Melodee Strong leaves behind a legacy painted across the Twin Cities

Melodee Strong's murals remain throughout Minneapolis as lasting reminders of the communities she celebrated and the countless lives she touched.

Melodee Strong, the Minneapolis muralist, illustrator and beloved art educator whose colorful public works of art became landmarks, has died following a battle with cancer. Her passing was announced this week by friends, colleagues and community organizations. Melodee had been diagnosed with metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma affecting her stomach and liver and underwent chemotherapy beginning in December 2025.

Known for creating art that celebrated culture, representation and belonging, she spent decades shaping both the Twin Cities landscape and generations of students. 

A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a master's degree in art education from the University of Minnesota, Melodee taught art at Franklin Middle School in Minneapolis and served as an instructor at MCAD, Augsburg University, Metro State University and the University of Minnesota.

Melodee completed more than 60 murals and large-scale public art projects throughout Minnesota and beyond. Her work often highlighted diverse communities and social justice themes and became a familiar presence on Lake Street, George Floyd Square, along the Midtown Greenway and inside schools and public buildings.

Among her enduring works are the murals she created for Minneapolis Public Schools' Equity and Diversity Department.

James Burroughs, now chief equity and inclusion officer for Children's Minnesota and the former head of the district office, credited Melodee's work with helping bring the department's mission to life.

"Your great work started me out on this equity journey," James wrote in a tribute shared after her death. "We will always remember the love she brought to the world."

Friends remembered Melodee not only for her artistic talent but also for her generosity and steadfast support of others. Educator Elissa Cedarleaf Dahl said she and Melodee met two decades ago while co-teaching at MCAD and remained close collaborators and friends.

"No one understood what I do on a daily basis like she did," Elissa wrote. "She brought color and beauty and representation to our streets and touched so many people's lives with her love and creativity."

The Midtown Greenway Coalition also honored Melodee's legacy, noting that her murals near 12th and 13th avenues along the Greenway helped make the community "more vibrant and more equitable for the many diverse cultures that make our community strong."

The Midtown Greenway Coalition said they will be honoring Melodee at events and gatherings this summer and fall.

Throughout her career, Melodee’s illustrations earned recognition from professional organizations and books she illustrated received multiple national awards. Yet those who knew her say her greatest legacy may be the sense of belonging she created through art.

Information regarding memorial services had not yet been announced.