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North Star Voices: ‘Uncle Cap' and Black Architectural Excellence


2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

651-259-3000 |

About This Event

Join award-winning architect, James Garrett Jr., for a uniquely Minnesota story of family, community, and Black architectural excellence.

In this program, we’ll explore the lives, careers, and built works of two of Saint Paul’s most notable and notorious architects: James Garrett Jr. FAIA, NOMA (contemporary) and Clarence ‘Cap’ Wigington (historical). Featuring side-by-side comparisons of selected buildings and spaces designed by both architects, and augmented with family stories about the numerous ties that will forever bind them, James Garrett Jr. narrates what it means to express the urban condition through architectural design.

The free event will include a talk and Q&A session. Registration is recommended, but not required. If you're unable to attend, the event is also accessible virtually via Zoom: https://mnhs-org.zoom.us/j/86890343792.

James Garrett Jr. is a visual artist, writer and architect who expresses the urban condition through the lenses of art and design. His work employs diverse media to explore complex theoretical topics from a unique, ethno-experiential perspective.

This program is made possible by the Maurice Stans Fund.

Event Type:
  • Lectures and Talks

Cost details

Additional Dates

There are no additional/upcoming events.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

North Star Voices: ‘Uncle Cap' and Black Architectural Excellence

Join award-winning architect, James Garrett Jr., for a uniquely Minnesota story of family, community, and Black architectural excellence.

In this program, we’ll explore the lives, careers, and built works of two of Saint Paul’s most notable and notorious architects: James Garrett Jr. FAIA, NOMA (contemporary) and Clarence ‘Cap’ Wigington (historical). Featuring side-by-side comparisons of selected buildings and spaces designed by both architects, and augmented with family stories about the numerous ties that will forever bind them, James Garrett Jr. narrates what it means to express the urban condition through architectural design.

The free event will include a talk and Q&A session. Registration is recommended, but not required. If you're unable to attend, the event is also accessible virtually via Zoom: https://mnhs-org.zoom.us/j/86890343792.

James Garrett Jr. is a visual artist, writer and architect who expresses the urban condition through the lenses of art and design. His work employs diverse media to explore complex theoretical topics from a unique, ethno-experiential perspective.

This program is made possible by the Maurice Stans Fund.

This event is free

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