MVTA to Unveil New Community Showcase at Burnsville Transit Station During Aug. 4 Open House
Clients from Lifeworks will be showcasing artwork in a new display area at Burnsville Transit Station. A public open house is planned on Aug. 4.
Published: July 24, 2026.
DAKOTA & SCOTT COUNTY, MINNESOTA - Residents will have an opportunity to get a first look at a new community-focused display space at the Burnsville Transit Station during a public open house next month.
The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), in partnership with Lifeworks and the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, will host a community open house from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, celebrating the launch of the Burnsville Transit Station Community Showcase.
The event is free and open to the public. Community members are invited to stop by throughout the morning to enjoy light refreshments, meet local partners, and explore the new exhibit space during the come-and-go event.
A Space to Highlight the South Metro Community
The Burnsville Transit Station Community Showcase is a permanent display area designed to celebrate the people, organizations, and communities served by MVTA.
The showcase will provide an opportunity for local schools, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, artists, community groups, and other organizations to display artwork, promote events, share educational exhibits, and tell stories that reflect the unique character of the south metro.
MVTA Community and Economic Development Director Joya Stetson said the new display is intended to make the transit station more than simply a place to board a bus.
"This showcase creates a welcoming space where community members can see themselves reflected in the places they travel every day," Stetson said. "Whether it's student artwork, nonprofit initiatives, local history, or upcoming events, we're excited to help amplify the voices and creativity of the communities we serve."
Stetson added that the project reflects MVTA's broader mission of connecting communities beyond transportation.
"Transit stations are more than places to catch a bus," she said. "We're proud to provide a platform that celebrates local artists, organizations, and ideas while helping riders discover what's happening throughout our region."
Lifeworks Artwork Featured in First Exhibit
The inaugural display will feature artwork created by clients of Lifeworks Services Inc., an organization that has worked to advance disability inclusion since 1965.
Lifeworks partners with employers, communities, and government agencies to expand opportunities for people with disabilities and supports more than 9,000 individuals each year. The organization works to build more accessible, equitable, and inclusive communities where people of all abilities can fully participate.
Lifeworks President and CEO Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa said the partnership with MVTA reflects the importance of accessibility extending beyond transportation itself.
"Lifeworks is proud to partner with MVTA on this community showcase," Matemba-Mutasa said. "So often transportation has been a barrier for people with disabilities to access employment, appointments, and participation in their communities. Inviting Lifeworks clients to display their artwork in the MVTA Community Showcase reinforces that accessibility and inclusion aren't just about getting from place to place but about creating systems and opportunities where everyone is invited to fully participate in community life."
RSVP Information
Those interested in attending the Burnsville Transit Station Community Open House or learning more about future display opportunities can RSVP by contacting the MVTA Marketing Department at marketing@mvta.com.
The new showcase is expected to rotate exhibits over time, providing an ongoing opportunity for local organizations, artists, schools, and community groups to share their work with transit riders and visitors while highlighting the diversity and creativity of communities throughout the south metro.
Written by: Will Wight
Photos provided by: MVTA
