You may have seen one of them while driving around Rochester MN. Local artist and graphic designer, Madison Kelly, has her artwork featured on 5 different billboards as part of a campaign with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Since 2017, Nike has collaborated with NBA teams to create “City Jerseys.” This year the Timberwolves chose “Own Every Canvas” as the theme for their jersey and have explained the campaign is aimed at celebrating court community and culture
“This year in particular we wanted to celebrate the vibrant, creative community that exists in the state of Minnesota,” chief marketing officer for Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Mike Grahl said.
The Timberwolves hoped to expand their project beyond the metro area and connected with local artists in Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester to promote the campaign.
Madison is active in Rochester MN as a graphic designer, artist, and community organizer. She says wasn’t sure if the email she received about the campaign and her involvement was legitimate or not. However, it proved to be a great opportunity to share her art with our region.
We asked Madison a few questions about this project to get to know her and her inspiration a bit better.
Rochester Local: Where did you draw inspiration for your artwork displayed on the billboards?
Madison Kelly: My inspiration came from my experience as a born-and-raised Rochester resident. Growing up, I never expected to stay in Rochester as an adult. But since returning after college, I have fallen in love with the city and the community in a way I hadn’t before. All the images featured on the billboards are ones I’ve taken myself that show snapshots of my life in Rochester — my mother’s garden, my view on my walk to work, the street near my family’s home where I grew up
Rochester Local: How is your artwork a reflection of Rochester?
Madison Kelly: I want my artwork to remind people that there are amazing things happening in Rochester beyond Mayo Clinic. Take the time to attend local events, support local artists, connect with your community. Getting more involved locally has really changed my Rochester experience for the better. Trust me, it will be worth it.
