Photo by Debra Van De Weghe
If you’re looking for a new place to snap a photo in the Twin Cities, head into Uptown where a giant yeti has officially taken over the side of the former Apple store just south of Lake Street.
Created by Minneapolis artist and designer Jason Craig, the ginormous piece features a yeti climbing the Uptown marquee in a fun nod to King Kong’s famous climb up the Empire State Building. The best part? The yeti’s huge hand stretches out toward the sidewalk, making it perfect to step into the scene for a picture.
The mural was created in collaboration with the Uptown Farmers Market, which is using the artwork to bring more color and creativity to the neighborhood. It also gives visitors another reason to make a stop in Uptown for the market’s Thursday evening lineup of local produce, live music, prepared foods, handmade goods and much more. The weekly farmers market runs Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 24 at MoZaic Plaza, next to the Lagoon Theatre.
And there’s a way for the younger crowd to get involved, too. A black and white version of Craig’s yeti will be included in the Hill & Lake Press for a neighborhood coloring contest. Kids can color the yeti scene and bring their finished work to the farmers market on Aug. 20 for a chance to win prizes. Coloring sheets are also available to download and print at home from the farmers market website or to pick up at participating Uptown businesses.
Jason Craig, whose work is known for its bright, playful style, has created works of art and illustrations designed to make people smile, and this latest piece certainly fits right in. The mural is expected to stay on the building indefinitely, so there will be plenty of time to catch the yeti in action. For more farmers market information, head to uptownmarket.org, and be sure to check out more of Jason’s work on his Instagram: jclovely.
