Joan Vorderbruggen is a nationally recognized leader in the field of public art and creative placemaking. From her non-traditional decades of waitressing and nursing she became a “one-woman powerhouse” in organizing diverse communities and artists to create award-winning projects that transform neglected neighborhoods into cultural destinations. In this process, storefront vacancies were reduced, empty blocks gathered people and spurred economic growth.

Joan says it best: “Interestingly, this work engaged the healer in me, as I identified ailing parts of the street and challenged talented people to make it better with the power of creativity.”

Joan Vorderbruggen selected accomplishments:  8 years as Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Cultural District Arts Coordinator, Creator of “Made Here,” largest storefront initiative of its kind in the nation, Humphrey Policy Fellow, Creative Community Fellow by National Arts Strategies, and Ethical Redevelopment Salon member at the University of Chicago via Place Lab.

Wednesday’s Circle will afford the opportunity to hear stories and insights from Joan’s amazing work with artists, neighborhoods, city and business people to transform vacant storefronts “into magical, whimsical worlds” and people friendly places. In conversation with Joan will be Pat Benincasa.