Building Community Through Art
In Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, a creative space called Crayon Kelly Experience has become a hub for interactive art and community engagement. Founded by local artist Kelly Anderson, the space blends artistic expression with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection.
The Artist Behind the Vision: Kelly Anderson
Kelly Anderson began her journey into art during high school, eventually earning a degree in graphic design. Over the years, she developed a distinctive style rooted in mixed media, often incorporating crayons to symbolize childhood and safety, along with dictionary cutouts and handwritten messages that add thoughtful layers to each piece.
Her career includes experience in several industries, from restaurant management to insurance and sales. This practical background informs the way she approaches her art practice—not only as a creative outlet but as a platform for collaboration and problem-solving.
Rather than focusing solely on her own work, Anderson has shifted much of her energy toward supporting other artists and building community through shared projects and public art.
Crayon Kelly as a Creative Strategy Space
Crayon Kelly operates as a creative strategy and interactive arts agency. Its work includes live art experiences, event activations, juried outdoor shows, and collaborative design. The team, made up of around 20 local artists, works with organizations and businesses to approach challenges creatively—whether it’s through team engagement, storytelling, or visual design.
The agency’s goal is to make art accessible and useful, not just beautiful. Their projects prioritize participation and dialogue, aiming to bring people into the creative process rather than keeping art behind gallery walls.
A Space for Artists and the Community
The studio—located at 1628 West End Boulevard—is home to more than 20 artists and hosts workshops, classes, exhibitions, and public events. It’s designed to be welcoming and inclusive, offering artists space to work and share their craft with the broader community.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the art and the artists, whether by attending an event, stopping in during gallery hours, or taking part in Community Art Night on Wednesdays.
Current and recent projects include Birds for Union Alley, Amplified Arts, a kid-focused mural festival at Maplewood Mall, and a Face Paint Jam. These initiatives reflect the studio’s mission to integrate creativity into everyday spaces.
Interactive and Public Art Projects
Crayon Kelly’s work often centers around public and interactive murals—over 250 to date. These projects have been created for local partners like Maplewood Mall, Children’s Hospital, Crayola, the University of Minnesota Foundation, and Minnesota United FC. Rather than being static displays, these installations invite community involvement and are designed to be touched, painted on, or contributed to in some way.
The emphasis is on making art feel like a shared experience, not a finished product.
What’s Next
With a consistent team and growing list of partnerships, Crayon Kelly continues to explore new projects and events. The focus remains on supporting individual expression while offering a space where artists can collaborate and grow.
Upcoming events include additional Amplified Arts shows, Face Paint Jam, featured artist exhibitions, and other new experiences that will be announced in the coming months.
