Our Home

May 19, 2022 - May 19, 2023

Images from left to right: May Ling Kopecky Self Portrait - Multiple Sclerosis and My Body, 2022 colored pencil, ink, and graphite on Dura-Lar and graph paper; 71" x 30" ︎︎︎Image description: The portrait of a woman with brown hair is made of drawings of various parts of her body created using various techniques. Next to each drawing is a description of the portaied symptoms. Benjamin Merrit Care is, 2020 etching, aquatint, drypoint, sugarlift, spitbite; image 18 x 24”, full sheet 22 x 30” ︎︎︎Image description: One black and white print, consisting of “care is” written in white on the top half, and a white rectangle on the bottom half. The text is sitting on a dark field of texture and gestural marks, the blank rectangle consists of faint texture. Kym McDaniel Screenshot from Exit Strategy #1, Exit Strategies Series, 2017-2021 video series; 40:23 min ︎︎︎Image description: Silver spoons arranged on a table

Community Mural Designed by June Le

May 19, 2022 – May 19, 2023 | Entry Corridor

What and where is home? Is home a place, a smell, a memory, an object, a person?

As Rochester grows every day to be a more racially diverse and international city, the Rochester Art Center strives to highlight and celebrate a plurality of voices through the stories of transplants, immigrants and long-time residents who decided to make Minnesota their home. The creation of a participatory mural showcases this commitment and invites visitors to “meet” the people of Rochester as they enter the Art Center.

During winter and spring 2022, visual artist Roshan Ganu and artist June Le facilitated three workshops with elementary, high school students and community members in Rochester to gather input (words, sketches, symbols) and include a plurality of voices into this artwork. The outcome is a multifaceted portrait, designed in the evocative and colorful style of artist June Le, and an opportunity to discover and celebrate what makes Rochester a home of many: charming historical buildings in Downtown, cozy gathering places, beautiful natural features and bike paths, and unique landmarks.

The project is curated by Zoe Cinel, Rochester Art Center Curator.

Artist bio

June Le is a Vietnamese illustrator and designer currently based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her practice focuses on story-telling and metaphor by exuding a calm and peaceful energy. Her work has been featured by the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, Communication Arts, AIGA MN. Apart from making art, she also likes reading books and drinking tea.

Special thanks to:

Lisa, Mike, Justin, Kylah, Kyelyn, Cece, Harper, Heath, Samara, Sophie, Emerson, Unity, Caroline, Shaelyn, Maya, Gabby, Kyrie, Rowen, John, Abigail, Eleanor, Stella, Mary Beth, Nadia, Carlota, for participating in the workshops and community painting.

Artist Allegra Lockstadt for the supporting, mentoring and volunteering.

Artist Roshan Ganu for facilitating two community workshops and providing a welcoming space for all to share.

Ryan Foley for his feedback and participation.

This project is made possible by the generous support of the Think Bank.