Launching “Art Connects Community” — A New Communications Campaign

At Sustainable Stillwater MN (SSMN), we believe that art has the power to build bridges and inspire action. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Art Connects Community, a communications initiative that invites community members to share their concept of a thriving, resilient community through the medium of visual art. Beyond being a platform for community expression, we intend that this art will create opportunities for new connections and conversations about sustainability, resilience, and what our shared environment means to us. 

Art Connects Community is intentionally holistic and supports all four of our pillars—Energy, Transportation, Economy, and Environment. 

About Art Connects Community: What’s your vision for a world where we all thrive?

The theme for Art Connects Community is the shared connection between people and our environment, inspired by Lady Bird Johnson’s powerful quote: 

We invite everyone in the St. Croix Valley – professional artists and amateurs alike, of all ages –  to create visual interpretations of this theme through painting, sculpture, photography, and other visual media. To share your vision with the broader community, all artwork will be exhibited online, and selected works will also be on display around the St. Croix Valley.

You can also choose to enter your artwork for the chance to  win cash prizes (including Grand Prize, Best Interpretation of the Theme, and People’s Choice Award)!

This is a family-friendly event. No nudity, profanity, or AI-generated works will be accepted. All artwork must be created within the last year, and we allow one entry per person. For full details on who can participate, what types of artwork you can create, and the prizes available, please visit https://www.sustainablestillwatermn.org/art-connect 

Why We’re Doing This

We created this campaign to bring the community into deeper conversations about what sustainability means—and to do it through the universal language of art. We also aim to raise funds through an option for artists to donate their work to the silent auction at our Fall Gala, supporting our mission and work year-round.

2025 Key Dates to Remember 

• July 1 & 2: Artwork drop-off

  • July 1: 8–10 AM

  • July 2: 3–5 PM

  • Location: A House Unbuilt Studio, 321 S Main St Suite 204, Stillwater, MN 55082

• Mid-July: Jury panel reviews submissions

• August 1: Prize winners and exhibit locations announced

• August–September: Public and digital exhibitions

• October 30th: Silent auction at our Fall Gala

Get Involved

We’re thrilled to bring our community together through this new campaign. Submit your artwork, share your vision, and help us build a more resilient and sustainable future.

Have questions? Contact Sirid Kellermann at sirid@sustainablestillwatermn.org or (650) 996-9927.

Want to support this campaign or contribute to the prize fund? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here: https://givebutter.com/SSMN-Art-Connects-2025

Together, let’s use the power of art to connect, reflect, and imagine what’s possible.