Ellen Ogden has completed her 2023 Granite Falls Community Artist Residency!

Ogden brought with her twelve-plus years of experience creating hand-painted art on multi-story buildings as well as large-scale architectural stained-glass pieces. Ogden’s process has also grounded her in responding to her surroundings. During the pandemic, Ogden created and implemented the “Reflect Love” project by painting window murals on storefronts to reinvigorate morale for both business owners and passersby alike.

A native to Louisiana, Ellen Ogden left her mark in Granite Falls. While visiting as a CAIR finalist, she participated in a mini-residency, part of the application process for the artist position. Ogden created a mural which can be viewed along the riverwalk downtown, Granite Falls. The colorful depiction of the meandering Minnesota River and bright flora is a nod to this year’s theme of “flora, fauna and fungi.” As the 2023 AIR, she completed a large mural at the Yellow Medicine County Historical Museum, running path signs for the new running club in Granite, a cooperatively-curated exhibit on local organizations, and several smaller

An important component of Ogden’s art is research: “learning what could help or be a bolster of what’s already here. I don’t plan to come in and do something that’s just my voice. I want it to resonate and celebrate,” she says. Jumping right in, Ogden participated in numerous community events and organizational meetings looking to gain knowledge and understanding of the Granite Falls community.

In her free time, Ellen enjoys yoga, foraging, mountain biking, public art, and traveling. We wish her all the best!