A new pilot program is sending artists to Minnesota parks over the next year – and two area artists are among them. In November, the Minnesota Parks Artists-in-Residence (MNPAiR) program announced that Tamara Isfeld and John Sterner will be working together to help create art in Granite Falls’ Memorial Park and Lake Brophy County Park in Alexandria.

“We’ve been excited,” Sterner said of the news. “We’re in the design stage, trying to come up with ideas and organize our thoughts.”

Isfeld and Sterner said they were honored to be chosen as artists-in-residence.

“This opportunity is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to begin creating meaningful connections between art, nature, and the community,” Isfeld said.

They plan to work on art at the two parks this spring and summer.

Both Sterner and Isfeld have had a presence teaching and creating artworks in southwest Minnesota. Sterner has designed public sculptures in Marshall, like the statue of Mrs. Whitney in Liberty Park, and the mustang at the entrance to Southwest Minnesota State University. Isfeld designed the Marshall “M” sculpture in Independence Park for the city’s 150th anniversary, and worked with area residents to create the sculpture’s mosaic.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission is partnering on the MNPAiR program with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division, the Metropolitan Council Regional Parks, and Forecast Public Art, a non-profit arts organization based in Saint Paul. Costs for artists’ time and materials are being funded through a 1% allocation of the Legacy Amendment Parks and Trails Fund that is used to fund joint projects that benefit the three partner agencies.

“The goal of the Minnesota Parks Artists-in-Residence program is to enhance a sense of welcoming and belonging through the creation of unique, locally-relevant art,” said Renee Mattson, executive director of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. “We hope this pilot helps foster deeper community engagement and relationship-building in Minnesota parks and trails, while also increasing appreciation for outdoor recreation and natural resources, especially among underserved communities.”

Sterner said he and Isfeld were “throwing around some really good ideas” for possible art projects in Granite Falls and Alexandria.

“We’re exploring ideas, and having fun as two artists can, trying to figure out how to solve a problem,” Sterner said.

“The focus will be on how to incorporate each park’s unique features and history in a welcoming way into art that resonates with visitors,” Isfeld said. “I hope to create work that celebrates the natural beauty of these spaces and encourages people to reflect on their own connection to the land.”

Sterner said they also wanted the project to include connections to the Native American people who were and are still present in the area.

Both artists also want to make sure they give members of the public an opportunity to be part of the project. “We think that’s important,” Sterner said. “It makes the park more interactive.”

“This residency is a wonderful opportunity to contribute something lasting and impactful to the parks,” Isfeld said.