Dale Street Station, a stop along the Green Line in St. Paul, Minnesota, is more than just a transit point; it’s an open-air art gallery that tells a powerful story of community, immigration, and cultural heritage. The public art installations at this station, particularly the striking textile-patterned panels, serve as a vibrant testament to the diverse populations that have shaped the neighborhood surrounding Dale Street for over 150 years.
This area has long been a welcoming haven for immigrants, starting from the indigenous Dakota people to those arriving from Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These diverse communities have contributed significantly to the area’s rich tapestry, building institutions and traditions that are subtly and beautifully woven into the very fabric of Dale Street Station’s design.
The station platforms feature metal panels adorned with textile patterns representing four major cultural groups who have called this neighborhood home: African, Asian, Eastern European, and Hispanic. These panels are not merely decorative; they are symbolic representations of the cultural identities and shared histories of the community. The textile patterns, drawn from traditional designs, evoke a sense of belonging and continuity, connecting the present-day residents of Dale Street to their ancestral roots.
The overarching concept behind the artwork at Dale Street Station is the idea of crossing a significant river to reach a new home. This powerful metaphor resonates deeply with the immigrant experience, as many journeys to a new land involve crossing physical or metaphorical rivers. The station platform itself is designed to subtly evoke an abstracted river, reminding passengers of the countless crossings made by those who came before them. Rivers like the Congo, Rio Bravo, Euphrates, Nile, Mississippi, Mekong, Amazon, Danube, and Ohio – all represent journeys, transitions, and the courage to seek a new life.
Adding another layer of depth to the Dale Street Station art experience is a poem by Soyini Guyton, titled “Crossroads, Again,” inscribed on the railings of the platforms. This poignant poem captures the essence of the immigrant experience and the feeling of being at a crossroads, looking both to the past and the future. The words resonate with anyone who has stood at a point of transition, seeking a place to call home:
Crossroads, Again
By Soyini Guyton
How many have stood at this (these) crossroads
Looking back, looking forward, looking up and down this Avenue
for a place to call home?
Dreams and love and ambition
Fear, hope and anger
Longing, secrets and revelations
Anchored by grace
The artist behind this thoughtful and engaging public art at Dale Street Station is Seitu Jones, a well-respected St. Paul public artist. With over thirty large-scale public artworks to his name, Jones is known for creating pieces that are not only visually appealing but also deeply connected to the community and its history. He is also recognized for his work with Penumbra Theater and his engagement with urban farming and food systems, highlighting his commitment to community enrichment.
Jones’s artistic vision extends beyond static installations. In 2013, he conceptualized and executed Create: The Community Meal, a remarkable public art event where 2,000 people shared a meal and conversation at a half-mile-long table in the middle of a neighborhood street. This event exemplifies Jones’s belief in the power of art to foster community connection and dialogue. His numerous accolades, including the McKnight Distinguished Artist Award and fellowships from the Bush Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, underscore his significant contributions to the art world and his community.
The public art at Dale Street Station serves as a daily reminder of the rich cultural heritage and immigrant stories that are woven into the fabric of St. Paul. It transforms a simple transit stop into a place of reflection, celebration, and community pride. Next time you find yourself at Dale Street, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and the powerful message embedded within these walls – a message of crossroads, journeys, and the enduring strength of community.
