A striking new mural is taking shape atop the former Union Silos in Minot, North Dakota, as Australian artist Guido van Helten embarks on an ambitious project to revitalize the large concrete structure. Standing 23 metres above the ground in a boom lift, van Helten uses a brush typically reserved for fences to create a monumental work of art that reflects the identity and stories of the local community.
The silos, built in the 1950s, served as an economic hub until they ceased operations in the early 1990s. Van Helten, who has gained recognition for his large-scale murals worldwide, sees these structures as a canvas for storytelling. “When you use these old structures to share stories and carry an image of identity, it becomes part of the landscape,” he explained. His work aims to foster community pride, and he has noticed how residents embrace these artistic transformations.
This particular mural in Minot is part of van Helten’s ongoing efforts to explore regional narratives across the US Midwest. “I enjoy the opportunity to uncover stories that are often considered out of the way or flyover communities,” he stated. His journey in mural painting began in Australia, where a project in a small town sparked interest and led to numerous commissions both domestically and internationally.
Using a mineral silicate paint designed to bond with concrete, van Helten creates durable works that blend harmoniously with their surroundings. “I love the coloring of these buildings, so I don’t want to fight with them. I want it to become part of the landscape,” he said. This meticulous process involves initially meeting with local residents to gather insights about their community, followed by months of careful painting.
In Minot, van Helten started his mural in May, envisioning a 360-degree piece that combines photography and painting to encapsulate the area’s culture and people. While he remains tight-lipped about the final design, he mentioned being inspired by themes of land and ownership, reflecting on ranching, the oil industry, and Native American perspectives in North Dakota.
As the city of nearly 50,000 residents sits adjacent to the Bakken oil field and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, the mural’s content is expected to resonate deeply with the local populace. “It is really about land and how different cultures interpret that and connect with it,” van Helten commented, emphasizing the significance of the expansive terrain surrounding Minot.
Visible elements of the mural already include a barn and female figures, hinting at the narratives van Helten aims to portray. Property owner Derek Hackett expressed optimism about the project, stating, “It’s a great way to take what is kind of a blighted property and give it a facelift.”
The mural’s funding relies entirely on donations, with an estimated cost of $350,000. According to project spokesperson Chelsea Gleich, about 85 percent of the necessary funds have already been raised. As the mural progresses, it promises to become a vibrant focal point in Minot, celebrating both the history and community spirit of this North Dakota town.
