Off The Canvas
A Youth Mural Program
Off the Canvas empowers North Minneapolis youth through public art. Every painting purchased directly invests in our community by funding a custom mural for local Black and Brown businesses on the Northside.
Public works of art offer Northside youth a tangible connection to a purpose bigger than themselves. Positive representation on a grand scale shows young people what is possible, inspiring them to dream bigger and realize their true capability. By revitalizing public spaces, these murals foster safer streets and discourage crime, which we desperately need.
Off The Canvas is rooted in Tupac Shakur’s belief that beauty can grow through the concrete, our murals give young people the space to blossom and transform our neighborhoods from the inside out.
West Broadway and Penn Ave Project 2024
About the program
The Olympic Cafe Project 2025
Off The Canvas teaches 60 fifth grade students to the history, design, and artistic process of mural making. Students study historical street art and apply fundamental color theory to develop their own artistic concepts. They gain practical skills in scaling designs using both projection and doodle grid mapping techniques. Through this collaborative experience, students gain the technical confidence and creative voice needed to leave a lasting mark on their community.
Be apart of the change
To support our youth mural program, you can purchase an original painting or choose a wild rose decal.
Every contribution matters, buying a wild rose allows you to fund a single hand painted rose that one of our youth artists will install as part of a new Northside mural this Spring.
Even a small gesture helps our young artists blossom and leaves a lasting impact on our community.
Support Our Youth
Each decal features a Minnesota wild rose hand-painted by a 5th-grade artist, joining together to form a larger, blooming garden inspired by Tupac Shakur’s vision of the rose that grew from concrete. Through our youth mural program, purchasing a decal directly empowers North Minneapolis youth to step into their potential, gain positive representation, and take pride in transforming their own neighborhood. By filling the Northside with these vibrant public works, our young artists are cultivating hope, taking ownership of their streets, and actively helping create a safer community one mural at a time.
Get In Touch
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.