
One of 10 mirrored virtues signs along a trail that runs next to train tracks and the Straight River in Faribault’s Heritage Bluff Park. The trail is east of Heritage Bluff Apartments and south of The Depot Bar & Grill.
FINALLY, I’M SENSING A SHIFT in attitudes toward immigrants in Faribault. It’s been a long time coming, but certainly not for a lack of trying. There are good people in this community who have been, for years, working to welcome Somalians, Hispanics and others into this once mostly all-white southern Minnesota city. People like Dee and her sister Ann. And Lisa, Peter, Virginia, Suzanne, Carolyn, Cindy, Delane and many more. They’ve been there, reaching out, educating, welcoming, connecting, making a difference.
There are tangible, visible signs of those efforts, the latest in the installation of the Virtues Trail Project at Heritage Bluff Park near our historic downtown and along the banks of the Straight River.
As a creative, I appreciate this public art project featuring 10 mirrored signs highlighting 20 virtues like honesty, patience, kindness and, yes, tolerance. The signs edge a recreational trail, an unassuming natural setting where people can pause, view their reflections and consider words of positivity written in three languages—English, Spanish and Somali.
Two simple words—I am—jumpstart the thought process.
An Artists on Main Street grant from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota in partnership with Springboard for the Arts and with support from the Bush Foundation funded the project developed by Wanda Holmgren, a Faribault elementary school teacher. Faribault is among three Minnesota cities receiving grant monies to address community challenges. Twelve more arts-based endeavors are planned, or are already in place, in my city.

Across the tracks is a foot bridge over the Straight River, a peaceful setting unless a train is roaring through.

You’ve heard the phrase “other side of the tracks.” While tracks run parallel to the Virtues Trail, they (to me) symbolize connection, not division.
The Virtues Trail is a simple concept really, one that makes sense. Language often serves as the first hurdle in connecting cultures. If we can’t communicate, an instant divide exists. Yet a smile is universal. As are virtues.
As I walked from sign to sign with camera in hand, I intentionally avoided photographing my reflection. That wasn’t particularly easy. In a way, my evasiveness mirrors the challenges Faribault has faced in a failure to accept differences in skin color, religion, language and culture. Now I see that we are beginning to look at each other in a new way—with understanding, kindness and, yes, perhaps, finally, acceptance.
BONUS PHOTOS:

As I photographed the Virtues Trail, a bridal couple and their photographers walked the trail. I thought they were going to stop at the sign that reads “I am loved.” But they kept right on going, never pausing.

They were headed to the Straight River foot bridge, which offers a scenic view of the river and Faribault’s historic viaduct.
FYI: Please check back as I show you more ways in which my community is striving to be more welcoming of many cultures.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
It’s always encouraging to see positivity and acceptance. Good for Faribault to set this example and for you to spread the goodness. I love this Idea!
I think it’s an idea that could catch on. The signs are a simple concept that could work well in many settings.
What a great idea for your small community. Diversity and thinking about diversity must start with small steps. Glad to see that it is happening in a positive way in your community.
I am happy to see it, too.
Love This 🙂 Good example to instill at home/work/while out and about since we usually stand in front of mirrors throughout the day. Look into the mirror and state I am . . . Happy Day Indeed – Enjoy!!!
I knew you would love this. I hope other communities will be inspired by this public art project to promote virtues.
That would have made a great wedding portrait. I love this idea!
I thought so, too. But the group ignored my suggestion to stop for a photo by that sign. Perhaps they had a tight schedule…
This looks like a great work of art to look for next time I’m in Faribault.
I know you will enjoy and appreciate it, Valerie.