The South Loop neighborhood of Bloomington is now home to a splash of color and artistry, thanks to the completion of a new mural at the Fenley apartments, next door to Backstory Coffee on 33rd Ave. S. Visual artist and muralist Mariela Ajras, with her distinctive exploration of themes such as femininity, memory, and identity, has turned a dull wall into a conversation piece. It's a fresh look for the area, and it comes courtesy of the City's Creative Placemaking team, who seem to know a thing or two about picking artists that capture the local vibe.
Indeed, the intent behind such public art endeavors is no secret, the city aims to foster a more vibrant, walkable and welcoming atmosphere through these creative bursts; Ajras's work is but one facet of this initiative, with her design drawing inspiration from the evening primrose flower, echoing her penchant for highlighting the unexpected beauty hidden in plain sight, she adds, "I like the idea that anything can blossom and bloom even at night," as she told BloomingtonMN.gov.
For those interested in getting a more in-depth look at creative placemaking, Bloomington has a plethora of information on the process, goals, and, well, the overall artistic optimism; with details available on their website, where you can learn more about the projects and the artists like Ajras that bring them to life.
