september 30, 2025
A belated Thank You to everyone that came out on Friday night (9/26) to support Downtown Saint Paul Stories!
I've shared a collection of images to both tell the story of the evening and highlight the authentic connections made✨
Additionally, here's an annotated excerpt from the words I shared:
“I want to thank you all for being here and for being in relationship with me and my work. And for being in relationship with the city of Saint Paul.”
“Thank you to Andy Rodriguez, the innovative director of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Andy is currently expanding what it means to be a park and making our city so much more dynamic in the process.”
“Thank You to The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance for partnering with us on the project and this special evening.”
“Thank you to Clare Cloyd & Emma Burns, who helped connect me with participants and then shared these special stories broadly.”
“A big thanks to the crew of amazing women who helped me put this little event together in under 7 weeks - Courtney Morris, Liz Carey-Linskey, Kate Frye and JLor - Many Thanks.”
“Thank You to Gambit Brewing and Lost Fox for the yummy appetizers and libations. Thank you to Niny Salem for the lovely music. And thank you to my friend Nicki Oliver for slinging merch!”
“Thank you to my family. Thank you to my amazing daughters and beloved parents. And to my partner in all things, Chris.”
* photo courtesy of Shannon McWalters
“And finally. A heartfelt thanks to each and every participant that took a chance and returned my email. And then didn't block my texts when I kept messaging and asking you to explain one of your ideas just a tiny bit more🙃).”
* photo courtesy of Joaquin Rosales
“My Mom, Marianne McNamara, said it best to me via text this week, ‘This project put a light on ordinary, amazing people, and it's beautiful to see. These are the people who make our world tick. Because of them, the world runs smoothly. They're unsung heroes. Thank you for celebrating them.'
Well, Friends. It's been an honor.”
Thank You all for believing in the power of art, in the power of connection AND in power of our beloved Downtown Saint Paul.