February in the Zone
Feb 23, 2023
Murals Create Identity | Support Chroma Zone
Save the Date: April Citywide Cleanup | News Around the Zone
|
|
Reggie LeFlore's "Afrocentric Spectrum." On the west wall of Twin Cities Janitor Supply and Line Break Media, at 2345 University Ave.
Did you know.....
Located mid-city between downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) is both a city-recognized creative district and a nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting and supporting creative people and businesses to #MakeItHere (in Saint Paul’s South Saint Anthony Park and West Midway neighborhoods.)
Home to hundreds of creative businesses — from artists to architects, entrepreneurs to manufacturers — the Zone is a transportation hub, the second largest employment base in Saint Paul, and a fast-growing residential community along the University Avenue Green Line.
The CEZ nonprofit uses the power of placemaking (or placekeeping) to uplift creative enterprise, protect access to affordable spaces, and improve public space. We have planted our roots as connectors and instigators; community-builders committed to fostering community, economic and environmental well-being.
Creating Identity with Public Art
Since 2019, the CEZ's annual Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival has created accessible and inclusive public art and events that advance creative, cultural and economic development, and ensures the rich and full narrative of our creative community by offering fair compensation and creative control.
Chroma = the intensity of a color
Zone = Creative Enterprise Zone
Chromosome = the thread of genetic information the makes up living things
Chroma Zone makes visible the creative work happening inside our buildings to the outside, and celebrates the ideas and innovation of artists and entrepreneurial creatives. We believe that more public art in our community can create belonging and connection, and drive these broader goals to:
- Raise the profile of the Zone as a destination, welcoming to ALL people and ideas.
- Support and connect the creative community that works and lives here.
- Contribute to the long-term beauty, economic vitality, safety, and walkability of the Zone.
We also believe in public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity, and work to foster a safe and inclusive environment.
What began as 12 murals by 15 artists from the Twin Cities, New York, California, Argentina, and Norway in 2019 has now grown to 43+ Chroma Zone-produced murals by 54 artists — 82% by local muralists, 80% by BIPOC artists, and 51% by Womxn. We are proud to have the largest # of murals by Indigenous women in Minnesota.
The Creative Enteprise Zone has become a creative destination, a visible and noteworthy creative node that attracts new people and businesses, and an engine of community and economic development where creativity is at the heart of a vibrant and sustainable economy.
Chroma Zone mural tour stop at Thomasina TopBear's 2021 "Unci Maka" mural, located at 2299 W. Territorial Rd.
Make More Murals Happen in 2023!
A challenging economy and shifting philanthropic support finds us only halfway to our $100,000 fundraising goal needed by the end of March to launch this year’s festival. Funds are used to pay artist and consultant fees, paint and supplies, equipment rentals, programs and events, insurance, labor and other administrative expenses.
Together we can make more murals and community events happen!
- Consider becoming a Chroma Zone sponsor — packages start at $2,500.
- Consider becoming a Chroma Zone donor with recognition of gifts $500 or greater.
- Donate in-kind products, services, and/or labor to help offset expenses.
- Nominate or donate a visble and accessible wall in the Zone.
Contact us at director@creativeenterprisezone.org or by calling 651.243.0360 to learn how you can support this year's festival.
 
2022 Chroma Zone "Bird Friend" mural by Jennifer Davis at ProStop Fuel Station on Cleveland Ave. (above), and Peyton Scott Russell's 2021 "We#3" mural at Avalon School, 700 Glendale St. (below).
|
|
News from Around the Zone
Interact Gallery — Michael Engebretson presents "utopian visions" in his first solo exhibition "Tr ansdimensional Multiversal Nonlinear Cosmic Traveler" on view March 1-April 14 at Interact Gallery in the Prior Works building. Neurodiversity, sustainability, and equitable healthcare are celebrated in an intergalactic civilization that Michael catalogs in hyper-detailed, graphic, technicolor works. Opening reception on Wednesday, March 1, 5 – 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. Remarks and artist reading at 6 p.m. More at gallery.interactcenterarts.org.
Vessyll — Winner of a Minnesota Department of Economic Development grant and other regional competitions for clean-energy startups, Vessyll is a BIPOC woman-owned business founded in 2020 to provide clean-energy storage solutions to commercial and residential market. Learn about their battery storage device for wind, solar, and grid energy from co-founder Zahra Hargens Iliff in this Grid Catalyst interview and more at vessyll.com
University Enterprise Labs (UEL) — While neither funded by nor officially affiliated with the University, UEL is an incubator for early-stage companies in life sciences, biotech, healthcare, food/agriculture and other science/technology industries. With 60 startups gestating in its labs and offices on Westgate Drive, UEL is bringing new ideas to life in the Zone. More at uelmn.org.
Rafiki Coffee & Café – From sambusa and bagels to East African mandazi, this BIPOC-owned coffeehouse in the historic Midway Griggs building is serving up coffee and catering just outside the east edge of the Zone. Discover firsthand how owners Ian and Laura Oundo’s love for family and food is building community at 540 Fairview N. More at rafikicoffeecafe.com
Open Art Space — Launched in 2019 just as the pandemic was taking hold, OAS is focused on helping people find connection and meaning through making art together in a welcoming environment, both in the studio and out and about. Located in the Universe Building at 2147 University Ave W, OAS provides space and inspiration for art-centered events, classes, and group gatherings. More at openartsstpaul.com
Celebrate Saint Patty's Day with the Luck of the Irish
Celtic Junction Arts Center — Take in a concert, live performance, or a lesson in Irish language, music or dance at CJAC. The nonprofit is at the heart of The Celtic Junction, a brick and mortar building bought in 2009 by Irish immigrant, dancer, and musician Cormac O’Se and his Minnesota-born wife, playwright and theater director Natalie O’Shea, to house local Celtic arts organizations. CJAC’s unifying vision is to fuel the growth of Celtic arts with exceptional programming and connect our evolvin g community in a central home.
Since 2009, The Celtic Junction has been home to three independent arts organizations: O'Shea Irish Dance, Center for Irish Music, and Irish Fair of Minnesota. Other independent arts groups also use The Celtic Junction space, including Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, Loma Mor Set Dance, Out of the Mist Celtic Theatre, and Scottish Highland Dance. Learn more at celticjunction.org
The Dubliner — Music, dance, Irish whiskey and Guiness are just a few of the reasons to explore your inner Irish at this beloved neighborhood pub at the corner of University and Vandalia. More at thedublinerpub.com
|
|
Save the Date: Saint Paul Citywide Cleanup – April 23
 Photo: Courtesy of Saint Paul Parks & Recreation and Public Works.
Join forces with your neighbors to clean up our parks and streets during Saint Paul’s 36th annual Citywide Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 23, 2023 from 9:30–11:00 a.m.
The Creative Enterprise Zone and Saint Anthony Park Community Council will host two pick-up/drop-off locations during this event:
- CEZ Headquarters @ 2171 University Ave W. (corner of University Ave & Vandalia St.) Free parking in the lot.
- 800 Raymond Ave. at Charles Ave. (south of Seal Hi-Rise, north of Charles Ave.)
 Just look for our tent to pick up supplies (gloves and bags) and to drop-off trash and recycling bags after picking up litter that has been exposed by the melting snow.
This event will be held rain or shine so please dress appropriately!
Pre-registration on the city’s website is not required but encouraged. In the case of severe weather a cancellation announcement will be made.
PLEASE NOTE: This event does not collect household items. For more information on how to dispose of household items, please refer to the Citywide Drop-off Event Page.
|
|
Creativity Happens Here!
The Zone is home to amazing creative businesses — Deneen Pottery among them.
Occupying over 40,000 square feet and employing more than 70 skilled craftspeople, this 50-year-old multigenerational family business was established by Peter (shown above) and Mary Deneen, and now with son Niles. Deneen Pottery is committed to creating beautiful and functional hand-thrown stoneware – one mug at a time.
Learn more about their products and history at deneenpottery.com
.
Your investment in the Creative Enterprise Zone — the district and the 501(c)3 organization — supports community-driven programs, investments, and public initiatives that attract and support creative people and businesses to #MakeItHere.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
