Boxes: A celebration of public art

Join us at Arvonne Fraser Library to celebrate the installation of “Boxes,” a paint, tile, and mixed media piece by Kada Goalen, as part of Hennepin County’s One Percent for Art program.

The event will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at Arvonne Fraser Library, with remarks starting at 2:30 p.m. The event will feature drop-in art activities for all ages by The Weavers Guild of Minnesota, La Luchadora (artist Jessica Lopez Lyman), and library staff. Live jazz piano music will be provided by Steve Blake, and refreshments will be served.

Event parking

In addition to the Arvonne Fraser lot, free event parking will be available in lots at both the University Baptist Church (13th & University, directly behind the library) and the Minneapolis LDS Institute of Religion (12th & University).

About the art

Boxes is a collaborative artwork that celebrates the history, community, and legacy of the Arvonne Fraser Library. Inspired by the building’s midcentury architecture and ceiling lines, the design features a series of stacked boxes, each telling its own story. Within them appear quiet neighborhood scenes, native plants and animals, historic landmarks, and whimsical images of reading and imagination. Community gardens, butterflies, birds, and nods to local sites like Owámniyomni, or St. Anthony Falls, and the Stone Arch Bridge are woven throughout. Each element reflects the diverse stories of the neighborhood and the role of the library as a gathering space for learning, connection, and belonging.

About the artist

Kada Goalen is a Minnesota-based muralist and founder of Kada Creative. With more than two decades of experience, she has transformed spaces across the Twin Cities and beyond, blending clients’ visions with her own artistry. Her murals, ranging from large-scale community projects to intimate interior pieces, reflect themes of connection, imagination, and place. Known for her ability to listen deeply and translate ideas into vibrant visual narratives, Kada’s work fosters pride and belonging. Her portfolio includes projects for public institutions, businesses, and private clients, each infused with her confident, present, and collaborative approach.