Where to find FORKSful of GRAND public art

Greater Grand Forks is a place where creativity thrives in communal spaces, transforming streets, parks and even utility boxes into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Public art here is not just decorative; it’s a celebration of history, culture and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the power of ingenuity to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, these artistic installations provide a unique way to experience our community’s story.

Thanks to many talented local artists and generous supporters of our arts community, Grand Forks/East Grand Forks has over 165 works of public art for everyone to enjoy. Listed below are just some of the pieces that truly show how uniquely grand we are.

Cora by Micah McHugh

Pillsbury Park // 316 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks

Cora is inspired by the rich beekeeping heritage of North Dakota, the leading honey-producing state in the United State. McHugh’s work symbolizes the interconnectedness of life and the harmony found in nature, paying homage to the resilience and collaboration of the beekeeping community. Additionally, McHugh's sculpture references the 1912 Votes for Women’s League gathering in Grand Forks, which helped spearhead women’s rights in North Dakota.

Dancer and Player by John Colle Rogers

Pillsbury Park // 316 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks

These works depict a looping relationship of inspiration, with the Dancer inspiring the Railroad Banjo Player and vice versa. The sculptures also incorporate elements of the Red River Valley’s history, including a railroad wheel and hammer for the Banjo, a Rail-worker's lamp for the head of the Dancer, and Grain Elevator bodies and Tractor Wheels for both figures.

School of Fish by Adam Kemp

Pillsbury Park // 316 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks

Kemp has been working on his School of Fish project for over 20 years. The latest iteration begins in the village of Widdington at the Widdington Box Gallery, a restored phone box, and journeys all the way to Pillsbury Park. The "school" is a collaborative effort featuring fish created by his dad, his friend Mo, his brother Mat, three sushi chefs from Heathrow Airport, clients of DHI and artists from Polk County DAC in East Grand Forks.

Grand Forks Mural by Three Brushketeers: Becca Cruger, Jamie Sebby and Senta Grzadzielewski

Town Square // 1 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks

The Downtown Development Association alongside the University of North Dakota worked together in 2022 to beautify Downtown and promote the exceptional people, places and things that make up our thriving region through the creation of a mural. The project resulted in public artwork that will last for years and creates a landmark for those who live here and visitors alike.

Wheatfield Mural by Chad Caya and Casey Opstad

116 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks

The DDA, Sterling Glass and Paint, Pittsburgh Paint and Bank Forward all provided contributions for this mural completed in 2020. Best understood from a distance, it is reminiscent of the pointillist technique, which is the use of dots to create an image that when viewed from afar becomes recognizable. The mural depicts wheat and the North Dakota sky as an ode to our region’s strong agriculture economy.

East Grand Forks Mural by Trey Everett and Ross Heir

223 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks

Thanks to a grant from the Iseminger Endowment for the Arts, the Downtown Development Association and Riverwalk Centre have brought this captivating vintage postage stamp mural to life! Completed in 2024, the mural showcases 33 different species of fish native to the Red River, along with fascinating facts about the region and delightful highlights of the East Grand Forks community. Visitors can appreciate this artistic masterpiece from a distance, while also enjoying the intricate details up close.

Arbor Sculpture by Heidi J. Hoy and Nick Legero

320 North 25th Street, Grand Forks

Created after the devasting Flood of 1997, this inspiring bronze sculpture signifies hope rising from the ruins. It has become a symbol of resilience and healing for the community. Hoy and Legeros are both accomplished artists based in Minnesota, with hundreds of public and private works across the United States.

Bull Moose Sculpture by Kenneth Tetrault

The Blue Moose Bar & Grill // 507 2nd Street NW, East Grand Forks

Visitors and locals alike will tell you taking a selfie with this beloved giant blue moose is a must when in Forks! Completed in 1994, the rebar sculpture was inspired by all things Up North and our love of the outdoors.

Colossal Head III: Amber Waves of Grain by Alicia Van Eps, Carol Egeland and Linda Conneran

Visit Greater Grand Forks Visitor Center // 4251 Gateway Drive, Grand Forks

Made of recycled metal and concrete, this six-foot tall “blue head” planter first arrived at the Visitors' Center nearly a decade ago. It was originally re-painted by talented local artist Billy Rerick. As typically happens to all of us sooner or later, this grande dame was due for a little facelift. Now known as Amber Waves of Grain, the rejuvenated sculpture proudly represents the beauty of our region’s wheat fields and sunsets.

Dance of the Loon by Cynthia Wildes

Kittson Avenue & North 3rd Street, Grand Forks

The story of Dance of the Loon is a representation of eternal life together. The male will perform a dance for his love and upon acceptance they will mate for Life. It reminds us there is life everlasting even when life feels lost. The sculpture, originally located in Bemidji, MN, was later purchased by the City of Grand Forks to represent the strength of the city after surviving the historic Flood of 1997.

Take the time to explore these artistic treasures the next time you’re in Greater Grand Forks. Each piece tells a story, offering a deeper understanding of our community and its people while showcasing the enduring impact of public art.

Through a collaboration of the Public Arts Commission, City of Grand Forks and Visit Greater Grand Forks, a public art registry was created that pinpoints the names, artists and locations of public art in Grand Forks. To learn more about all our grand works, go to the online Greater Grand Forks Public Art Registry.

MORE GRAND ART

Bd Mixed Metals

David Badman, a metalsmith, designer, and owner of Badman Design, has been in business locally for over 30 years, specializing in custom, one-of-a-kind pieces to fit any area of your life.

Badman Design is located on South 3rd Street in historic downtown Grand Forks and is a 5,000 square foot expansive showroom, design studio, welding shop and production space. Here David and his Badman Design crew create, display and sell their artwork (jewelry and the ever-changing inventory of home designs including mirrors, wine racks, tables, benches, boxes, lamps, railings, wall hangings, small sculpture, outdoor sculpture and their popular limited edition holiday ornaments).

Browning Arts Gallery

Showcasing fine art works in every medium by more than 50 area artists including ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, computer art, sculpture, jewelry and fiber arts.

Colonel Eugene E. Myers Art Gallery

Featuring regional and national artwork as well as local shows by graduate art and master students.

Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Muddy Waters Clay Center

Nonprofit organization formed to promote the creation, education and enjoyment of ceramic arts by providing a studio, classroom, firing space and gallery.

North Dakota Museum of Art

The museum is nationally recognized for its ground-breaking human rights exhibitions, involvement with international artists, the commissioning of landmark works of art anchored in the Northern Plains and the strength of its exhibition program. Three galleries house exhibitions of regional, national and international art. On permanent display is late New York City artist and collector Barton Benes’ apartment that includes his collection of African art and oddities from around the world. Other museum features are concerts, guest lectures and kids’ activities, plus a gift shop and weekday cafe. Free admission and metered guest parking.

UND Art Collection Gallery

The beautiful and historic Empire Arts Center is now home to the University of North Dakota’s permanent art collection, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and Roy Lichtenstein. Featured artwork changes every three to four months.

World’s Smallest Gallery

The World’s Smallest Gallery is housed inside Urban Stampede, a popular coffee shop located in our trendy Downtown District. The gallery features local artists in different mediums; shows change monthly.

You Are Here Street Gallery

Artist: Adam Kemp

Installation: 2016-present

Medium: Mixed media

Location: You are Here Gallery // Downtown

About the artist: Born in England, Adam Kemp earned his MFA at the University of North Dakota. Now living in Grand Forks, his art is well known throughout the region.

You Are Here Gallery

Exhibition area and studio featuring works, finished and ongoing, by a variety of artists.

You Are Here is home to renowned artist Adam Kemp, painter, sculptor and workshop creator.

Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday or by chance appointment.