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