artist for their work. Have a great summer everyone!😊

01/01/2025

Thankful to the City of Worthington, MN for the support of our ongoing public art restoration projects, and our mission to continue to bring quality art to our community! We look forward to another great year ahead! Wishing all our friends and followers the best in 2025!

06/05/2024

It's so exciting to see the awesome turtle mural back up! Thanks to the city of Worthington Parks staff for hanging it and all the amazing artists at the public events who helped paint the sections! Great job! It looks beautiful!
We also added the repaired top to the Wind Dancer sculpture. Next it'll get a new leg with pics to follow! The Artmobile will be down at the Regatta on Sat. 11am, so stop down and check things out! 🖼🎨🖌

01/29/2024

Curious to see how this story unfolds! Zuby Jansen

"This is maybe the most exciting thing I'll ever do in my life," said former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer and pilot, Tony...

12/31/2023

It's that time of year to reflect back on the work we've done and look forward to projects yet to come. It's rewarding to see many people enjoying the Artmobile activities, along with the public art works created this past year. Through these workshops, we've added some beautiful public art works. The five community planters, "Come Gather, in Unity and Peace", were installed at the Downtown Pavillion last spring and look amazing! So many people were part of that awesome public art endeavor. The ethnic diversity of our city and local artists of all colors contributed to making it. We couldn't have done it without our workshop participants and all others who took part. Thanks to all who helped make it happen! We now have something that reflects our citizens in a shared space, that we can treasure for years to come.
In June, during our annual Regatta, Emilia Earhart, a project in the works for 7 years, was unveiled! Kudos to Ken and Zuby Jensen for their perseverance. They were most instrumental in achieving this goal. Donations are still needed, if you haven't given yet. What a beautiful addition to our inventory. It's our second bronze piece, Arthur Norby's Kaplan horse was the first.
The Worthington Public Arts Commission, sincerely thanks, Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, for the Arts and Legacy grants that have made our projects possible over the years.
Part of the commission's work is to maintain the works currently in place. This year the turtle mural was painted in part at the SMAC's Arty Party here at the Memorial Auditorium, it was a wonderful event. Community members added to this at Artmobile events. Details and final work done by local artists, Gail Holinka and Kelly Henkels. The mural will be reinstalled at Sailboard Beach this spring.
The Wind Dancer sculpture's top has been taken down and is in repair at this time. The finished facelift will be completed this spring. Next year's projects will involve ongoing repairs and improvements to the soccer ball at bus field, and whatever else the commission sees as a priority.
Thanks again to all, for the support of the arts commission and the work we do to beautify our City of Worthington, MN.
Have a wonderful 2024 everyone!!!

07/11/2023

There are some exciting events happening this week and we would like to invite you to attend. The MSAB is a wonderful organization, bringing arts to communities, making them stronger and more vibrant in many ways! Hope you can join us!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=749061083891303&id=100063622537421&mibextid=qC1gEa

YOU ARE INVITED. The Minnesota State Arts Board will be holding its two-day annual meeting here this Thursday & Friday, July 13-14. The Arts Board is a state agency, charged with stimulating and encouraging the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state. Events to attend:

Thursday, July 13
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
A roundtable discussion about how arts and culture can be assets to help build more vibrant communities.

Friday, July 14
8:00-10:00 a.m.
A free continental breakfast with an overview of the Minnesota State Arts Board and its programs. Town hall discussion.
(must RSVP to [email protected] by Noon on Tuesday, July 11)

10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
A roundtable discussion about how to support and sustain a thriving arts and cultural community.

1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Minnesota State Arts Board business meeting.
Public is welcome to observe.

02/24/2023

Ready to beat the winter blues? Come join us for the first ever ARTY PARTY. It will be happening right here in Worthington, on Thursday, March 2nd, from 5:30-7:30! Food, Beverages, Music, and Art! Help paint the new turtle mural, to be placed back at Sailboard Beach. This was approved by the arts commission, to help maintain our public art. Hope to see you there! Detailed events listed here:
https://swmnarts.org/events/worthington-smac-arty-party/

12/31/2022

As this year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who helps make the commission's work happen. We're grateful for the grants received from Southwest MN Arts Council. These funds have made our public art projects possible. Thanks to the city staff who help us to install and maintain our collection. The commission works hard to bring meaningful artwork to our community, to enrich the lives of our citizens. Some projects made by you and for you. We couldn't do it without all your support! Thanks to everyone who took part in our last big planter project. Looking forward to enjoying more fun activities together in 2023! The turtle mural needed replacement, after the windstorm blew it over and busted it up. Watch for opportunities coming soon to help repaint this. Happy New Year to one and all! May 2023 be a blessed year for you and yours. ❤

10/21/2021

Native American and African themes in progress! Beautiful work created by so many lovely artists, friends and community members. Thanks for participating!

10/21/2021

Wow, 2 years ago we embarked on this journey and we are making great progress with an end in sight! Thanks to all who have helped design, paint tiles,etc. The planters are in the final stages. Here is a sneak peak!