The exhibit “Faces of Renting,” is on view in the First Universalist Social Hall Aug. 4 through Sept. 29, 2019. Consisting of a detailed, watercolor portrait series by Cori Lyn alongside photos by Nancy Musinguzi, the exhibit provides a peek into just four of the many renter households in the Greater Powderhorn* area. These renters welcome us into their homes, share their joys, discuss their struggles, and call us to rally behind them in South Minneapolis.

“Faces of Renting” is a personal response to a public problem. When discussing housing issues, residents are often reduced to statistics that share the story of the neighborhood, but not their own. We know that 60% of Greater Powderhorn residents are renters, and half of those renters are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We know that being a cost-burdened renter leaves little to pay for other necessities like food, clothing, transportation and medical care. “Faces of Renting” is an exercise in feeling: to sense the experience of living somewhere you don’t own, to struggle with forces beyond your control, and to make a home for yourself regardless.

This work is made in partnership with Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia (www.inquilinxsunidxs.org), Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, Heidi Romanish, and CURA’s Artist Neighborhood Partnership Initiative Grant.

Paintings by Cori Lin: @cori.lin.art | www.corilin.co

Photography by Nancy Musinguzi: @afrikansniper | www.nmusinguzi.com

* Greater Powderhorn is Powderhorn Park, Corcoran, Bryant, Whittier, Central, Bancroft, Lyndale & Standish Ericsson