Artists-in-Residence program launched in Rochester, Byron, Eyota

A talented and diverse group of artists has just begun spending months embedded within select Minnesota parks and communities, including Oxbow Park in Byron, to create unique art as part of the Minnesota Parks Artists-in-Residence (MNPAiR) pilot program. Four nearby parks — in Rochester, Byron and Eyota — are among those participating in this first statewide effort.
The selected Minnesota-based artists-in-residence are now doing research of their respective park, trail or park system, including engaging with stakeholders in those communities. The information gathered by artists will help inform their approach to new works, which will be ready for public consumption in the spring and summer of 2025. The artists will also serve as partners to and ambassadors for their respective parks while contributing not just art, but ideas.
“The goal of the Minnesota Parks Artists-in-Residence program is to enhance a sense of welcoming and belonging through the creation of unique, locally-relevant art,” said Renee Mattson, Executive Director of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. “We hope this pilot helps foster deeper community engagement and relationship-building in Minnesota parks and trails, while also increasing appreciation for outdoor recreation and natural resources, especially among underserved communities.”
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission is partnering on the program with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division, the Metropolitan Council Regional Parks, and Forecast Public Art, a non-profit arts organization based in Saint Paul (www.ForecastPublicArt.org).
Costs for artists’ time and materials are being funded through a 1% allocation of the Legacy Amendment Parks and Trails Fund that is used to fund joint projects that benefit the three partner agencies.
Below are the four artists participating in collaboration with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, and the locations in which they are working. All artists are part of a residence in more than one park.
Cassandra Buck — Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, in Byron; Chester Woods Park, in Eyota; and Cascade Lake Park and Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center, both in Rochester.
Lindsay Buck — Two Inlets at Bde’ Hehaka — Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park, near the city of Clear Lake, and Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve, in the city of Maple Lake.
Tamara Isfeld — Lake Brophy County Park, in Alexandria, and Memorial Park in Granite Falls.
John Sterner — Lake Brophy County Park, in Alexandria, and Memorial Park in Granite Falls.
Eight additional artists-in-residence are working in parks elsewhere in the state, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Divisionand the Metropolitan Council Regional Parks. Information about all participating artists is atwww.forecastpublicart.org/mn-parks-artist-residency, as well as at www.gmrptcommission.org.
Mattson said art in each location will be determined following discussions between the artist, the host site and members of the community. Art could take the form of 3D sculpture; projection and lighting projects; music, dance or theater performances; and other temporary works. Artists will spend an average of 20 hours each week through Summer 2025 as an artist-in-residence.
“Having artists spend so much time embedded in parks will help them build connections in the local community, engage with park staff and create art that perfectly reflects their surroundings, culture and history,” added Mattson.
Artist-in-residence Lindsay Buck agrees.
“Being embedded in the park will give me the chance to look for previously untold stories, and the time to imagine how these might be relayed to visitors in an engaging way,” she said. “I hope that these fresh perspectives can draw new visitors to the parks, pique their interest in our public land and encourage understanding and stewardship toward the natural environment.”
Artist-in-residence Tamara Isfeld said, “Art in a natural setting has the unique ability to foster lasting connections. My partner on these projects, John Sterner, and I hope our work will make visitors feel welcome, inspired and connected to the park’s story.”
Those managing the participating parks envision many benefits to the Artist-in-Residence program, too.
“The process of outreach, relationship building and learning will foster inclusivity and hopefully convey a sense of belonging for all who visit the park,” said Sherburne County Parks Director Gina Hugo.
“Our participation in this Artist-in-Residence program is a great opportunity to collaborate with a local artist who has a deep connection with the community,” added Jeff Feece, Park Planner at Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center in Rochester. “Our hope is that the art will result in new ways for the community and region to connect with the natural resources within the park and to experience the various recreational opportunities to be found here.”