The ballpark will look different the next time you're headed there. A 66-foot-long glass mosaic, called “All Are Welcome" now stands at the entry way of Target Plaza.
The Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority (MBA) commissioned the artwork. Both organizations hope installing the piece will make Target Field a unifying place for the public.
Daniela Bianchini and muralist Kalaka were selected from a group of 16 Minnesota-based artists and duos who responded to the Twins’ initial request for proposals in September 2021. Bianchini and Kalaka began working on the mosaic in January and completed it this week.
"I think public art is good because one, it's a way to tell the story about history in our community," said MBA Commissioner, Tony Sanneh. "Art is something that uplifts and makes people happy. It's inclusive, and it's one of those things that brings the community together. There are no color lines."
There may not be color lines when it comes to art, but the same can't be said of America's favorite pastime. Even though Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier 75 years ago, and many League players are Latino, baseball is still perceived as a white sport.
Both artists say that is what makes the message more meaningful.
"From the beginning, the Twins knew what they wanted. They wanted to make sure everybody was welcome," said Bianchini.
Kalaka, the muralist, agrees. "We both are Latino and so are our assistants. We live here and diversity is our theme. Always. So if we come here, that's what we bring."
You don't have to be a baseball fan to see the mural, which contains more than a million pieces of glass. With Target Field being a landmark, anyone can stop by the 7th street side of Target Plaza to enjoy.
"Today's public art piece that we've unveiled is really special, because of what our city has been through the last two years," said Twins President & CEO, Dave St. Peter.
"We have a lot of work to do as a community to truly come together and treat each other as equals. So the message 'All are welcome to Target Field' is something we're really proud that people will see at our front door."
