From “Trash Alley” to Art Destination: Union Art Alley Transforms Stillwater—and Inspires the Next GREAT Idea

Stillwater Area Community Foundation Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Great Idea Grant Program

[STILLWATER, MN, June 12, 2025] — What began as a pandemic-era clean-up effort has become one of Stillwater’s most vibrant community art experiences. Tucked behind the historic storefronts of Main Street, Union Art Alley is now a colorful, immersive destination drawing locals and visitors alike—and it all started with a GREAT Idea.

In 2023, a $10,000 Great Idea Grant from the Stillwater Area Community Foundation helped launch Union Art Alley, a creative placemaking project that transformed a neglected downtown alley into a joyful celebration of public art. Murals by regional artists now adorn the alley’s formerly forgotten walls, inviting people to linger, dine, and explore the hidden artistic heart of Stillwater.

Sara Jespersen, local business owner and project co-chair, says the alley’s evolution has exceeded even her boldest hopes. “It was the sketchiest part of downtown—dumpsters, grease bins, dark corners. Now it’s a destination. A place for photos, for art, for joy,” she said. “We wanted to prove what was possible. And we did!”

Union Art Alley - Before & After

Since its ribbon-cutting, Union Art Alley has grown into an ever-changing canvas featuring professional murals, 3D installations, opera performances, and student showcases. Jespersen credits the broad collaboration between business owners, local artists, ArtReach St. Croix, and the City of Stillwater. “Momentum begets momentum,” Jespersen said. “Once a few people saw the vision, others joined in. We can’t wait to expand even more.”

That same spirit of imagination and community-building is what the Stillwater Area Community Foundation hopes to ignite again this year with the launch of the 2025 GREAT Idea Grant Competition.  Applications are open June 16 through Sept. 15, 2025, for up to $10,000 in funding to bring the next visionary idea to life.

Past grant recipients have included projects that enhance public spaces, spark creativity, and strengthen connections—like public art murals, pollinator gardens, historic storytelling, and community-driven conservation work.

Union Art Alley - Before and After

The Great Idea Grant Program hosted by the Stillwater Area Community Foundation is part of the St. Croix Valley Foundation’s fall 2025 grant cycle. Several other local community affiliates throughout the Valley are also hosting Great Idea grants this fall. Grant guidelines are intentionally vague to encourage creativity. Overall, Great Idea grants intend to enhance quality of life, strengthen community connections, leave a lasting impact, or build community pride.

“Union Art Alley embodies the spirit of the Great Idea Grant Program,” said Angie Pilgrim, Vice President of Community Impact at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. “This grant program aims to encourage and inspire big, bold and creative ideas that make life better in our local communities—ideas that might otherwise not have a clear funding path. We can’t wait to see what surfaces during our application process this year.”

Eligibility: Applicants must be a 501(c)3 or partner with a fiscal agent; projects must benefit at least one of the following communities: Bayport, Baytown Township, Grant, Lake Elmo, Marine on St. Croix, May Township, Oak Park Heights, Stillwater, Stillwater Township, or West Lakeland Township.

Apply online at StillwaterAreaFoundation.org.

Whether it’s reimagining an overlooked space or addressing a pressing community need, this grant is for anyone ready to turn a good idea into a GREAT one.

As Jespersen puts it: “This started with a simple idea and a few people willing to try something new. Now it’s a movement. What’s your great idea?”

For questions about the grant process, please contact Angie Pilgrim at apilgrim@scvfoundation.org. 

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Stillwater Area Community Foundation

A local affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation, the Stillwater Area Community Foundation was established in 2010 and has been supporting local initiatives aimed at enhancing life in Bayport, Bayport Township, Grant, Lake Elmo, Marine on St. Croix, May Township, Oak Park Heights, Stillwater, Stillwater Township and West Lakeland Township. It is a community trust—ensuring gifts donated today will be professionally managed and wisely utilized to enhance the future well-being of area communities.

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St. Croix Valley Foundation provides support to many volunteer-driven, local community affiliates—including the Stillwater Area Community Foundation. That support includes 501(c)3 credentials, fiduciary expertise, board and committee guidance, office and staff support and – most importantly – a shared understanding of and love for the St. Croix Valley.

www.scvfoundation.org.