I wanted to share an important journey I’m currently on to bring back the rainbow sidewalk, a piece of color and joy to our East Isles Uptown Minneapolis neighborhood. The rainbow sidewalk in front of my home. Inspired by vibrant sidewalks I saw worldwide in places like Amsterdam, Iceland, Paris, and South Africa, I decided last year to have a local artist paint the sidewalk panels in beautiful rainbow colors. It was an effort to brighten our community and bring smiles to faces, especially the kids who loved playing and picking their favorite colors on the panels.
Unfortunately, after a complaint, the city classified the artwork as graffiti and stripped most of the paint. What remains now are fragments of blue and purple, with paint strips scattered in the nearby gardens – it truly looks like graffiti now.
In response, I’ve initiated a petition to restore the rainbow sidewalk, which has already gathered over 100 signatures. However, I’ve learned that the petition isn’t necessarily the solution. Instead, I need to go through a city process to get the artwork officially classified as art and obtain a permit. This involves several steps, including ensuring the surface is slip-free and working with the city’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Department.
While we navigate this bureaucratic process, I continue to infuse color into my property – from rainbow-painted stone staircases to a large purple rocking chair. My mission remains to connect our community through art and beauty, a sentiment echoed by my neighbor Steve Havig and many others who support this initiative.
This effort is not just about a colorful sidewalk but about fostering community spirit and adding a touch of beauty to our everyday lives. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for your continued support!
Best,
Richard Moody
