Mural Showcases Powerful History & Bright Future of Workforce Development

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) commissioned a mural by a local artist in its new Career and Services Campus at 1270 Energy Lane, St. Paul. 

The mural captures the organization’s mission and 100+ year history. With the help of a focus group, it showcases the voices of the people served by GESMN’s programs. The result features many colors and silhouettes to represent the variety of people served by the programs GESMN offers to create career possibilities, including imagery of opening doors to brighter futures and graffiti-style phrases such as “Empowered by Work” and “Sustainability.” 

A Vision that Reflects Organizational Values

The artist, Kada Goalen, has over 20 years of experience creating art in the Twin Cities, turning her client’s hope and vision for their space into vibrant and dynamic art. She says, “Art provides a medium to share voices creatively, engage the community purposefully, and reflect the values of an organization in a way that resonates.” 

GESMN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides career training and support to eliminate barriers to work and independence. Proceeds from thrift retail stores, recycling operations and financial contributions fund nearly 20 services that help over 5,000 Minnesotans advance in the workforce each year. 

Photograph of the mural in the hallway from the right at GESMN's career campus. The mural is very colorful and shows people walking through doorways.
Photograph of the mural in the hallway from the left at GESMN's career campus. The mural is very colorful and shows people walking through doorways.


Timelapse of Mural's Creation

Categories

Career and Training Services, Community, Participants, Philanthropy