CityArt in the Alley

PRESENTED BY GENE BIEWEN AND NOEL VAN TOL

Due to the summer 2026 closure of Belgrade Avenue and Veterans Memorial Bridge, North Mankato is unable to host sculptures as part of the 2026–27 CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour.

To continue our commitment to annual public art experiences in North Mankato, CityArt—an initiative of Twin Rivers Council for the Arts—is launching Art in the Alley, a vibrant, creative placemaking series. This summer-long activation will transform the underutilized alley on the south side of Belgrade Avenue into a welcoming public space filled with art, activities and community connections.

What is Art in the Alley?

Art in the Alley is a four-weekend series of themed creative activations designed to enliven Belgrade Avenue during a disruptive construction season. Through temporary artworks, hands-on experiences and artist-led engagements, the alley becomes a hub of vibrancy—reinforcing that Lower North Mankato remains open, accessible and full of creativity

Join Us in the Alley behind NaKato!

Creating Art: Saturday, 5.30.26, 10 am-2 pm

• Mexican Folk Art Exploration with Cartonería-Style Cardboard Sculpting and Creations Stations by Justin Ek + The Minnesota Latino Museum
• Live Painting by Noel Van Tol
• Sculpture Make and Take + Community Sculpture Build by Sidetracked
• Spin & Sculpt Creation Station
• Live Music by Indigo Moon – 11 am to 2 pm
• Onsite Alleyway Enhancement Paintings by Tice VanderHeiden + Melanie Klimpel
• CityArt in the Alley Community Mural Artist Reveal – 10:45 am
• Beans Coffee House Creation Station

Art & Play: Thursday, 6.18.26, 4-7 pm – Interactive and artist-designed elements invite visitors to explore, move and engage with art in a whole new way.

• Music Creation Station with Instrument Building Crafts and Music Jams for Kids, Babies/Toddlers and Adults by St. Paul’s and Jesus Loves Me Learning Center
• Antique Printing Press Demonstrations and Make + Take by Craig Kotasek of Tin Can Valley Printing Co.
• Live Painting by Noel Van Tol
• Not-A-Box Arty Fort Build and Recycled Art Make + Take by the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.
• Sunnyside Puppeteers and Puppet Make + Take by Sidetracked
• Build, Bend and Sculpt Station
• CityArt in the Alley Community Mural Live Painting by Dana Sikkila and Dinah Langsjoen

Learning Art: Saturday, 7.18.26, 10 am-2 pm – From hands-on lessons to live demonstrations, visitors can experience a broad range of artistic mediums and techniques led by local and regional artists.

Celebrating Us in Art: Saturday, 9.19.26, 11 am-5 pm – A culminating celebration of community, culture and
creativity—honoring the ways art reflects who we are and how we come together.