Local artist Olivia Levins Holden is wrapping up her community-engaged mosaic project at the Hosmer Library in South Minneapolis. This project has involved extensive consultation with local garden programs, library patrons, and community members as Holden works to bring together themes of local history, ecology, and community connection.
As part of her tribute to the community, Holden has incorporated a reference to the Spokesman-Recorder newspaper within the mosaic. “I wanted to represent the community that exists in the neighborhood and also uplift some of the organizations and names, the people, the institutions that have been important in the formation of the place,” she says.
Right pillar of “Seeding the Stars” mosaicCredit: Courtesy
“The Spokesman came to mind immediately. I grew up nearby, and I’ve always thought of it as kind of like a staple, an anchor of Central neighborhoods.” She continues, “Another reason for including the Spokesman in the mosaic is to honor the way that you all have centered and uplifted the stories and experiences of this community for so long.”
This reference to the Spokesman-Recorder is placed beside an image of a child reading and a stack of books, which honor other important local institutions such as Dreamland Café and Central High. As Holden explains the image, “The child is seated on the earth. The Dakota words Mni Sota Makoce are woven through the indigenous soil. Each book and newspaper stacked beside the child honors important community institutions or movements core to the Central Neighborhood.”
The mosaic’s design is not just a static tribute; it’s meant to serve as a living connection to the community. “I want it to be something that the community can take ownership of, feel reflected by, see themselves in, and also use it as a way to teach each others about the history of the neighborhood and our own histories,” Holden says. “I hope that it can be kind of a point of community connection and storytelling and just something to be proud of in that space.”
For Holden, her work extends beyond just one piece of art. “I’ve done a lot of community-engaged art, and some of that comes through my work at Hope Community in Phillips where I’ve been working in community art and community mural making since 2016.” Holden is known for her multidisciplinary approach, which has included live mural painting at events and community festivals.
“I do some graphic recording or live mural painting with a collective of three. We try to capture the essence of the conversation and give back to a community that’s doing organizing work or having a symposium or a gathering,” she says.
Holden’s artistic journey has also led her to work with local organizations to ensure her designs are relevant to the people they aim to represent. “When we did a little engagement event at the library, people came and part of the questions were like, ‘What do you want to see represented here?’ And specifically around community history, that was one of the things that came up — community responses. I thought it was important,” she notes.
As Holden reflects on the importance of her artwork, she shares her vision for the future: “Through this piece, I hope it stays there for generations. It’s a piece that could stand the test of time. I want it to be something that the community feels connected to and proud of. For my work, I hope to continue making work that is reflective of any relationship with the community.”
The artwork, titled Seeding the Stars, aims to honor the past while looking to the future. “The title speaks of our continual power in cultivating our collective futures,” Holden says. “With gratitude to the many stories, ideas, and hands woven through the artwork.”
