Community Murals

         Marilyn intends that community murals "reflect the dreams, the commitment and nurturing environment necessary to make the aspirations of our community a reality- a daily reminder that life can be beautiful and connected to the larger world."

"Dreaming, Linking, Transforming"

11' X 33', 2015, acrylic on cement block, The Link building, Minneapolis

          Seven Link participants, worked with community artists Marilyn Lindstrom and Francis Yellow and Linki staff to develop a collective dream for the mural which became Dreaming, Linking, Transforming. They did drawings to the dream statement. The lead artists made the composition using the participants drawings. Next, they all transferred the design  to the wall, mixed colors,  painted and gifted to the Link community.

"Our Power Comes From Our People"

Acrylic on Brick, 18' X 18', Nawayee Center High School students in Phillips neighborhood, Minneapolis, with lead artists Francis Yellow (Lakota,Dakota), Marilyn Lindstrom(European) and Robert DesJarlait (Anishinabe, Ojibwe)

Twenty-two Nawayee School students with elder muralists Francis Yellow, Marilyn Lindstrom, and Robert DesJarlait worked together four seasons to design and paint the mural. The young people made the mural through Lakota and Ojibwe Lifeway where it is said, "We do everything through dreams." The Lifeway mural was an artist residency but also a community mural, connecting to the Lakota, Dakota, and Anishinabe communities as well as the school community and the Phillips neighborhood. The young muralists listened to stories passed down through ancestors of Francis and Robert and placed those symbols, stories, and meanings into the mural. The Cangleska (medicine wheel), in the background symbolizes the concept of relatedness- of which Lifeways are based upon.

"Crossroads" on The Cultural Center of Minnesota: African Drum and Dance