Australian Artist Transforms Minot with Monumental Mural

A large-scale mural is taking shape on a grain elevator in Minot, North Dakota, as renowned artist Guido van Helten brings his unique vision to the small town. Positioned 75 feet (23 meters) above ground, van Helten is employing a brush typically used for fencing to create a striking piece of art that will depict the community’s identity and culture. His work is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the area, transforming a once-industrial landmark into a canvas for local stories.

Underway since May 2023, the mural project involves a 360-degree design that integrates both painting and photography. The grain elevator and silos, built in the 1950s, were once a central hub for the local economy but ceased operations in the early 1990s. Van Helten aims to breathe new life into these structures, which define the town’s skyline.

“To use these old structures to share stories and carry an image of identity becomes part of the landscape,” van Helten explained. He noted that communities often adopt these murals, fostering pride in their local heritage. The artist has previously worked on projects worldwide, including a cooling tower at the Chernobyl nuclear plant and various silos across the U.S. Midwest.

His interest in regional stories intensified after a mural he completed in a remote Australian town, which sparked a series of commissions across Australia and the United States. Van Helten employs a mineral silicate paint that bonds with concrete, ensuring durability. He carefully selects colors that harmonize with the existing structures, aiming to enhance rather than overshadow the original aesthetics.

The mural process is not rushed; van Helten engages with local residents to learn about their community before commencing work. This relationship-building is crucial for capturing the essence of the area. “I love the coloring of these buildings, so I don’t want to fight with them,” he stated, emphasizing his desire for the mural to blend seamlessly into the environment.

As he continues to paint, visible elements include images of a barn and female figures, reflecting themes of land and ownership that resonate deeply in North Dakota’s landscape, especially near the Bakken oil field and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. “It’s really about how different cultures interpret and connect with land,” he remarked.

The project, estimated to cost around $350,000, is entirely funded through donations, with approximately 85% of the necessary funds already secured, according to Chelsea Gleich, a spokesperson for the initiative. The mural is regarded as a significant enhancement for a property previously considered blighted. Local property owner Derek Hackett expressed enthusiasm, noting, “It’s a great way to give it a facelift and resurrect its presence in our skyline.”

As the mural nears completion, it promises to become a focal point in Minot, visible from nearly every corner of the town. This project not only enhances the visual landscape but also serves as a testament to the stories and connections that define North Dakota.