Every fall, our Lake Street Bash brings together local businesses, community and business leaders, policymakers, and you - all to support our Lake Street community.

Funds raised at this event support the Lake Street Council’s work to rebuild, strengthen, and advocate for the Lake Street business community and the Twin Cities at large!

The October 2024 Lake Street Art Drop is with artists Siman & Garaard!

Hints begin on our Instagram and Facebook stories @VisitLakeStreet at 6:00 pm.

About the Artist - Siman

“Hello, I am Halimo, known by my alias Siman, and my passion for art has only grown stronger over the years, fueled by my experiences in Somalia, Ethiopia, and now the United States. Coming from a family of artists, with both my parents being full-time artists and art teachers at their own school in Somalia, art has been an integral part of my life since childhood.

Every day, my appreciation for art deepens. I am a full-time artist, and my journey has taken me from working at Osman Art Gallery in Sheboygan—our family-owned gallery during the early days of the pandemic—to our recent move to Minnesota. Here, I continue to pursue my art career and have begun working with Kushite Art Gallery.

In 2015, on World Refugee Day, I was honored to win second prize in the UNHCR art competition titled "Open the Home of Peace," with my brother and sibling taking first and third prizes, respectively. This achievement was a proud moment for our family, especially considering that both my parents were first prize winners in the 1998 art competition organized by the United Nations, UNDP, UNOS, and UNESCO. Our shared success is a testament to our family's dedication to art.

As a representative for East African women, I strive to bring our unique stories and perspectives to the forefront through my artwork. My journey is not just about creating art; it's about celebrating my heritage, advocating for my community, and inspiring others to find their own voice in the world of art.”

Favorite Lake Street business: Hufan Restaurant, 1304 E Lake St

About the Artist - Garaad

“My name is Abdulahi (Garaad), and I am a visual and contemporary artist originally from Mogadishu, Somalia. Art has been my passion since childhood, and I have been working in this field from an early age. My journey brought me to the United States, specifically Minnesota, to explore new artistic boundaries and to share my cultural heritage with the Somali community here.

Throughout the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, I have engaged in numerous projects. One of the highlights of my work has been my involvement in the Lake Street Façade Program, which aims to revitalize Lake Street with vibrant and diverse artistic expressions. As part of this initiative, I brought Somali traditional painting to life at several key locations: DurDur Grocery Store, Madina Mall, and the corner of Cedar and 6th Street.

In addition to my artistic endeavors, I am deeply committed to community engagement. I have worked closely with the youth, using art as a medium to inspire and connect with the next generation. My work not only beautifies public spaces but also fosters a sense of cultural pride and unity within the community.”

Favorite Lake Street business: Quruxlow Restaurant, 1414 E Lake St

The September 2024 Lake Street Art Drop is with artist, Daniela Bianchini!

Hints begin on our Instagram and Facebook stories @VisitLakeStreet at 6:00 pm.

Meet the Artist

Daniela Bianchini was born and raised in Cordoba, Argentina. She was given the opportunity to come to the United States and fell in love with Minnesota. She has been living here for the past 24 years and it definitely feels like home to her.

Daniela worked with several mediums until she fell in love with mosaics. She is very enthusiastic about composing a work of art by bringing many pieces together. Sometimes she feels her work is very much like life itself composed by mosaic pieces of experiences, places, people, colors, etc. She dives into the process of making mosaics with passion and excitement. She spends countless hours finding or creating the right pieces to make it all come together. Daniela’s goal is to bring art to the community. She wants to beautify spaces and create art to inspire everyone. She has dedicated her practice to public art for the past ten years and she absolutely loves it.

Daniela’s favorite Lake Street businesses are Panaderia San Miguel, Himalayan Restaurant, Midtown Global Market, and Dogwood Coffee!

The August 2024 Lake Street Art Drop is with artist, Kelly Anderson! Thanks to our partners at Uptown Dermatology, four randomly selected art packages in this Lake Street Art Drop will come with a $25 certificate towards any SkinSpa service!

Hints begin on our Instagram and Facebook stories @VisitLakeStreet at 6:00 pm.

Meet the Artist

“As an artist and leader of Crayon Kelly Agency, my journey has been a vibrant tapestry of experiences, emotions, and evolution. My artistry began in high school, and it has since grown into a profound passion that has shaped my life and career. With a degree in Graphic Design, I've honed my skills and expanded my creative horizons. But my art is not just about the past, it's about the future. It's about the continuous journey of self-discovery and expression.

Today, I stand at a new juncture. After a decade and a half of building an art business, impacting lives, and giving back to the community, I am now focusing on my individual journey as an artist. My suitcase of experiences, once bursting at the seams, has exploded into a kaleidoscope of emotions and stories. These are not just my stories, but universal narratives of life, love, struggle, and triumph.

My mixed media images are a reflection of these emotions. They are a dialogue between the past and the future, the personal and the universal. The crayon in my work symbolizes the innocence and safety of childhood, while other elements add depth and context. Each piece includes a dictionary cutout relevant to the theme, adding a layer of visual and conceptual meaning.

But my art is more than just images. It's a conversation, a story, a piece of my soul. Each image carries a handwritten message, a secret whisper from me to the viewer. When you purchase an original piece, you're not just acquiring art, you're becoming a part of my journey and legacy.

As I look to the future, I am excited about the endless possibilities. I am committed to continuing to explore, create, and inspire. I am eager to share my art with the world, to touch lives, and to keep adding to my suitcase of experiences. Because for me, art is not just about creating, it's about living, growing, and transforming. And I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.”
- Kelly Anderson

Kelly’s favorite Lake Street businesses are Twin Cities Skaters, Amazing Thailand, and Cyclebar!

Each Spring, the Lake Street Council’s Annual Meeting brings together the corridor’s business and nonprofit stakeholders to hear what we have accomplished in the past year and the work we plan to do for the future of the Lake Street business community.

Learn how we have supported businesses like yours in the past year, get updates on our advocacy work, and ask questions about Lake Street’s recovery plans.

This year’s time and location is subject to change.

The May 2024 Lake Street Art Drop is with renowned artist with Luis Fitch! Luis Fitch will hide art pieces along Lake Street at Mercado Central!

Hints begin on our Instagram and Facebook stories @VisitLakeStreet at 6:00 pm.

Parking & Transportation

• Small surface parking lot and entrance in the back of Mercado Central, accessible off of Bloomington Ave S

• Metered parking on north side of E Lake St & Bloomington Ave S

  Street parking on 15th Ave S

  Bike racks located on E Lake St

  Accessible by METRO Route 21

Meet the Artist, Luis Fitch

An internationally renowned Mexican artist, mentor, and creative entrepreneur specializing in fine art and working across gallery and urban art settings. His artistic repertoire encompasses various mediums, including screen prints, stencils, stickers, masking film illustrations, wheat paste, collages, sculptures, posters, paintings, and murals.

Luis's artwork has garnered widespread recognition both nationally and internationally. His art pieces are featured in over 380 private and institutional collections throughout the United States, Europe, Dubai, Mexico, and Latin America, including prestigious institutions such as the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis, the Minnesota History Museum in Saint Paul, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, The City of Albuquerque, National Hispanic Cultural Center, and the Tamarind Institute.

Luis proudly holds distinctions such as the revered AIGA MN Fellowship. Beyond his accomplishments, Luis frequently imparts his wisdom and insights at creative conferences and prestigious universities internationally. Through captivating lectures, he intricately weaves the threads of art, design, and commerce, inspiring aspiring minds to explore the dynamic intersection of these domains.

Luis's creative journey continues to evolve, marked by recent milestones that underscore his indomitable spirit. Notably, he was commissioned to illustrate four stamps for the United States Postal Service, a testament to the profound impact of his artistry on a national scale. Additionally, Luis crafted the first-ever art collection by a Mexican artist for Target stores, commemorating the revered Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition. His involvement as a member of the State Flag and Emblem Redesign Commission, appointed by the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, further exemplifies his dedication to shaping cultural narratives.

Luis Fitch's legacy transcends barriers, cultivates cross-cultural connections, and infuses design with meaning and purpose. His relentless commitment to bridging divides through his creative endeavors inspires the world—a testament to the enduring power of art and design to foster unity and understanding.

Make a guajolota (torta de tamal) with Luis Fitch at his favorite businesses in Mercado Central!