Roosevelt Mansfield Honored for Uplifting Rondo Through Art
This June, Saint Paul artist Roosevelt Mansfield is being recognized by 825 Arts as Artist of the Month for his work preserving the legacy of the historic Rondo neighborhood. His upcoming exhibit, Giving Flowers: Living Legends of Rondo, features powerful photographic portraits honoring local elders and community leaders. The public opening is June 22 from 4–8 p.m. at 825 University Ave. West in Saint Paul.
Roosevelt Mansfield, a proud son of Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, has spent decades using his talents to uplift the community that raised him. This June, 825 Arts is recognizing Mansfield as its Artist of the Month, celebrating his creative achievements and lifelong dedication to education, cultural preservation, and youth mentorship.
Mansfield is known across the Twin Cities for his multifaceted artistry. As a photographer, DJ, fashion show curator, and educator, his work has inspired generations and reflected the vibrancy of Rondo. His latest exhibition, “Giving Flowers: Living Legends of Rondo,” will open with a public celebration on Sunday, June 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 825 University Avenue West in Saint Paul.
The photo exhibition pays tribute to the elders and leaders who helped shape both Mansfield’s life and the legacy of Rondo itself. Through striking portraits and visual storytelling, he honors figures such as Floyd Smaller, Robin Hickman, Theresa Battle, and Melvin Carter Sr., capturing their resilience, wisdom, and lasting contributions to the community.
“This exhibition is a visual love letter,” Mansfield said. “These are people who paved the way, and I want to give them their flowers while they can still receive them.”
The event, presented by 825 Arts and Mansfield, is free and open to the public. In addition to viewing the photo series, attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from Mansfield and connect with many of the living legends featured in the work.
Mansfield’s commitment to community goes far beyond the camera. For years, he has worked with youth in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, encouraging them to embrace their stories and recognize their worth. Whether teaching, mentoring, or performing, he continues to inspire others to see themselves as artists, leaders, and change-makers.
His contributions have earned him a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board for fiscal year 2024. The grant is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
More than an exhibition, Giving Flowers is a celebration of legacy—of Rondo’s past, present, and future seen through the eyes of an artist devoted to his community.
For more details about the event, visit facebook.com/events/711811314881211.