For Cheryl Caponi, Caponi Art Park isn’t just a legacy project—it’s a lifelong passion shaped by love, vision, and the desire to give something meaningful back to Eagan.
Caponi’s late husband, sculptor and Macalester professor Anthony (Tony), first set eyes on the wooded, hilly land in 1950. In the late 1970s, while others saw development potential and a fast-growing suburb in the making, the Caponis saw something else.
“We just didn’t want to turn it into a housing development,” Cheryl recalls. “We were going against the tide at the time, and the city of Eagan was overwhelmed with all the housing requests. We came at them with a completely different idea—we wanted to create a cultural hub.”
Tony Caponi, known for his monumental sculptures and international exhibitions, envisioned a large-scale outdoor art environment that would keep him inspired into retirement. Cheryl, an artist herself with a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) from the University of Minnesota, brought her own creative energy and organizational talents to the table.
Together, they created Caponi Art Park—an open-air gallery, community gathering place, and celebration of nature tucked into nearly 60 acres in the heart of Eagan. Next year, the park will celebrate its 35th anniversary.
“We’re planning to make a big deal of it,” Cheryl says.
But for Cheryl, the milestone isn’t just about looking back. It’s about looking ahead—and inviting the community to shape what comes next.
“Our vision was initially from us. Now we want the community to be part of the future.”
More Than an Art Park
Over the years, Caponi Art Park has evolved far beyond the couple’s original vision. What began as a place to showcase Tony’s sculptures has grown into a gorgeous, evolving landscape featuring works from more than 10 artists, walking trails, interactive events, educational programs, and live performances.
Even as the park has grown, its core mission remains: to blend art, nature, and community in a way that feels accessible and enjoyable to all.
“We think of art as an equal part with nature,” Cheryl explains. “It’s about creating an organic experience. You’re not walking into a museum. You’re stepping into a space where art and landscape are in conversation.”
Ask Cheryl to name a favorite sculpture, and she pauses—not because she doesn’t have one, but because they each carry a story.
“I’ve been so involved with every part of the park that it’s hard to choose,” she says. “But the first two pieces are really special.”
The first is Snake, a striking cement relief sculpture embedded into the side of a hill near the art studio. It also serves as a retaining wall, making it as functional as it is symbolic.
“Everyone who visits the park gravitates toward the snake,” Cheryl says. “And it’s fitting that this is the Chinese Year of the Snake. The piece will be restored this June—almost like it’s being reborn.”
The second is Pompei, a dramatic work made up of 17 large panels installed on the hillside. Inspired by the historic eruption that destroyed the city of Pompeii, the piece is deeply personal.
“My husband grew up in Italy, so this was a big part of his history,” she says. “When we needed to fill that large space on the hill, this idea was born.” Pompeii offers a lovely opportunity for families to enjoy art and a history lesson, all in one experience.
Another significant and recent addition to the park is the Wodakota Walk, a permanent web-based, augmented reality installation created by Spirit Lake Dakota artist Marlena Myles. Through digital art, animation, and sound, this immersive experience invites visitors to explore five stops across the park that share Dakota stories and values.
“Wodakota” means peace, balance, and kinship—concepts that Marlena weaves into the natural landscape to reveal our interconnectedness with plants, animals, and the cycles of Grandmother Earth. The project is described as a bridge to Indigenous wisdom and offers visions of the past, present, and future.
To experience Wodakota Walk, visitors can download a free app (available on Android and iPhone) and follow prompts around the park. There’s even a coloring page Marlena designed, inspired by the installation, that families can download and enjoy at home.
“The land inspired Tony to create, and Tony’s creations shaped the land. Now, it inspires others.”
Looking forward, Cheryl hopes to see even more engagement from the people who walk the trails, admire the sculptures, and attend the summer programs.
“There’s space here for others to contribute,” she says. “We want feedback from the community about where the park should go next.”
That could mean more participation from local and emerging artists, expanded cultural events, or even hands-on opportunities for volunteers and creators of all ages.
After all, Caponi Art Park has always been about more than just art—it’s about belonging. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to a favorite sculpture, there’s a sense that you’re part of something shared.
And that’s exactly how Cheryl wants it.
“Everyone who visits the park gravitates toward the snake—it’s part sculpture, part retaining wall, all story.”
“Caponi Art Park was born from two artists’ love for the land—and today, that love continues through community.”