February 2025 Succotash Event

The series that makes up The Heart of Saint Paul depicts imaginary women who lived and worked in various Saint Paul neighborhoods roughly during the last half of the 20th century. It features mostly working women who contributed to the lifeblood of the city within society's gendered expectations of that time.

The 12"x12" art is printed on linen cotton canvas and mounted on painted wood panels, showing a cast of characters influenced by Larson Manske's stories of relatives and friends, historical photos of Saint Paul, and her lived experience growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s in Mounds Park on
the East Side.

"While the portraits are not based on actual people, their personas are built from within the framework of real places and institutions, some of which are long gone. There is no better place than Succotash to show these limited edition prints. I am honored to have my work invited to be among the store’s authentic vintage finds." said Larson Manske.

Noreen Allbright, co-owner of Succotash, says "Maria's new work nicely captures the style and history of these different eras with both accuracy and humor. And, while the Saint Paul references are not lost on me, you don't have to be from the East Metro to appreciate this work."