CityArt Launches “CityArt in the Alley” Summer Activation Series in Lower North Mankato
While the Belgrade Avenue reconstruction project and the closure of Veteran’s Memorial Bridge temporarily changes the landscape of Lower North Mankato, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts and its CityArt program are transforming the challenge into an opportunity for creativity, connection and community engagement through a new public art initiative: CityArt in the Alley.
Presented by Gene Biewen and Noel Van Tol, CityArt in the Alley is a four-event summer activation series designed to bring art, music, hands-on experiences and foot traffic into the Belgrade Avenue corridor during construction. The series will take place in the alleyway behind NaKato Bar & Grill and other nearby locations throughout summer 2026.
Due to the street and bridge closure, CityArt was unable to host sculptures in North Mankato this year as part of the 2026-27 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour. In response, CityArt developed CityArt in the Alley to continue its commitment to providing annual public art experiences in Lower North Mankato while supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming community gathering space during the construction season.
“CityArt has always been about creating energy, experiences and connections through the arts,” said Stacey Straka, CityArt Committee Chair. “Even with the construction challenges, we wanted to ensure public art remained visible and accessible in North Mankato this summer.”
The series officially kicks off on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a full lineup of artists, interactive experiences and live music. This weekend event is supported by The Downtown Partnership.
Featured activities include:
- Mexican Folk Art Exploration with cartonería-style cardboard sculpting led by artist Justin Ek in collaboration with the Latino Minnesota Museum of Art
- Live Painting by Noel Van Tol
- Sculpture Make-and-Take activities and a community sculpture build by Sidetracked
- Spin & Sculpt Creation Station
- Live Music by Indigo Moon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Alleyway Enhancement Paintings by Tice Vanderheiden and Melanie Klimpel
- CityArt in the Alley Community Mural Artist Reveal at 10:45 a.m.
- Beans Coffee House Creation Station
As part of the event, artist Justin Ek will lead hands-on workshops inspired by traditional Mexican folk art and cartonería sculpture techniques. Participants will help create cardboard sculptures, including one temporary sculpture installation that will be displayed on a former CityArt sculpture pedestal near NaKato before eventually becoming part of October’s Day of the Dead festival activities.
Ek’s activation will also feature a temporary wheat-paste installation where participants create and install fish cutouts throughout the alleyway space, adding evolving visual elements to the corridor throughout the summer. In addition, guests will be able to view sculptures at multiple stages of completion—from structural beginnings to fully finished works—offering insight into the craftsmanship and creative process behind the tradition.
Additional CityArt in the Alley events throughout the summer will continue to feature rotating artists, performances, public art experiences and community activities aimed at activating the alleyway and supporting Lower North Mankato businesses during reconstruction.
The series also includes the creation of the CityArt in the Alley Community Mural, a large-scale public mural planned for summer 2026 on the exterior wall of NaKato Bar & Grill. The mural project is underwritten by The Marian Anderson Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation and is intended to celebrate the creative identity and artistic energy of North Mankato through a highly visible community-centered artwork.
More information and the full summer schedule can be found at https://cityartmankato.com/cityart-in-the-alley-2026/.
