Union Silos Public Art Project Officially Kicks Off Work on North Dakota’s Largest Mural

A towering canvas is coming to life in downtown Minot. Work has officially begun on what will be North Dakota’s largest public mural, as internationally renowned artist Guido van Helten transforms the retired Union Silos into a sweeping portrait of the community. Backed by local organizers and shaped by months of interviews and photography, the mural will rise steadily through the summer—its design kept secret until completion. It’s more than a painting—it’s a celebration of place, history, and the people who call Minot home.

The full news release from the Union Silos project team is included below as well as video including questions and answers from the news conference.

— Official News Release, Union Silo Project —

Work has officially begun on North Dakota’s largest public mural – the Union Silos Public Art Project in Downtown Minot. A group of local residents commissioned Australian-born visual artist and photographer, Guido van Helten, to transform the retired grain silos at 318 1st Street NE into a larger-than-life portrait of our community and the next stop on the artist’s multi-state Monuments project. After spending months photographing, interviewing residents and learning about our community over the last year, van Helten has created a design uniquely inspired by the Minot area and painting has now begun!

“A project of this scope and scale has an incredible impact on the Minot community,” says organizer Chelsea Gleich. “This will serve as a tourist attraction and help create a sense of place for the community. Plus, it will be a beautiful backdrop to everyday life in our city that reflects and celebrates the people who live here.”

The artist specializes in large-format mural painting. His artwork is found on concrete structures around the world including high-rise buildings, dams, grain silos, water towers, and even parking structures. Since the completion of an artwork in Nashville in 2017, van Helten has steadily added new works on former industrial structures throughout the regional US as he expands the collection state by state. The current Monuments commissions encompass large-scale murals created through storytelling, photography, and community engagement that can be found in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Mankato, Minnesota; Nashville, Tennessee; Faulkton, South Dakota; McKinney, Texas; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Salina, Kansas. The Union Silos Public Art Project in Minot will be the featured work for the state of North Dakota.

“Minot is an arts hub for the state of North Dakota,” according to Tim Baumann, one of the other local organizers for the commission. “It seems only fitting this community should represent our state in this collection and help draw people here to see Minot’s vibrant culture and arts industry.”

Silo art projects have grown in popularity, becoming important attractions in recent years as tourists look for new, unique experiences; and rural communities look to revitalize fallow infrastructure. Of the 14 premier silo art projects listed on americansiloart.com, half of them were completed by van Helten. Examples of his work and subject material can be found on this website at guidovanhelten.com.

“My work is often focused on the specialized architecture, spaces, people and places in regional communities,” says artist, Guido van Helten. “Often overlooked due to their rural nature, it is a privilege to be able to get to know these small towns on a deeper level. Minot has been no different. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the people here, and I’m looking forward to immortalizing the spirit of this area through this mural.”

The mural will span all four sides of the silos, visible from vantage points across the city. Work will continue throughout the summer with an estimated completion date of Fall 2025. The design for the mural has been approved by the local project organizers, but the final design will remain a mystery to the community until it’s complete.

“Keeping the final mural design a surprise allows residents and visitors to be part of the process throughout,” said Cole Krueger, one of the other local organizers for the commission. “As you watch the mural grow and change by the day, you can form your own interpretations of what you see and guess what is coming next.”

More information and donation details can be found at www.ndunionsilos.com.

Quick facts:

• The overall project and fundraising effort have been named the Union Silos Public Art Project, a nod to the name (Farmers Union Elevator Co.) painted on the north facing side of the property and the central role that agriculture plays in the history of Minot and the surrounding area.
• The total cost of the project will be $350,000 and is funded completely by grants and donations.
• All donations and financial support will be tax-deductible and can be made through the Minot Area Council of the Arts. Please write “silo arts” in the donation note. Online donations can be made at www.ndunionsilos.com.