Frogtown's Night Glow: Maya Jensen's Ephemeral Art

Becca Thao — Frogtown, St. Paul
Hmong-American artist, zine publisher, screen printer. Knows every weird creative thing happening in both cities before anyone else.

Okay, Twin Cities, you know I love a good hidden gem. Especially when it’s free. And especially when it makes you rethink how you see a place you thought you knew. Get ready, because Frogtown’s very own Maya Jensen has done it again. She’s turned a familiar stretch of Phalen Park into an absolutely *mesmerizing* nighttime experience that’s perfect for these crisp October evenings.

Forget pumpkin patches for a minute. This is something else entirely. We’re talking about *Ephemeral Glow: Frogtown’s Whispering Lights*, a series of temporary art installations that literally light up the park after dark. And trust me, you *need* to see it before it, well, ephemerally glows away.

What is 'Ephemeral Glow'?

Imagine wandering along a quiet path in Phalen Park as the sun dips below the horizon. The air is cool, the leaves are rustling. Then, you start to notice it: a soft, otherworldly luminescence emerging from the trees. That’s Maya Jensen’s magic at work.

‘Ephemeral Glow’ isn’t your typical flashy light show. It’s a thoughtful, beautiful collection of about 15-20 unique sculptures, each crafted from natural, found materials – think repurposed wood, dried autumn leaves suspended in delicate resin, salvaged glass, and natural fibers. And here’s the kicker: they’re all subtly illuminated by tiny, solar-powered LED lights. The effect is simply *stunning*.

Each piece is designed to interact with its surroundings, casting intricate shadows and glowing with a gentle, inviting warmth. It highlights the beauty of the park’s natural decay and transformation this time of year. You’ll find them tucked away along the path on the eastern side of Phalen Lake, near the Chinese Garden entrance. It feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret fairy realm, but it’s right here in St. Paul.

The Artist Behind the Glow: Maya Jensen

So, who’s the genius behind this gorgeous project? Meet Maya Jensen. She’s a St. Paul native, grew up in the Frogtown area, and has always had a fascinating connection to the natural world around her. She didn’t go to some fancy art school in New York; she learned by doing, by observing, by collecting.

Maya, now 35, used to work a pretty standard job in graphic design. But her true passion was always with her hands, creating beauty from things most people overlook. She’d spend her evenings and weekends scavenging for discarded wood, interesting pieces of glass, or fallen branches – always seeing the potential, the hidden story within them. She calls herself a ‘material whisperer,’ and honestly, after seeing her work, I totally get it.

Her artistic journey really took off when she started experimenting with light. She realized that by illuminating natural forms, she could draw attention to the delicate intricacies of decay and the fleeting beauty of the seasons. Her previous smaller installations around St. Paul – often just a few pieces tucked into neighborhood gardens or forgotten corners – gained her a quiet, dedicated following. This Phalen Park installation is her biggest, most ambitious public project yet.

Maya’s philosophy is all about impermanence. She believes that art, much like nature, can be beautiful precisely because it’s temporary. It encourages you to be present, to appreciate it *right now*, because it won’t last forever. And that's exactly what 'Ephemeral Glow' does. It’s a quiet invitation to slow down, breathe, and really *look* at the world around you.

Why You Need to Experience This Now

First off, it’s October. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and there’s something wonderfully atmospheric about being in a park at dusk. This installation taps right into that autumnal vibe. It’s not spooky, not Halloween-y, just beautifully contemplative.

Secondly, it’s free. Seriously! You just show up, walk the path, and soak it all in. How often do you get to experience high-quality, thought-provoking art like this without shelling out for a ticket?

Thirdly, it’s a brilliant way to rediscover Phalen Park. Most of us have probably picnicked there, or walked a dog, or maybe even rented a paddleboat. But seeing it transformed by Maya’s gentle lights at night? It’s a whole new perspective. It’s calming. It’s enchanting. It’s a little bit magical.

Maya Jensen’s work is a testament to the fact that incredible art isn’t just found in galleries. Sometimes, it’s right there in your neighborhood park, waiting for the sun to set to reveal its true brilliance. Go with a friend, go solo for some quiet reflection, or bring the family. Just make sure you go.

You can see more of Maya Jensen’s past work and future projects at her (fictional) portfolio: Maya Jensen Art Portfolio.

Finding Your Way to the Glow

Location: Phalen Park, 1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106. The installations are primarily along the eastern shore path of Phalen Lake, easily accessible from the Phalen Park Recreation Center or the Chinese Garden.

Best Time to Visit: After dusk, which in October is usually around 6:30 PM. The park closes at 10 PM, so you’ve got a good window to enjoy the full effect of the lights.

Getting There:

• Driving: Free parking is abundant! Look for lots near the Phalen Park Recreation Center (1000 Wheelock Pkwy E, St Paul) or the Chinese Garden (directly accessible from Phalen Dr). From these points, it’s a very short walk to the eastern lake path.
• Bus: Metro Transit Route 64 (Maryland Ave) has stops along Maryland Ave E, and Route 74 (Phalen Blvd) runs along Phalen Blvd. Both routes have stops within a 10-15 minute walk to the eastern side of the park and the installation area. Check Metro Transit for specific schedules and stops.
• Biking: Phalen Park is a major hub for bike trails. The Bruce Vento Regional Trail connects directly into the park’s extensive internal trail system. Just follow signs towards the lake.
• Walking: If you’re in Frogtown, Payne-Phalen, or Battle Creek, Phalen Park is likely a very walkable destination for you! The installation is easy to find once you’re on the eastern lake path.

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Photo by Young Kane on Unsplash