The Arts Bring New Life to Small Downtowns

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.

​Mosaic benches and planters by local artist Annette Hochstein grace our downtown sidewalks, inviting us to “sit a spell.” Her mosaic scenes beautifully illustrate what makes our area special, bringing pride to the people who live here. 

Annette’s latest public installation (above), commissioned by Sandra and Dan Thimgan, is a large mosaic mural just outside the Boathouse restaurant. It depicts a top-down view of a glass-bottom canoe, the water fairly bursting with dragonflies, fish, turtles, birds and more. It sure looks better than the bleak concrete wall it covered!

“Art Alley” also enlivens our downtown. “Rusty” the fish sculpture, a painted mural, and walkways with whimsical drawings draw people in and through the alley. DanceBARN performs public dances there, and free movies have been shown as well.

How many other public art pieces have you seen? Paul Boyum’s sculptures that double as bike racks? Mary Wiliams’ stone Native American woman gazing across the lake? Something else?

In another example of revitalization, Art of the Lakes has transformed a prominent - but empty and unused - church building into the Creative Arts Center. Now exhibits, classes, performances, dancing and more bring new life to West Main Street.

In the end, the arts don’t just beautify our small town — they build a strong and creative community. Invest in the arts for a lifetime of legacy in Battle Lake!