Minneapolis art exhibit gives outlet to heal after Philando Castile's death

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - In the wake of the death of Philando Castile, artists across the Twin Cities needed to create to express how they felt. Now, their works of art are being turned into hope for healing.

A new exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art named "Art and Healing: In the Moment" contains 15 pieces inspired by that fateful day. One of the pieces is a video about a mural created on a building, which was demolished five weeks after the painting was complete. Artists also sent paintings, posters, quilts and more to Castile’s mother after the deadly shooting and she wants to share them with the entire community.

“It’s painful and difficult, I think,” said Kaywin Feldman, Minneapolis Institute of Art director and president. “By putting this issue on the walls of this museum, we are saying this is an important issue and we all need to be talking about it and thinking about it.”

When the 32-year-old lunchroom supervisor was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights two years ago, his death sparked sadness, anger and outrage around the world.

Feldman says over the last 10 years, museums have become more interested in tackling issues that are important to the community like social justice and Castile's case is a prime example.

“If you are the museum of the people, you have to be the museum of all the people,” said Feldman. “We want to see new audiences here. Excited about working with younger audiences.”

MIA leaders believe the exhibition will help build bridges throughout the community, just like Castile did.

“I hope people come away with a profound sense of both the loss, but also hope for the future,” said Feldman.

The exhibition opened Sunday and runs through July 29.