Outdoor Art Appreciation: Fargo’s Murals

Shorts are being pulled from the depth of clothing draws and coats are being shucked to the side as the sun lingers and noticeable warmth touches skin. It is clearly warming up here on campus and the remnants of winter are (hopefully) finally departing. As spring finally rolls in, students and all those on campus will begin to spend more time outside to recalibrate. While enjoying the sun itself is pleasant, taking a trip to admire the outdoor art in our community might just give you another purpose to spend time outdoors, possibly leading to insightful rejuvenation. Let’s look into some of Fargo’s most notable art murals.

Mario Wall

First, Mario Wall, located at 505 Third Ave. N. in the alley beside Pickled Parrot Bar. This mural features the beginning scene of World 1-1 from Super Mario Bros. This mural was created by Lauren from Starling Artistry in 2018 and depicts Mario’s first encounter with an enemy, the well-known and beloved Goomba. It is an interactive mural that allows passersby to stomp the Goomba or raise a fist to hit a question mark block for a power-up. If you’re looking for a new spot for a fun, Instagram-worthy photo, I think you may have just found it!

Bob Dylan Mural

Second, the Bob Dylan mural is located at 413 Broadway N. in downtown Fargo on the side of the former Bison Hotel, now the Bison Apartments. This artwork was created by artist Jules Much in June 2022 and stands at roughly three stories high. It depicts Bob Dylan, also known as Robert Zimmerman, holding a newspaper and cigarette. The piece was requested by the building owner to commemorate the short time that Bob Dylan spent in Fargo in 1959 frequenting the former hotel. For any Bob Dylan fans out there, this piece is a must-visit, as it encapsulates a small moment in history where a legend resided in our Fargo community.

Art Alley

Third, Art Alley is located on First Ave. N. between Fourth St. and Fifth St. behind The Forum building. This wall was designated as a legal art wall in 2015 and changes with the times as old art is covered up and new art is plastered over. This provides a new experience with every visit. You’ll need a bit of time to fully enjoy this mural as there are so many details, big and small, to observe and admire. This piece captures the fluid history of art in Fargo and its importance in the community. It also doubles as a fascinating background for photos.

Duke Ellington Mural

Fourth, the Duke Ellington mural is located at 606 Main Ave. on the alley side of the Rhombus Guys building. This piece was created by artist Jeff Knight in the summer of 2021. Located near the former site of the Crystal Ballroom, it honors renowned jazz musician Duke Ellington, who played a famous show with his bandmates in 1940 at the Crystal Palace Ballroom. This show was recorded live and later released in the 1970s, leading to Elllington’s Grammy win in 1980. It’s a beautiful piece worth your time and admiration.

“Greetings from Fargo”

Finally, the “Greetings from Fargo” Postcard Mural is located at 641 First Ave. N. on the west side of Orange Records. The mural was created by Anna Johnson, Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs and was completed in June 2021. Ving and Beggs began a nationwide mural project in 2015 to create a “Greetings from” mural in all 50 states. Fargo was awarded their yearly grant for having such a positive impact on the local community, resulting in this beautiful artwork. “Easter eggs” are present in the mural pointing to the wonderful city of Fargo. Can you find them?

This is only a taste of the outdoor art present in Fargo, with downtown featuring several more awe-inducing pieces of artwork. For more information about Fargo’s murals and where to find them, you can visit www.fargomoorhead.org/blog/post/murals-fargo-moorhead/. It is also important to recognize the other forms of artwork that are present in the area. including installations like the Hand Sign Bike Racks located at the corner across the way from Broadway Square and sculptures like the Brick Sculpture at Madison Skate and Bike Park. Art is all around us. It is what drives and upholds communities. Take the opportunity to spend some time checking out your local art. It can be very uplifting.