SOC
About Stories of Connection
The Loppet is working on an exciting new transformative project funded by LCCMR that’s rooted in community and part of an ongoing journey of healing:
Stories of Connection (SOC): Collecting and sharing stories from North Mpls & BIPOC communities about their connections to the outdoors, nature and Theodore Wirth Park, and using these stories to create educational artwork, nature-based programming and healing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“The Stories of Connection Project emerged from crucial conversations with Black community elders in North Minneapolis. Despite the park’s proximity to diverse neighborhoods, it has historically been utilized predominantly by white, high-income communities. The project aims to understand and address this disparity through storytelling and community engagement.” (Excerpt from our project partners at the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA)).
Share Your Story
The narratives of people and the land are interdependent. Your story of connection to nature, community, and Theodore Wirth Park can help others recognize their own stories reflected in the identity of this place. We’d love to hear from you!
We welcome written stories and/or photos about your experiences in Wirth or perspectives on access to green space and ecological justice. To submit written content or photos, or questions, please contact us at: stories@loppet.org. You can also find a SOC recording area at events, and we’re happy to come to you and/or your organization. Please feel free to get in touch!
GALLERY
SOC
Project Timeline
Happening Now:
- Graphic Designer hired & working on creating SOC branding: Charizma Agency
- Videographer hired & working on documentary (Summer 2026): Spirit Folk
- Story based nature programming for North Mpls & Community Partners – Interested in partnering? Please reach out to: stories@loppet.org
- Stories of Connection Traveling Exhibit dates and locations for 2026 – see below!
Coming This Year:
- Free Nature Education Stations located in and around Theo Wirth Park
- Call For Artist (CFA) for Outdoor Art Installations located at Theo Wirth Park & surrounding areas in North Mpls
- More story based nature programming for North Mpls & Community Partners
- SOC feature documentary
SOC
Stories of Connection Indoor Art Exhibit
This traveling Art Exhibit features powerful original works by local artists—Charles Caldwell, Philipo Dyauli, Jearica Fountain, Kevin Martinez, and Asa-Azriel “Ace” Rice—each inspired by stories shared by community members around five central themes of connection, resilience, and place.
Exhibit Dates:
- Thursday, January 8th (5:00pm – 7:00pm) | NRRC (Northside Residents Redevelopment Council). 1303 Golden Valley Rd. Minneapolis, MN 55411. *Community Conversations Series*
- Wednesday, February 11th (12:00pm – 5:00pm) | Nina Mae Sudduth Foundation. 651 Nicollet Mall Suite #125, Minneapolis, MN 55402
- Thursday, March 12th (5:00 – 7:30 pm) | V3 Sports. 701 Plymouth Ave N. Minneapolis, MN 55411.
- Saturday, April 11th (Cocktail Hour) | WBC Gala (West Broadway Business and Area Coalition). International Market Square 275 Market Street. Minneapolis, MN 55405 (Tickets required to attend. Tickets can be purchased at westbroadway.org)
- Tuesday, May 12th (2:00pm – 7:00pm) | MPS – The Davis Center
1250 West Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411 - Wednesday, June 17th (12:00pm – 4:30pm) | Cora McCorvey YMCA. 1015 N. 4th Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55411.
- Thursday, July 16th (4:00pm – 6:00pm) | Wilson’s Image Barbers and Stylists. 328 West Broadway. Minneapolis, MN 55411 *Community Conversations Series*
- Friday August 7th (5:00pm – 8:00pm) | Project Finale: The Capri Theater. 2027 West Broadway. Minneapolis, MN 55411.
- Documentary viewing will follow after the exhibit
SOC
Stories of Connection Environmental Education Programming
StoryMap
Developed by UMN CURA and NatureWerks in partnership with The Loppet Foundation
Stories of Connection is Made Possible By:
The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.
Join the Community
Support The Loppet Foundation
The Loppet depends on our community to support our mission through donations, membership and volunteering.
Support our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
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