History and art come together

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Old Town Mankato partnered with Bellissimo Paint and Coatings and the Hub Food Park to celebrate the artists behind the murals and newly painted dumpsters around the area.

“I think it’s so exciting, because it just really makes the community much more exciting to walk through.”

It all got started with Justin Ek and his idea to paint the dumpster while construction was ongoing downtown.

“It was because they were getting graffitied a lot, and we knew that there was gonna be traffic more in the alleyways, and we wanted it to be pedestrian friendly and inviting and warm.”

All but one of the dumpsters were painted by different emerging artists, which was made possible due to the Marian Anderson Fund.

“Well, it gives all this opportunity to artists who are starting their career or in the middle of their career. So, for all it’s just beneficial towards everybody.”

The last dumpster is a vinyl wrap of a Marian Anderson piece that showcases a wild stallion and credits the late artist’s contribution to the overall project.

“It’s beautifully located next behind Lakota Made which celebrates indigenous culture.”

These new art pieces are part of a larger undertaking called “Art and History Unveiled.”

“We can have an ongoing asset that people and community members can enjoy just by using an application and just follow along an old town and take a walk and explore our stores as well.”

The free, self-guided tour starts at the Ardent Mills and goes to Mom and Pops. Each stop gives a brief history of what’s there.

“I mean, it’s a perfect opportunity to learn more about Old Town, not only the history the great public art that is really concentrated down here.”

The new art on the dumpsters would not have been possible without funding from Rethos, the Minnesota Main Street Program and the Marian Anderson fund.

The Art and History Unveiled Tour is available online at the Blue Earth County Historical Society, Greater Mankato Growth, and Old Town Mankato.

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