A Style All His Own AN INTERVIEW WITH BELOVED MINNESOTA PUBLIC ART CREATOR, ADAM TURMAN By Todd Pernsteiner, Pernsteiner Creative Group
When it comes to well-known Minnesota artists, one person surely comes to mind. You’ve likely seen his work in locations across the state – on walls, bridges, and at the State Fair. We talked to Adam Turman about his favorite public art projects and solicited advice on the best ways to work with an artist when considering a public art project. TP: Give us some background on your education and career path. AT: I hold a BA in Graphic Design from the School of Design, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. During school, I loved courses about the theory of design, art and design history, and color theory. Each course formulated a great base to be able to create my own style. The most important time though, was inspiration and constructive criticism from fellow students, it provided a challenge to do the best possible work.
TP: What have been some of your favorite large-scale, public art/ community based projects? AT: The most recent public art project with the City of Northfield for the Hwy 246 & Jefferson Pkwy pedestrian tunnels was an amazing experience from start to finish, and a joy to be a part of the community. This project had a very well-organized RFQ detailing the exact project scope, artwork theme and criteria. A selection committee, led by one liaison, was a part of each art approval process. On another project, working with Three Rivers Park District Hyland Hills Teen Council for a mural at the Ski Chalet was also a dream. The Teen-led committee was well organized, engaged and knew exactly what they wanted. This group sought out my creative style specifically to express their vision for the mural.
Working in partnership with Three Rivers Park, Adam created signage for the regional trails wayfinding signs and intersections.
Saint Paul Palace Community Center mural by Turman Artwork Company
58 MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks • www.mnrpa.org
