The Art of Transformation
In the heart of Eagan, Minnesota, lies the secluded beauty of Caponi Art Park. Following the moss-covered rock wall trail to the park’s center, you’ll discover a captivating labyrinth. This unique site is one of the work locations for Tree Trust’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Participants are restoring this beloved art installation, brick by-brick. Young people are practicing landscape construction skills while also working to remove invasive species like buckthorn from the area. This important work will improve access for the community to enjoy the quiet solitude of this space.
Caponi Art Park
Caponi Art Park is a 60-acre oasis of rolling hills and wooded trails founded by the late sculptor and Macalester College art professor Tony Caponi. It is free and open to the public. Boasting over 55 unique sculptures along the scenic nature trails, the park combines art and nature into one immersive experience. Caponi Art Park Executive Director and co-founder Cheryl Caponi is excited to partner with Tree Trust.
Cheryl Caponi wanted to give her Eagan community a heart — a space to enjoy nature, art, and cultural events. Transforming the landscape at Caponi Art Park is her family’s legacy: a shared love of art, community, and nature that aims to transform the lives of the community. At a recent Tree Trust work site visit, she stated that “I think it’s just wonderful what they’re doing in here. They’re doing a great job. And it’s going to be so much better to have more permanent material for people to walk on.”
Into the Labyrinth – The Art of Transformation
The labyrinth was a project Cheryl created as a space for patrons to visit, unwind, and enjoy a little bit of calm. When the labyrinth was constructed back in 2012, pink marble bricks were placed in a spiral amidst a bed of soft green moss. Cheryl loved the contrast of color. However, after years of visitors walking along the labyrinth, the moss disappeared, and growing weeds began to make the spiral unstable. Cheryl was excited to connect with Tree Trust through a referral from the City of Eagan. Tree Trust’s summer crew is hard at work improving accessibility for all to safely enjoy the labyrinth.
Environmental Conservation
Caponi Art Park crew member Daniel is excited for the opportunity to work with SYEP this summer. “My favorite thing about working at Tree Trust is getting to work outside in the fresh air and learning how to identify different plants.” Participant Savannah states, “I really like pulling buckthorn because it builds my strength and confidence that I can do hard things. I really love working in this beautiful space.”
Transforming lives and landscapes is Tree Trust’s tagline. We are excited to implement this important part of our mission statement in our community. In addition to Caponi Art Park, SYEP crews are working on community projects at 11 other locations in the Twin Cities metro area. Stay tuned to Tree Trust on social media to see exciting project updates and hear youth success stories.
