Art In This Present Moment
Walker West
Walker West Music Academy worked with musician William E. Duncan to bring a new composition to life.
About the Artist
William E. Duncan is a musician, educator and composer, who shares a fragment, but dynamic portion of his God-inspired music with the Twin Cities. As a Motown native, William grew up surrounded by music and talented musicians. He’s taught and worked with some of the greatest gospel artists in the country including the late Mattie Moss-Clark and her daughters, The Clark Sisters, Byron Cage, Fred Hammond, J Moss, The Winans, the late Donald Vails and Thomas Whitfield.
Currently, he serves as the minister of music for The Purpose Church in Minneapolis and teaches piano, organ and voice at Walker West Music Academy in Saint Paul. Some of the many Twin Cities artists he’s worked with include James Grear & Company, Ginger Commodore, Robert Robinson, Dr. Mambo’s Combo and his beloved sister, Debbie Duncan.
Snapshots
Art In This Present Moment
This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, with funding from the McKnight Foundation. We provided grants to 12 Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by over 50 BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
More Stories
A Community Lifeline in Changing Times
Valley Outreach connects thousands of families to food, resources and a welcoming community.
Meet Valley Outreach
Giving Rooted in Gratitude
A life-saving experience at Children’s Minnesota transforms Jeff and Janet von Gillern’s gratitude into lasting generosity.
Watch the video
Bridge to Basics: Hygiene Support Bonded by Friendship
Friends Rana Khoury and Kristie Thibodeau turn shared commitment to volunteering into a bustling nonprofit.
Watch the video
Thoughtful Giving, Grounded in Community
Learn why partnering with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation can improve your philanthropic giving.
See How
When It’s Time to Sell: How One Business Owner Used Private Stock to Multiply His Impact
As he prepared to exit a long-held company, Al Geiwitz discovered how donating privately held stock could reduce taxes and fuel long-term giving.
Meet Al
Holding Hope When It Matters Most
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s president and CEO shares how humility, hope and deep relationships guide her leadership.
Read the Q&A
Caring for Pets When Families Need It Most
From food shelves to veterinary care, Minnesota nonprofits are responding to the ripple effects of immigration enforcement.
Meet the Organizations