Something new is growing in Minneapolis — and we’re asking our community to help us bring it to life.

The Creative Garden was born from a simple idea: what if creativity, learning, small business, and community could all grow together under one roof?

We are three local, community-centered businesses — Paint Playground, Roots & Bloom, and Expanding Minds — joining forces to create a space that is bigger than any one of us could build alone.

The Creative Garden will be a welcoming retail and creative space where families, artists, entrepreneurs, students, plant lovers, readers, and neighbors can come together. Inside, we envision a plant boutique and terrarium bar, independent bookstore, hands-on art studio, creative learning experiences, workshops, co-working and gathering space, and opportunities for other local artists and small businesses to teach, sell, create, and connect.

But this project is about more than opening another storefront.

We want to create a place where a child can discover something they love, where an artist can have a platform for their work, where a small business owner can host their first workshop, where families can spend meaningful time together, and where people can walk through the doors and feel like there is truly something there for them.

Each of our businesses has already been doing this work in our own way. Now, we have the opportunity to combine our strengths and create a permanent home for it.

That’s where we need your help.

Opening a community-centered space requires much more than signing a lease. We are raising funds to help with paint and renovations, shelving and displays, tables and furniture, art and educational supplies, bookstore fixtures, plant-shop setup, signage, equipment, and the many unexpected costs that come with turning an empty storefront into a place our community can call its own.

Every donation — whether it is $5, $25, $100, or more — helps move us one step closer to opening our doors. If donating financially isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser, donating materials or furniture, or volunteering your time is just as meaningful to us.

We aren’t simply asking you to help us open a business. We’re asking you to help us plant the foundation for a space where creativity, education, entrepreneurship, and community can continue to grow for years to come.

We believe Minneapolis deserves more spaces that feel accessible, inspiring, collaborative, and rooted in the people who live here.

Thank you for believing in this vision, supporting local businesses, and helping us grow The Creative Garden.

Art • Play • Growth • Community

With gratitude,

The Creative Garden Team

Paint Playground • Roots & Bloom • Expanding Minds