Art Walk Albert Lea celebrated a major milestone Wednesday with the unveiling of its eleventh and final sculpture in the first phase of the Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea program. The completion ceremony featured a ribbon cutting to commemorate the achievement of bringing diverse artistic installations to the community over the past two years.
The newest addition, located in New Denmark Park, is a large picture frame sculpture featuring the words "Albert Lea" incorporated into the corner design. This interactive piece represents a collaborative effort between Art Walk Albert Lea and multiple community partners, designed specifically to engage visitors in photo opportunities while highlighting the city's identity.
Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Holly Babcock explained that the sculpture collection concept originated in 2018 when she and Shane Koepke, another Art Walk Albert Lea organizer, participated in the Blandin Community Leadership program. During this program, Art Walk Albert Lea was officially formed as an organization operating through the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The organization initially focused on creating murals throughout the city before transitioning to three-dimensional sculptures approximately two years ago. The Art Sculpture Walk's inaugural piece was unveiled in August 2023 at Fountain Lake Park, created by artist Charlie Graham. Since then, the project has evolved into a comprehensive collection of diverse works strategically placed across Albert Lea, creating a cultural walking experience that showcases the creativity of both local and regional artists.
The picture frame concept was specifically proposed by Koepke, who emphasized his preference for interactive art installations. "I like the idea of art that's engaging," Koepke explained. "A picture frame automatically kind of sets you up for taking a picture and including the community you're in." The sculpture was designed to encourage visitors to commemorate their visits to Albert Lea, whether for vacations, trips, or significant local events like the first and last days of school.
The construction of the picture frame involved multiple local contributors and businesses. Students at Riverland Community College built the frame structure itself, while Brandon Yost of 2Bent Metal Creations handled the lettering work. To ensure long-term durability, the completed sculpture was transported to Blooming Prairie for professional powder-coating treatment. The city of Albert Lea provided technical support for the installation, helping to set up the secure structure that anchors the frame.
United Employees Credit Union contributed to the project by sponsoring a specially placed rock positioned in front of the frame, designed to serve as seating for visitors taking photographs. This thoughtful addition enhances the interactive nature of the installation and provides comfort for users of all ages.
While the picture frame sculpture will remain as a permanent fixture in the community, Koepke indicated that other pieces in the sculpture walk will be rotated periodically to maintain freshness and continued interest among residents and visitors. This rotation strategy ensures that the Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea will continue to evolve and provide new experiences over time.
Babcock announced that Art Walk Albert Lea is currently collaborating with the History Center of Freeborn County to integrate the sculpture walk into the PocketSights App. This technological enhancement will enable users to locate all sculptures displayed throughout the city while providing detailed information about each piece and its creator. The organization hopes to have this digital tour feature fully operational by the end of September.
The completion of the first phase represents a significant cultural achievement for Albert Lea, transforming the city into an interactive art destination. "I think it's important that we build some pride in our community, and this is a cool way to do it," Koepke reflected. Additional information about the Art Sculpture Walk Albert Lea and future phases of the project is available at artwalkalbertlea.com.
