WITH NEARLY 100 PIECES of art displayed in the Carlander Gallery at the Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault native Joe Kral’s “My Hometown” exhibit takes time to view. But there’s not much time to see this place-focused show, which opened in mid-February and closes April 3. I’d encourage you, especially if you have a Faribault connection, to view Kral’s art now.
The Minneapolis artist creates mixed media paintings in a signature style that appeals to my love of vintage graphics, fonts, old print ads and nostalgia. Kral sources vintage materials from books, magazines, maps and postcards. He then adds colors and texture with spray paint, stencils and ink, according to information on his website. The results are a visual and creative delight.
Faribault residents and natives, particularly, will feel like they are walking down memory lane when viewing “My Hometown.” Kral features primarily Faribault businesses. Like Brand Peony Farms, Fleck’s Beer, King Flour Mills, Farmer Seed & Nursery and Tilt-A-Whirl—all gone. But he also includes art on current businesses like the well-known Faribault Woolen Mill and KDHL radio.
Two locally important early leaders, Chief Taopee and Alexander Faribault, are also included in Kral’s hometown exhibit.
With the historic bend of this show, “My Hometown” seems like a good fit also for a history center/museum, which may draw an entirely different audience. This speaks to the diverse appeal of Kral’s art.
In his bio, Kral shares that he was raised on skateboarding, BMX, heavy metal and art. I see that influence in his art. And I also see his love for Faribault—which I expect comes from leaving his hometown, reflecting and then appreciating the place that grew him as an individual and as an artist.
FYI: The Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Avenue N., Faribault, is open from noon – 5 pm Thursday and Friday and from 10 am – 2 pm Saturdays. While at the Paradise, check out the other gallery exhibits. I will feature some of that art in upcoming posts.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I enjoyed learning more about Faribault through this artist’s work. Two details that resonated with me were the KDHL radio call letters and the Farmers Seed and Nursery. When I was growing up, I remember listening to the Faribault station more than we did Owatonna’s KRFO. Also I vaguely remember buying seeds and plants at the Farmers Nursery. It was a big deal for us to shop in Faribault, like going to the Twin Cities today to shop.
Bernadette, thank you for sharing your memories of Faribault. I listen to KDHL daily at noon as Gordy Kosfeld does a great job with local news.
I’m a few blogs behind. Thank you SO much for this piece. Art needs a showcase. But this, wow. Many have to leave to appreciate what they had/have. Joe gives Faribault a special honor. And then with prolific Jeff Jarvis, the RCHS volunteers and you….the town is in good artistic hands.
It’s good to hear from you Sandra. Yes, Joe did a great job showcasing Faribault. And as you point out, so do many others. Thank you for appreciating my work.
I love this guys “art” It reminds me a lot of my Brice’s style. Kral’s bio also reminds me of my Brice growing up (minus the heavy metal music).
Now that’s interesting, Jackie. Sometime you will have to show me Brice’s art.