Melanie Stimmell and her “We Talk Chalk Team” awed downtown Grand Forks crowds in August by creating a 3D chalk masterpiece in the alleyway next to the Empire Arts Center. The specially commissioned artwork, rife with UND imagery, celebrated the public unveiling of UND’s expanded presence downtown: the University of North Dakota Art Collections Gallery at the Empire.
Artwork that used to be hidden in various spots around campus now is featured in a revamped gallery inside the Empire. They include art of ancient Egypt to 18th and 19th century paintings, and later works by famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Audrey Flack and Roy Lichtenstein.
As for Stimmell, during her 14 years as a street painter she has been awarded gold medals and first-place awards in prestigious European competitions to become one of the world’s most honored street painters. Stimmell also spent eight years working as the technical director on the television series South Park.
Photo by Jackie Lorentz, University Relations