Board Minutes for April 16, 2025

By Kristi Kuder, Art of the Lakes Chair
In many rural towns, the central business areas and public spaces can feel quiet or even empty. But the arts have the power to bring these places back to life, and Battle Lake is a perfect example.

Over the last decade or two, Battle Lake has added extensive public art, and reclaimed unused buildings for creative purposes. Our town of about 1,000 residents now enjoys a rich tapestry of murals, mosaics, sculptures and performances. These creative expressions encourage residents and visitors alike to gather, visit, and enjoy the community.

By Kristi Kuder, Art of the Lakes Chair
People who live in and around Battle Lake are a lucky bunch. We have an attractive downtown with great restaurants and shops. The schools are top notch. Each year we add a few more businesses, thanks in part to the efforts of the City’s Economic Development Authority. And our natural surroundings are second to none.

We also have a thriving arts community, which helps towns like ours grow by attracting new residents and visitors. Organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Governors Association consistently report that the arts are a key reason that people move to small towns and rural areas.

By Kristi Kuder, Art of the Lakes Chair
In most rural areas, young people have fewer entertainment and extracurricular opportunities than in big cities. This can lead to boredom and even risky behaviors. 

​The good news is that the arts can provide exciting and meaningful ways for rural youth to express themselves, learn new skills, and connect with others.

It’s no secret that the simple beauty of lakes, prairies, forests and fields are a big part of our love for the Otter Tail County region. Nature draws residents and visitors alike to this pastoral neighborhood, and seems to feed a part of our soul.

The arts, too, are part of that appeal. The arts play an important role in helping us connect with the natural world and our environment. Whether through music, painting, sculpture, dance, or other creative forms, the arts can encourage us to notice the beauty and power of nature. By using artistic expression, we can better understand our surroundings and even feel a deeper connection to the earth.

One way the arts help connect us to nature is by capturing its beauty. Artists often paint landscapes, photograph wildlife, or compose music inspired by natural sounds. These pieces can remind us of the splendor of the natural world, even if we’re far from it. For example, a painting of a forest might help us appreciate the details we might miss in everyday life, like the texture of tree bark or the play of light through leaves. These insights can inspire us to spend more time outdoors and take better care of the environment.

In addition, the arts can raise awareness about environmental issues, and encourage others to protect our local ecosystem. 

Ultimately, the arts offer a way for people to see the world through a different lens. They can help us appreciate our environment, feel connected to it, and motivate us to take care of it for future generations.

To amplify your own connection to the earth, stop by our art gallery, take a creative class, or simply take a moment to appreciate the art that is all around you.