The Community Collage project was created by photographer Josh Madson as a way to showcase the diversity and harmony of the Mankato community. Watch a short film on the project. Following three complimentary photo shoots for Mankato community members of from all walks of life, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds, more than 800 portraits were shot and displayed in a gallery show at the Coffee Hag throughout the month of September 2023. Subsequently, the collage was displayed at the Carnegie Art Center in Nov of 2023. Community members were photographed during a 2-minute photoshoot, with a classic black and white portrait style to give more emphasis to the faces and personality of the participants. The photos were printed for a floor-to-ceiling photo collage art installation at the Coffee Hag, creating an immersive experience where participants and exhibit attendees were able to feel a sense of joy and pride to be a part the vast abundance of diversity and greatness that exists within the community.

In 2024, due to the excitement felt by the community, Madson was asked to continue the project. Multiple shoots were added to capture the essence of the greater Mankato Area including 3 shoots at Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS in Mankato), and 2 shoots at Minnesota State University Mankato. The 3 shoots at MCHS resulted in a permanent installation at MCHS Mankato named "The Faces Within Our Walls". The residents are also included in the larger collage of the Mankato area. Averaging 300-400 participants per shoot, Josh was able to capture roughly 5000 local residents for a stunning display Sponsored by The Mankato Area Foundation for their 50th anniversary. The installation is Located in the Madison East Center

Additional cities have now been added to the project including shoots in: New Ulm (to unveil at Oktoberfest 10/3/24), Minneapolis (shot at Fashion Week MN) and La Crosse, WI (permanent installation within Mayo Clinic Health System La Crosse, WI).

Community Collage

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