Address: 115 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 10 AM – 4 PM / Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM / Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM
The Place: Griot Arts
Right along Broadway, near the very center of the city, Griot Arts opened its doors in early July 2024. The Centreville Building, where Griot Arts is a tenant, is a historic building with a storied past. Now, it can add a community bookshop and gathering space to its long legacy — certainly a place where more stories will be created and told.
Nicole “Cole” Asong Nfonoyim-Hara, founder of Griot Arts, has dreamed of creating a space for the BIPOC community to feel safe, welcome, and seen. A space of sanctuary, community, joy, and ease. Griot Arts is a vibrant and empowering art space and bookstore that celebrates Black art and culture.
The Space: Celebrating Black Art & Culture
Once stepping into Griot Arts, you’re met with beautiful artwork, book-lined walls, cozy benches & chairs, and a wonderful kids’ corner. All of which make this space so colorful, vibrant, and joyful!
Nicole has carefully curated a space to support and amplify the voices of Black artists in SE Minnesota. The goal of Griot Arts is to support creatives, makers, and art educators. Griot is also meant to serve as a gathering space and resource hub.Â
Nicole shared that the space has moveable pieces to allow it to continuously change and transform. As Griot evolves, Nicole hopes to offer different events and programming to encourage impactful learning and connection. Â
The Art Wall: Featuring Local Artists
Upon walking in the front door, you will notice artwork displayed along the wall. The artwork is all available for purchase and has been created by Black artists.Â
You will also notice different framed artwork throughout the space that Nicole created. Fun fact: Nicole was one of the creators and designers for “Still We Rise: Rochester’s Black Legacy” exhibit that was showcased during Black History Month here in Rochester.Â
The Books: Celebrating BIPOC Authors
The walls are lined with books that celebrate the Black community, educate about the Black community, and are written by a Black author. You can find books for children, young adults, and adults.Â
The kids’ space has a play kitchen, table for arts & crafts, reading nooks, and of course, BOOKS! It’s colorful and cozy, offering a spot for your kids to explore while you shop around.
The Treasures
Griot Arts also offers other gift items such as candles, cards, stickers, journals, and tea.
Since opening the doors of Griot Arts, Nicole noticed a community need and created a community food care shelf to offer non-perishable goods for those in need. To donate, please drop in non-perishable food items and/or toiletries the next time you visit.
