By Alissa Oeltjenbruns
Vice President of Philanthropy And Community Vitality, SMIF
Spring in Minnesota can usually be described as more of February, but with a little less snow, with freezing temperatures, brown landscapes and winds that will keep everyone wearing their winter coat. The warm days we do get are but a cruel trick, disappearing again so fast that it makes us wonder if we imagine them. But as we creep toward the end of April and into May, we start seeing more rain showers than snow flurries, with more warm days and green grass and things starting to bud. This is the perfect time of year to take a little road trip around the region to check out the interesting murals, public art and restored historic buildings that small towns have to offer, many funded by Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) Paint the Town Grant.
If you were to start on the western side of the region, you could stop in Truman to check out the four new murals volunteers recently completed. The murals are located around the downtown area, and the one in the park even includes 25 local children’s handprints. Volunteers also used paint to spruce up Graf Park, the school, the campground and the swimming pool in time for Truman’s 125th celebration. “People appreciate what we have done, and they really like the new look of Truman,” says Cathy Sorenson, spruce up committee coordinator.
Next you could head to the central part of the region to the Janesville Carnegie Library to see their new mural in their children’s section. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 for its local significance in the themes of architecture and education. It was nominated for being a well-preserved example of the 65 libraries founded in Minnesota by Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy. The new mural not only brightens up the children’s area and makes it more welcoming to young patrons, but it also keeps a historic building updated and preserved, something that is important to the local residents.
While in the area, you should also stop at Farmamerica in Waseca, where Paint the Town Grant funds have been used to restore several of the historic buildings, including where the 2025 presidentially pardoned turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, reside. After that, take a quick drive through Waseca to see the vibrant new mural on the south side of the Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center, depicting a colorful landscape with fruit and vegetables, making it an eye-catching piece of art. “This helps make more people aware of where our non-profit is located, easier to find and makes a warm and welcoming impression on all who see it,” says Cindy Kolander, executive director.
As you continue heading east, make a stop in Byron to see the transformation of their preschool outdoor learning area. What used to be just black top is now public art featuring colorful games, movement pathways and dynamic learning elements specifically designed to support the developmental needs of young children. “This project significantly contributes to our community’s overall vitality by enhancing public space, fostering educational engagement and strengthening civic connection,” says Katie Schmitt, enrichment and marketing coordinator at Byron Community Education.
Finally, you could end your day driving through the driftless region. As you take in the beautiful landscape from Highway 52, you will see a mural for the city of Fountain, population 408, designed as a marketing tool to be visible to all travelers, right where the speed limit drops to 40 mph until you are past the mural. This is a great place to stop for a selfie with the mural, and since it’s the start of the Root River State bicycle trail, you might consider bringing your bike to better enjoy a beautiful spring day. The mural also serves as a jumping off point for other community projects. “The mural is such a bright spot in our landscape,” says Tammy Danielson, Fountain city council member.
We always love seeing Paint the Town Grant projects come together. They not only make for a vibrant road trip, but show the creativity and local pride of people in our region. As the weather continues to warm, we encourage you to get outside, snap a pic at a Paint the Town project and take in the feeling of care for a space that comes from community collaboration.
I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at alissao@smifoundation.org or 507-214-7023.
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