Cándida González (they/them) is a mixed Puerto Rican multimedia artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They most often work in temporary altar installations using found objects, words, digital collage, photography and elements of the natural world. Their projects explore how the manipulation of basic elements into different configurations produce distinct energies/spells. They approach their work by centering at the intersection of art, activism, healing and personal/community empowerment. They are deeply invested in the concept of using art and community design as tools to wage love and healing and prioritize participatory installations. González has shown installation work at Public Functionary, Lanesboro Arts, Indigenous Roots Cultural Art Center, Franconia Sculpture Park and CLUES as well as managed community engagement for various public art projects nationwide.

En Duelo is an outdoor participatory installation exploring the ways that people can grieve individually and communally in public spaces. People will be invited to add pictures and letters of their loved ones to communal altars while given a meditative space to individually reflect and grieve surrounded by other people experiencing grief.

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Alyssa’s work explores the intricate details of the natural world, through watercolor, writing, and printmaking. She became interested in scientific illustration after drawing animal bones for an archaeology class at the University of Minnesota. Eager to learn more, she signed up for classes at the Minnesota School of Botanical Art, where she discovered a vibrant, supportive ecosystem of artists. Alyssa also shares her love of the natural world through her work at the Andersen Horticultural Library, where she coordinates a botanical illustration program and curates the children’s book collection, and the Bell Museum, where she supports community outreach events. 

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