Meet Phyllis Chatham, also known to many as the “Mississippi Mermaid,” a North Minneapolis artist, mentor, and community builder whose life and work are deeply rooted in nature, creativity, and connection. Through arts and nature workshops across the Twin Cities and her work in Youth and Family Services with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Phyllis supports young people in feeling seen, exploring their creativity, and building meaningful connections to nature and community. From growing up in the parks to guiding youth today, she brings a sense of magic, storytelling, and care into every space she enters.
Creativity and a love for nature is at the heart of what you do, where do you feel like that creation comes from?
“Growing up in North Minneapolis and in Minnesota in general, I got to experience all four seasons in a very colorful place. With so many green spaces nearby, it was easy to live my life with the elements of nature. Harrison Park was right by where I lived, and I loved being outside and exploring. I would take the paths and trails through Harrison Park, Theodore Wirth, and the Eloise Butler Nature Center. That whole area was my playground, full of greenery, trails, big trees, butterflies, turtles, frogs, and salamanders, just taking it all in. Being outdoors like that made every change feel magical and led me to adventure.”
You are an artist, educator, mentor, & community builder. Can you give us an overview of your journey?
“I was a park kid and I found a lot of opportunities in the parks, as a young girl. I got my first job in the parks when I was 12 or 13. I taught arts and crafts during the summertime, and I loved playing softball, and eventually I became an umpire for the softball teams. Along with finding jobs in the parks, I’d go to camps and I’d play broomball, ice skate, and build ice castles with my friends. I was always surrounded by people, learning, playing, working, and connecting with them. Having the freedom of the parks, where you’re learning to work as a team, where you have mentors that are there for you, it’s an important part of growing up.”
You grew up close to North Commons Park, as well. What role did that space play for you?
“With North Commons, we spent a lot of time there because it was close. My sister and mom worked there, and eventually we all had a part in that space. We worked to build healthy communities. Making sure kids were safe, traveling, connecting to universities, taking kids to YWCA camps, teaching lessons about healthy choices. I even dressed up as the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, to bring some holiday magic to the families there. We created programs and opportunities for kids together with families. It was always about showing up for each other, building community, and giving kids a sense of magic, connection, and possibility.”
With the re-construction underway, what do you hope to see at North Commons Park?
“I recently went in to do a project, we had a girls’ program set up there. When I arrived, all the kids were curious and started following me as I set up. Now, when I do a project, I open it to everyone. I talked with them one by one, then the teenagers from North High School who came after school. I talked to them too. Seeing their interest, I encouraged them to join, and slowly more kids started coming in, introducing themselves, and getting involved. Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement.
I hope to see staff and families helping kids feel welcomed and passionate about connection. To get them engaged, you have to be present, participate, and meet them where they are; through sports programs, art classes, or time in nature. It’s one thing to have a building, but it’s another to make sure kids and families can truly make it their own, just like it has been for generations.”
You have a book coming out this September called Phyllis of the Forest, created in partnership with The Loppet Foundation and Lauren Kukla. Can you tell me what it was like reimagining your childhood in this children’s book?
“It was all about connection with the community. It’s about girlhood, being in spaces regardless of what society says, and discovering magic wherever you can. It’s my life, and as I get older, I find it all so enchanting. Through art, nature, and storytelling, kids start to understand each other and themselves better. It’s about creating spaces for reflection, imagination, and community, so they see that we’re all more connected than we think.”
Your work focuses heavily on youth development, what are some takeaways you’ve noticed?
“Over time, I’ve noticed a big change with kids, mostly because of technology. They’re on their phones a lot, so I’ve developed programs around nature and art to help them reconnect. For example, with girls I’ve done work with butterflies, face painting, and balloon art. When they look in the mirror, you can see them seeing themselves deeper. I ask questions like, ‘What do you see? What do you touch? What do you feel?’ to help them reflect and connect.
Sometimes kids need encouragement to notice magic in the world. Many kids, especially kids of color, haven’t had experiences in nature or learned about things like water systems or ecosystems. So I start by teaching them how to see, touch, and appreciate nature, how trees are strong and magical, and how to experience space in a mindful way.
Storytelling is another way to build connections. I take familiar stories, like Little Red Riding Hood, and make them magical and relatable by including diverse cultures, foods, and experiences. That sparks conversation, laughter, and helps kids see people differently. Even fishing stories connect generations and communities. I grew up fishing with my parents and learning about different types of fish. That’s actually what inspired me to become the Mississippi Mermaid in my creative life!”
What role does nature & creativity play in our physical and emotional well-being?
“I’ve been working with Lutheran Social Services, Safe House for about 10 years. So I’ve been with a lot of kids through some of the hardest times in their lives. Sitting inside all day wasn’t going to help them, so I would take them outdoors as much as possible. Sometimes we’d sit quietly, or point out the trees, sometimes I’d make up stories to tell them, that all came natural to me. Eventually, they brought their own ownership of that space. They’d sit, write, or climb the trees. I’d helped show them that nature was a space of healing and that it was there for them. No matter where we come from, we all need spaces like that.”
Do you have a favorite park?
“I’ve worked in all of them, and they are all magical so it’s hard to choose! But Harrison Park is where it all began. It led me to everything else.”
You work with and inspire children, teens, and adults all across the twin cities, what do you hope people walk away feeling when they’ve interacted with you?
“Hopes & dreams. Life is hard, and I’ve come across people with stories of hardship, loss, survival, and resilience. I can’t take away some of the sorrows, but I can give them hope. My mother used to say ‘When you smile at a person, the world smiles with you.’ So I started wearing smiley faces and yellow as a way to honor that. People can see that joy, they can see that shine.”
Image Credit: Phyllis Chatham, Little Digital