An artist from Miami has been selected to paint a 100-foot-long mural to be displayed in Minneapolis in order to honor the late musician Prince.
A total of 60 artists were considered for the task, with Prince’s family and estate interviewing 10 finalists. Ultimately, the panel chose Miami-based artist Heiro Veiga for the job.
“It is an honor to be selected to paint the mural of Prince. I have worked my entire life for an opportunity like this,” Veiga said in a statement. “I understand the full weight of this responsibility. This is Prince’s legacy, and I will make sure that this mural makes Prince’s family, fans, Minneapolis and the world proud.”
Prince was born in Minneapolis on June 7th, 1958.
There will be a block party on June 2nd in downtown Minneapolis to celebrate the unveiling of Veiga’s mural of Prince on the side of Ramp A, near First Avenue and 8th Street. The unveiling party is being hosted by the Crown Our Prince project. The block party is being sponsored by U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Twins, Target, and Best Buy.
Veiga grew up in the small boxing town of Brockton, Massachusetts, and has been spray painting since he was 12 years old, according to his website. With over 21 years of experience, he has evolved from painting graffiti to curating hyper-realistic pieces ranging from portraits, natural scenery, and psychedelic art.
Although Veiga is based in Florida, his work can be found in the streets, businesses, and galleries across the United States, Jamaica, and Canada. His most prominent works were done in participation with Pow Wow! Mural Festivals, including a mural displayed in the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii, his website notes.
April 21st will mark the six-year anniversary of Prince’s death. He died of an accidental fentanyl overdose at his home, Paisley Park, in Chanhassen.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Minnesota Sun and The Star News Network.
Photo “Prince” by World’s Direction.
